A new code for autism services

A NEW code of practice for the delivery of autism services has been published and will come into effect on September 1.

Autism, which affects a person’s social and communication skills to differing degrees, is estimated to be diagnosed in one in 100 people.

The Welsh Government said the new code has been developed with autistic people and their parents and carers, as well as with third sector organisations, practitioners and services delivering support.

The code is made under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and the NHS (Wales) Act 2006 and will provide clarity to local health boards, NHS trusts, local authorities and regional partnership boards about their responsibilities and services they are required to provide to support autistic people in their day-to-day lives.

A delivery plan has also been published alongside the code which outlines the first year of priorities including a focus on recovery of services following the Covid 19 pandemic, inclusion of the Welsh language in service delivery and support for autistic people who identify as black, Asian or minority ethnic.

To understand increasing demand for support, a review of all-age neurodevelopmental services in Wales commenced in February this year. The review will assess the current situation across Wales, identifying the demand, capacity and design of neurodevelopmental services for children, young people and adults. This work is due to be completed by spring 2022 and will inform future decisions on advancements in service design and delivery.