Programmes & Support
The National Autism Team
The National Autism Team is funded by the Welsh Government and hosted by the Welsh Local Government Association, working in partnership with Public Health Wales. The main aim of the team is to help improve the lives of autistic people and their families across Wales. This is done through co-produced training and resources, practice sharing and promoting the needs of autistic people whenever possible.
The work of the team can be summarised under the following six headings:
- Increased awareness, understanding and acceptance of autism and other ND conditions (including resources)
- Training and workforce development
- Integrated Autism Service.
- Family Support
- Transformation of ND Services
- Facilitating networks & working with partners and stakeholders, including Welsh Government
The team works closely with autistic people and their families, Welsh Government, local authority Autism Leads, the Integrated Autism Service, colleagues across health and other statutory and third sectors.
The team currently consists of:
- Wendy Thomas, Head of Wales Autism Service
- Frances Rees, National Autism Development Officer (South Wales)
- Bethan Gilson, National Autism Communications, Research and Improvement Officer
- Ieuan Rees, Project Administrative Assistant
- Linda Pilgrim, Administrative Support Officer
- Sioned Thomas, National Autism Development Officer (North Wales and Mid Wales)
- Kirsty Jones, National Autism Development Officer (Code of Practice)
- Donna Sharland, ND Transformation Manager
- Freddie Greaves, Family Support Officer
Autism Wales website:
Autism Wales is the national website for autism, maintained by the National Autism Team. The website houses information about autism, service details, training resources and updates on the implementation of the Autism Strategic agenda for Wales.
The resources are aimed at developing practitioner skills as well providing advice and support to autistic people and their families. Resources include various role-specific certification schemes, e-learning modules, films and written resources.
The resources and the website have been jointly developed with key stakeholders including autistic people, parents and carers, local authority Autism Leads and partners from health, education, the third sector.