On World Autism Awareness Day, North Wales MS and Chair of the Senedd Cross-Party Autism Group, Mark Isherwood, has emphasised the need “to turn professed Autism awareness, understanding and acceptance from an unaccountable veneer into a living reality across our public and private sectors”.
Speaking in his 90 Second Statement during today’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament, Mr Isherwood referred to cases in North Wales where Autistic people and their families are being let down.
He said:
“In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly designated 2nd April each year as World Autism Awareness Day. Today is therefore World Autism Awareness Day 2025, with the theme of ‘Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals’, which include reducing inequalities, good health and well-being, and ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all.
“The Day highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Conditions, promoting acceptance, inclusion and support for Autistic individuals. However, too many senior Public Officials in Wales still rely on tick-box Autism Awareness Training, and refuse to understand and meet the communication, sensory and processing needs of Autistic individuals.
“This too often leads to bullying, blaming and punishing, pushing Autistic people into crisis, rather than providing the care, health, education, housing and employment support needed.”
He added:
“At the last Cross-Party Autism Group, it was noted that many neurodiverse children are being educated at home, not by parental choice but due to inadequate support in mainstream schools.
“A Gwynedd Mum recently wrote, stating that her Autistic son's school is facing cuts, meaning that he is not receiving the support he needs. An Autistic Anglesey constituent recently wrote, stating that Autistic individuals are facing an increasingly hostile environment. And an Autistic Flintshire Mum wrote last Friday, describing discrimination and victimisation of the families who make complaints.
“Wales therefore needs action to turn professed Autism awareness, understanding and acceptance from an unaccountable veneer into a living reality across our public and private sectors.”