Petition Strengthen statutory codes and guidance to improve safety and support for autistic children across Wales
Prevent avoidable harm and improve safety for autistic children through better awareness, water-safety education, voluntary safety devices and improved support from emergency and frontline services. The existing guidance - including the Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services and guidance under the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 - should be strengthened to assess needs and address child safety risks for those with limited danger awareness.
This would give families greater reassurance while respecting children's privacy and independence.
More details
• Develop minimum standards, with funding or coordinated support to give the same safety support regardless of where you live.
• Ensure consistent training for emergency or safeguarding situations: for education staff, health and ambulance services, leisure providers and other frontline staff. Training should cover communication differences, sensory overload, meltdowns, lack of danger awareness, wandering, and how to safely approach and support an autistic child.
• Ensure equitable access to national swimming and water-safety opportunities including the School swimming and water safety programme. Appropriate reasonable adjustments could include smaller groups, quieter sessions, additional support or autism-aware instructors.
• Develop a voluntary scheme for children at particular risk, e.g. GPS-enabled devices or other technology, and free or subsidised safety identification - cards or bracelets containing essential information. All with appropriate consent, privacy and data protection safeguards.
The Welsh Government should work with relevant services, autistic people, parents and carers to develop a consistent Wales-wide approach.
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