Minutes / Cofnodion

Cross Party Autism Group / Grwp Trawsbleidiol Awtistiaeth

 February 24 Chwefror 2016

Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru / National Assembly for Wales

1 WELCOME / CROESO

CPAG Chair Mark Isherwood AM, welcomed everyone to the final meeting of this Assembly. The meeting was also attended by William Powell AM.

2 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING / COFNODION A MATERION YN CODI

The minutes were agreed to be an accurate account of the previous meeting. Mark Isherwood informed the group of the sad passing of Alwyn Rowlands and paid tribute to his hard work and dedication in advancing the cause of autistic people not only in Gwynedd and Mon but across Wales.   

3 SHELTER CYMRU RESEARCH INTO RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUTISM AND HOMELESSNESS. 

Dr Jacqueline Campbell from Shelter Cymru presented the findings of a piece a research examining how people with autism are affected by homelessness. The research has made a series of recommendations that are being considered by the Welsh Government. The group contributed to further discussions about how criminal justice, housing benefits, the introduction of universal credit, looked after children, the impact of intentional homelessness as well as limited autism understanding within wider society all contribute to many of the issues highlighted in the research.

4 GOWER COLLEGE SWANSEA

Nick Brazil from Gower College Swansea discussed the college’s approach to supporting learners with ASD. Since concerns were first identified in 2012, the college has put a number of practices in place to help autistic learners. Key achievements include the implementation of an ASD specific curriculum and inclusion charter, only one identified ASD learner leaving early and 77 learners achieving their full learning programmes.

5 ASD INFO WALES

Jo Manikiza, National ASD Co-ordinator, presented the latest resources developed by ASD Info Wales to support Welsh Government’s ASD Interim Delivery Plan. During a series of consultation events with autistic people, their families and carers and autism professionals, certain priorities were identified and a clear idea of need and gaps in provision were recognised. The resources developed include training and goal-setting tools for practitioners working with autistic children and adults in various settings, as well as resources for autistic individuals, helping to create personal profiles and CVs. Information packs have gone to GP surgeries across Wales to help improve understanding. A specific schools pack will be launching in the coming week also.

6 ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Mark Isherwood informed the group of the recent independent evaluation of the ASD Strategic Action Plan and its recommendations. He noted that the Cross Party Autism Group had previously called for an Autism Act to be introduced in Wales and hoped that this will be taken forward in the Next Assembly. Mark Isherwood also thanked the group for allowing him the pleasure of Chairing for the last five years. This was echoed by Mat Mathias from NAS Cymru who thanked Mark, the Group officers and members for their support throughout this Assembly term.

Date and location of the next CPAG meeting will be decided following the National Assembly elections on May 5^th