Provision for young people with autism in further education to be debated by AMs

14 July 2010

The National Assembly will today (14 July) debate a committee report which highlighted patchy provision in further education for young people with autism.

The Enterprise and Learning Committee inquiry found there was a major gap between strategy for provision in Wales and delivery on the ground.

One of the Committee’s main concerns was the unnecessary stress caused to families during the ‘transition period’ between school and college by delays in the decision-making process.

It also heard evidence of people having to travel great distances to attend specialist colleges in England when there are suitable facilities already in place in Wales.

“One of the most important things that a young person with autism needs is time; time to adjust, time to acclimatise and time to accept a change in routine and environment,” said Gareth Jones AM, Chair of the Enterprise and Learning Committee.

“In many cases young people and their families simply aren’t informed early enough in the year about whether they will have placements in further education, which can cause distress for all concerned.

“There needs to be earlier and better communication between all the partners involved in making assessments and decisions about a young person’s future.

“The young person must be at the centre of policy delivery in future so that provision can be tailored to individual needs. I look forward to hearing what the Minister and my fellow Assembly Members have to say.”

17 of the 19 recommendations made in the report have either been accepted or accepted in principle by Leighton Andrews AM, Minister for Children, Education and Lifelong Learning. One was rejected and another referred to a separate organisation.