There are an estimated 34,000 autistic people in Wales, but the condition affects a community of around 136,000 - including families and carers.

Autism is neither mental health nor learning difficulty, but often falls between the two. Because it lacks a statutory identity in Wales, people are all too often unable to access effective support.

Without legislation, the Welsh Government's autism strategy is a voluntary wish list. That's why it's vital that Wales' autism community enjoys the same statutory support as their English and Northern Irish counterparts.

We the undersigned want Wales to reassert itself as a vanguard of autism and we are calling on the Welsh Government to bring forward an Autism (Wales) Bill during the 5th Assembly Term.