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We Need Your Support: Demand Action for Autistic Rights in Wales!

SpencerOfWhales

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out to this community with an urgent message. The start of 2025 has been rough for autistic people in Wales. We've seen the deeply concerning closure of Autistic Minds, and now the Welsh Government has dealt us another blow.

The majority of Labour MSs have rejected the Autism (Wales) Bill, a piece of legislation with the potential to transform the lives of autistic people. This decision has left many feeling disheartened and ignored. The BBC even called the rejection a "kick in the teeth" – and I can't think of a better way to put it!

This Bill would have provided:

  • Legal Framework: Enshrining our rights to autism services in law.
  • Accountability: A clear autism strategy and guidance for organizations.
  • Awareness: A mandated public awareness campaign to increase understanding.

The current Code of Practice is a start, but it lacks the power to bring about real change. It doesn't have strong enforcement or penalties for non-compliance, leaving us vulnerable.

We can't let this stand! We need to make our voices heard and demand that the Welsh Government reconsider the Autism (Wales) Bill.

Please take a moment to sign my petition on the Senedd Petitions webpage:

https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246466

Every signature is a step towards a more inclusive and supportive Wales for autistic people.

Thank you,

SpencerOfWhales

Parents

  • Hi everyone,

    I'm writing to you today for your support on my campaign for a new Wales Autism Bill. Some of you may remember my previous Senedd Petition, which was unfortunately rejected by the Petitions Committee.

    The Welsh Government's position is that they don't support autism-specific legislation, believing they have enough "legislative levers" to improve services through a Statutory Code of Practice. My campaign is a direct response to this decision.

    As an autistic person who has personally experienced the struggles of navigating a system without a strong legal framework, I know this Code of Practice is not enough. Waiting times for a formal diagnosis are unacceptably long—up to 26 months in Cardiff and 46 months in some rural areas. A Code of Practice doesn't have the power to fix this; as a political representative noted, the Code can be "ignored or deliberately misinterpreted by too many in positions of power."

    I've taken this campaign to the public on Change.org. I am kindly asking for your help to sign and share the petition with your networks. Every signature adds pressure and demonstrates to the government that the current approach is failing our community.

    Thank you for your continued support.

    https://chng.it/DnhqbHNw8g

    Regards,

    Spencer

Reply

  • Hi everyone,

    I'm writing to you today for your support on my campaign for a new Wales Autism Bill. Some of you may remember my previous Senedd Petition, which was unfortunately rejected by the Petitions Committee.

    The Welsh Government's position is that they don't support autism-specific legislation, believing they have enough "legislative levers" to improve services through a Statutory Code of Practice. My campaign is a direct response to this decision.

    As an autistic person who has personally experienced the struggles of navigating a system without a strong legal framework, I know this Code of Practice is not enough. Waiting times for a formal diagnosis are unacceptably long—up to 26 months in Cardiff and 46 months in some rural areas. A Code of Practice doesn't have the power to fix this; as a political representative noted, the Code can be "ignored or deliberately misinterpreted by too many in positions of power."

    I've taken this campaign to the public on Change.org. I am kindly asking for your help to sign and share the petition with your networks. Every signature adds pressure and demonstrates to the government that the current approach is failing our community.

    Thank you for your continued support.

    https://chng.it/DnhqbHNw8g

    Regards,

    Spencer

Children
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