Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing Julia Farrugia Portelli has launched a public consultation document on autism together with the Prime Minister’s wife Lydia Abela.

Speaking in a press conference, Farrugia Portelli said that the public consultation is part of the country’s National Strategy for Autism. “The document being presented today is there to safeguard every person born with autism, from the moment they are born till when they take their last breath”, Farrugia Portelli said.

The public consultation has people who are on the autism spectrum at its centre, and it will remain open for three weeks until the 23 April.

Farrugia Portelli said that “the document was constructed after months of work with stakeholders, and we now appeal to the public in order to give their feedback so that it may be finalised.”

Abela said that the main aim of this document is to look at things not from a medical perspective but from an inclusive point of view. Abela also said that since autism is not only found amongst children, the document must also tackle topics such as work and other aspects are also tackled.

Noting that the world will be celebrating Autism Day soon, Abela said that “It is the duty for the government to work on a sustainable inclusive strategy for people on the autism spectrum”.

The next step of the public consultation is for people to give their feedback on the issue in order for the proposals to be refined.

The documents discussed are available to view on the Office of the Prime Minister’s website.