Evaluation of the Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services: phase two

The Autism Strategic Action Plan aims to ensure that children, young people and adults with autism have their needs understood and are supported to lead fulfilling lives. The Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services sets out what autistic people, their family and carers can expect from public services in Wales. An evaluation of the Code was undertaken to review the extent to which the duties in the Code are being met and develop recommendations for improvement in meeting the duties.

The evaluation is structured in two stages. This is the second stage. It focuses upon the extent to which the duties in the Code are being met by autism services, including action taken to address the recommendations from the first stage. It also reviews the experience of service users.

The report identifies compliance with some duties in the Code and where this has improved since the first stage of the evaluation. The report identifies the need for improvement in compliance with other duties in the Code and where further information is needed to assess compliance. The report identifies wider enables and barriers that have supported or impeded compliance.

The report makes recommendations for each local authority and local health board to make improvements in meeting the duties of the Code. The report also provides recommendations for the Welsh Government on the forthcoming Neurodivergence Code of Practice.