The Public Consultation for the National Autism Strategy has ended this week.

The strategy elicited a healthy response, as, in fact, 185 responses from NGOs, governmental organisations, parents and persons on the autism spectrum were received in the space of three weeks, and there was a good amount of constructive criticism, a government statement read.

Submissions by the public included important feedback mainly focusing on: The issue of necessary therapies and the need for further initiatives that support parents; Further focus on participation in sports and leisure activities by autistic persons; Accessibility of education as well as full inclusion of children; The need to develop analytic indicators when implementing the strategy; And for this process to be independently reviewed by experts.

During a meeting with the Autism Advisory Council, Minister for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing Julia Farrugia Portelli explained that the next step is for the ministry to analyse the submissions and have a final document for the Cabinet’s consideration.

The minister said that this strategy should serve as a simple roadmap, while adding further detail in the implementation plan. Minister Farrugia Portelli also said that the aim of the consultation was to be able to fine-tune the strategy so that, while the council will have the responsibility to ensure further outreach in the future, the number of points raised in the consultation merit further consideration.

Autism Advisory Council Chairperson Dr Alistair De Gaetano said that in the council’s work it is important to really focus on the concept of empowerment as mentioned in the Autism Act and in the strategy. This needs to be done so that people can also be a part of the solution, while working together with a government and a council that are equipped and ready to work side by side with them.