The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan sets out how services will be delivered to people affected by autism in Wales and specifically mentions the needs of adults. It was published by the Welsh Assembly Government in 2008.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) Cymru is currently monitoring how the ASD Strategic Action Plan for Wales is being implemented by local authorities across Wales. We are working with a number of Assembly Members (AMs) as part of this, and many of them have shown great willingness to find out what developments are being made in their areas. Each local authority in Wales has been given grants totalling £100,000 over the last two years to help them deliver on a number of first-stage actions, including:

  • setting up a local autism stakeholder group including people with ASD and their families/carers
  • providing data on the numbers of children and adults with ASD in the local area
  • providing data on identified needs of people of all ages with ASD in the local area, and on services including gaps and shortfalls
  • preparing a local autism action plan to meet needs and demand
  • identifying a named lead within the authority to take the ASD Strategic Action Plan for Wales forward.


NAS Cymru has also sat on the Welsh Assembly Government Adult Autism Task and Finish Group, which was established in the wake of the ASD Strategic Action Plan for Wales to look specifically at what can be done to improve the situation for adults with the condition. It is expected that the final report will include recommendations for the Welsh Assembly Government to implement, along with costings. The report is currently being finalised and will be sent to the Minister for Health and Social services, who will decide whether or not to accept the recommendations.

Background to the ASD strategic action plan

The ASD Strategic Action Plan for Wales was launched in April 2008 when, for the first time, guidelines specific to autism and Asperger syndrome were set out for local authorities to follow in Wales. The plan also outlines what the Assembly Government has to do in order to meet the needs of people with autism and their families. The plan covers everyone on the autism spectrum in Wales, including people with Asperger syndrome.

A draft version was published in January 2007, which was then made open for consultation to members of the public. NAS Cymru worked with the Assembly Government and Autism Cymru to hold three consultation events across Wales on the draft plan. Our report on these events can be found at the bottom of this page.  

We also submitted our own comments to the Welsh Assembly Government on the draft plan. You can download our response at the bottom of this page.

What was NAS Cymru's response to the ASD strategic action plan?

NAS Cymru welcomed the ASD Strategic Action Plan for Wales as a step in the right direction towards improving the lives of people affected by autism in Wales. However, unless recommendations outlined in the strategic action plan are taken forward, many people with autism will continue to miss out on the services and support they need. 

How does the action plan concern people affected by autism?

There is now a specific focus on autism for the first time, both on a national and a local level. This should benefit everyone with autism and their families, although they may not see a significant difference straight away.

NAS Cymru has prepared a guide on the ASD Strategic Action Plan for Wales which explains how it is best understood, and what actions authorities should be taking in order that individuals begin to see an improvement in the standard of service and support they receive.

This guide can be used by people affected by autism, their families, professionals, local authority staff and elected members.