A new ‘Learning with Autism’ programme is to be launched to raise awareness of autism among primary school children in Wales.
Developed in collaboration with Newport, Torfaen and Caerphilly councils, the programme will offer professionals, parents, carers and individuals with autism a wide range of resources including a new look website and specialised training opportunities.
Launching at Caedraw School in Merthyr, whose pupils took part in producing a range of educational films designed to raise awareness of autism, the programme will be funded by Welsh Government and delivered by the WLGA in close partnership with Public Health Wales.
The launch event will also mark the start of a twelve week consultation period by the Welsh Government on its refreshed Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan, which includes the development of a national service designed to provide lifetime support for children and adults with autism in Wales.
Commenting on the launch, Cllr Huw David (Bridgend), WLGA spokesperson for health and social care said:
“The WLGA is extremely proud to host this programme which has a lead role to play in providing a friendly, accessible and reliable source of information and advice about autism in Wales. The new resources being developed for the ‘Learning with Autism,’ including specialist films and a new-look website, will all help to engage primary school staff to ensure a greater level of understanding and awareness of autism within our schools.
“We also welcome the Welsh Government’s launch of its refreshed Autistic Spectrum Disorder Strategic Action Plan, and look forward to working closely with them in the future to build on the success of their previous action plan which was the first of its kind in the UK.”
