South Wales Central AM Andrew RT Davies has joined forces with local charity The Autism Directory to improve employment opportunities for autism sufferers across South Wales.

The Autism Directory is a registered charity – based in Treforest – and assists people from across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan and RCT.

Mr Davies this week visited the charity – to meet with founder and CEO Nadine Honeybone – and discuss the struggles people affected by autism face.

In particular – Nadine emphasised the difficulties experienced in the workplace – and the problems people with autism can have finding work.

Mr Davies has contacted the Federation of Small Businesses – with a view to developing closer links with the Autism Directory – and creating further job opportunities in the area for autism sufferers.

He also urged people to take part in consultations relating to the Autism Bill – which would give the support and services available to autism sufferers a statutory footing – and is currently before the Assembly.

Mr Davies said, “People with autism encounter problems many of us take for granted – and I am often contacted by constituents in desperate need of assistance.

“One such difficulty is gaining employment – with an apparent lack of opportunities available.

“It was therefore really beneficial to visit the Autism Directory – and meet with Nadine and her team – and I’m extremely grateful to them for giving up their time.

“I’ve put them in touch with the FSB – in the hope that we can create further job opportunities for people with autism in RCT – and build links between the charity and employers.

“It’s vital we provide those affected by autism with all the support we can – and this – along with an Autism Act for Wales – will do just that.”