Autism (Wales) Bill
| Long title | An Act of the National Assembly for Wales to make provision for meeting the needs of children and adults with autism spectrum disorder in Wales and protecting and promoting their rights, and for connected purposes. |
|---|---|
| Introduced by | Paul Davies MS |
Status: Not passed | |
The Autism (Wales) Bill was a proposed law of Wales relating to the provision of autism services.
Background
Wales first adopted an autism strategy in 2008.[1]
Provisions
The legislation included provisions to improve data collection and to provide specific statutory guidance for services supporting autistic adults.[2]
Legislative passage
In 2017, Conservative, UKIP, Plaid Cymru AMs, and Labour backbenchers voted for the legislation to proceed, while Welsh Government ministers abstained.[3]
In 2019, Welsh Government AMs voted against the legislation, ending its legislative passage.[4]
Reception
The Welsh Government said it was open to an autism law but wanted other legislation and policies to "bed in".[5] The Institute of Welsh Affairs supported the legislation.[2]
Further developments
In 2025, a Senedd petition was launched to resurrect the bill.[6]
References
- ^ "Autism bill: Hope new law may get support from AMs". BBC News. 10 June 2017. Archived from the original on 11 June 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ a b Thomas, Meleri (24 September 2018). "An Autism Act for Wales". Institute of Welsh Affairs. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Autism bill: Mother says son 'was labelled as naughty'". BBC News. 18 July 2018. Archived from the original on 19 July 2018. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Wales autism law rejection 'a kick in the teeth'". BBC News. 27 January 2019. Archived from the original on 3 February 2019. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ "Tory AM's autism law bid to go to assembly". BBC News. 29 March 2017. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2025.
- ^ Price, Emily (30 January 2025). "Senedd petition launched to resurrect rejected autism legislation". Nation.Cymru. Archived from the original on 20 June 2025. Retrieved 20 June 2025.