a.       In my view it is imperative to finance post-diagnostic support which is provided by third sector agencies. The after care should be regarded equally essential as the National Integrated Autism Service (NIAS) for the wellbeing of autistic people. I can only use myself as an example. Receiving my diagnosis of autism was important but the after care is even more important. I'm dependent on the service provided by Autism Spectrum Connections Cymru (ASCC) in Cardiff for daily support. I think there are gaps in statutory funded services at the moment. An autism diagnostic assessment took a long time for me to obtain - approximately 1 year.

b.       Yes definitely.

c.       It should be expanded to Post-diagnostic care and all of the autism strategy should be included in the legislation.

d.       The legislation should require the Welsh government to undertake a biannual review of the funding to evaluate value for money. A regular consultation should be held to collect feedback from the public.

e.       Yes because it needs to correspond to the demand at the time

f.       An audit of people diagnosed should be carried out each year. There should also be a National Assembly Committee monitoring how public services run their support for autistic people. And public services should be held accountable for how they support autistic people and their families.

g.       On a personal level it took 1 year for a diagnosis. At the moment it is only possible to have an assessment for autism in adults if they are seeing the Community Mental Health Team therefore the individual must be going through a mental breakdown to access support. It is regrettably the only way people can access a diagnosis assessment for autism as an adult or source any help in general for existing behavioural difficulties. If this is the standard procedure for obtaining a diagnosis of autism in Wales then it isn't easy in any local authority to get an autism diagnosis.

h.       Speeding up the diagnosis process is necessary. The legislation should state a maximum length of time to obtain a diagnosis of autism and should always be available on the NHS.

i.        All local authorities should have an autism policy and should publish leaflets and they should be available at GP surgeries as well as on the local authority's online website. The leaflet should include information on how to get a diagnosis from the NHS.

j.        As regards the sufficiency of services, the statutory sector is useless right across Wales as far as I'm aware. I'm very fortunate to have access to third sector ASCC which supports adults in South East Wales. But there is nothing outside of South East Wales as far as I know.

k.       Yes but they should not be as guidance only. They should be required in legislation or otherwise the recommendations would be ignored due to budgets. The Welsh government can only guarantee the support if it states in the legislation that it is required by law to provide the support.

l.        Yes to all.

m.      Yes - this data should be collected and held safely in adherence with the data protection act.

n.       I have no knowledge.

o.       Yes I agree. I also agree with the alternative approach also. Legislation should specify the outcomes that training achieves.

p.       No - one size does not fit all. The individual's needs must be taken into account.

q.       In legislation.

r.       I can't think of any.

s.       No

t.       No - other than the cost of setting up and supporting Post-diagnostic drop in centres across Wales in the long term.

u.       Running the NIAS which is essential.

v.       The well-being of autistic people and particularly the Post-diagnostic after care which will enable autistic people to reach their full potential in life. This should be taken into account in determining the success of the legislation.

w.      The legislation is imperative and priceless.

x.       My recent petition calling for funding from the Welsh government to support ASCC should be taken into account when deciding where to allocate third sector funding grant schemes in the future. ASCC and many other helpful 3rd sector charities who provide support for autistic people currently depend on lottery funding and donations.