Standing with Autistic People

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Recent public comments about autism have caused concern and confusion. We want to reassure our community:

Autism is not an illness or a disease. It is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. Autistic people are part of our communities, our families, our workforce, and our Health Board.

•         Autism is not caused by vaccines or paracetamol.

•         Autism is not the fault of parents or mothers.

•         Autism is not something to be “eradicated.”

•         Autistic people deserve respect, dignity, and inclusion.

•         Our Health Board values the strengths and contributions of our autistic staff and patients.

•         We are committed to providing safe, person-centred care and to tackling stigma wherever we find it.

As a Health Board we are committed to a person centred service which values the skills, knowledge and practice of our autistic staff. We know the science doesn’t match any of the allegations made about the causes of autism but recognise how unsettling this news coverage is. We want to reassure each of you that your contribution is valued by us in delivering healthcare to the population we serve.

To every autistic person, and to their families: we stand with you.