I am a 54-year-old autistic woman with learning difficulties, a wheelchair user, and juggling multiple health issues. Four months ago, I moved to Wales from England, fleeing homelessness. Despite receiving a full handover of my care package from English to Welsh social services, I have been left to fend for myself with drastically reduced support. This is not just my story, but a distressing reality for many autistic adults in Wales.

The lack of adequate health and social care support for autistic adults in Wales is alarming. Persistent challenges such as exceedingly long waiting times for autism assessments and diagnoses, limited community-based services, and minimal support for unpaid carers are creating health inequalities. These issues are not merely inconveniences; they are contributing factors to potentially avoidable deaths.

Long waiting times for diagnosis exacerbate the struggles of autistic adults who already face daily challenges in a world not tailored to their needs. Being left undiagnosed or without proper support often leads to misunderstanding and stigmatization, making it difficult for autistic individuals to access the support they deserve. Moreover, limited community services mean many autistic adults are unable to participate actively and safely in their communities, further isolating them from society.

Additionally, the lack of support for unpaid carers, who are often family members, places an unbearable burden on them. These carers play a crucial role in the daily lives of autistic individuals, offering stability and understanding. Without adequate support, their well-being and ability to provide care are severely compromised.

Immediate action is necessary to address these grave issues. I urge the Welsh government to:

1. Reduce waiting times for autism assessments and diagnoses, ensuring timely support is accessible to those in need.
2. Expand community-based services that are inclusive and adapted to the needs of autistic adults.
3. Provide adequate resources and support for unpaid carers to ensure they can continue to provide compassionate and effective care.

4. Those moving from England with a full handover from social services shout consider all there support needs not let them fend for themselves. Under the  wellbeing act in Wales if a person is self neglecting but have no way of sorting themselves out. Then it is the social services has a duty of care in a timely manner and avoid death in adults with autism. Either by suiside or from current health conditions or aging with autism. 

These changes are vital to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for autistic individuals in Wales. Please join me in calling for the Welsh government to take decisive action and ensure no autistic individual is left without the care they deserve.  And prevent unavoidable deaths Sign this petition to make a difference.