Hundreds of families across Wales have been left without vital services following the closure of three neurodiversity charities, including AP Cymru – The Neurodiversity Charity. Each organisation provided life-changing support to children, young people and parents navigating complex challenges in education, healthcare and social services.
The closures are being described as a “support crisis” rather than just a funding issue, with rising demand and overstretched resources pushing small charities beyond capacity.
Karen Mills, Chief Executive of AP Cymru – The Neurodiversity Charity, said:
“This is more than just a funding crisis. This is a support crisis. We fight tooth and nail to stay open, but we are stretched to beyond capacity. We regularly receive calls from desperate parents in tears as they have nowhere else to turn. The government must act now.”
A parent who relied on AP Cymru’s services shared:
“Without AP CYMRU, their support and their exclusive family sessions, myself and my family would feel extremely isolated. AP has allowed us to access numerous activities and attend events that we wouldn’t necessarily be able to attend if open to the public.
“AP CYMRU were my lifeline when it came to having my eldest two boys diagnosed. They held my hand, wiped my tears and stood by my side every step of the way — and now doing the same as my youngest is going through diagnosis. Only this time I feel more confident knowing I am fully supported.
“Not only that, but having support sessions for just parents, cuppa & company sessions as well as ‘time 4 me’ gives me the time for myself, meet other parents and access peer support too.”
Another concerned parent added:
“Without the vital support of AP Cymru and similar charitable organisations our family would have been destroyed. The horrendous five-year wait for my daughter’s diagnosis, the reluctance of provided support from her school plus our struggles of daily life would have been beyond words. The system fails families like ours, yet provides no financial support… something needs to change!”
The three charities collectively supported hundreds of families each year through education advocacy, training workshops and peer-led support groups. Their closure leaves significant gaps in communities already facing long waiting times and overstretched statutory services.
These developments follow earlier reporting by Swansea Bay News in January 2025, when the Welsh Government announced new funding to improve neurodivergence services and reduce ADHD and autism waiting times — a move welcomed by campaigners but now seen as insufficient to prevent the collapse of frontline support services.
In April 2024, Swansea Bay News highlighted the long-term consequences of inadequate support, reporting that autistic graduates remain among the least likely groups to secure gainful employment — underscoring the need for sustained, community-based interventions.
Just last month, campaigners condemned what they called an “appalling scandal” over autism provision in Llanelli, citing years-long delays and lack of access to basic services.
The message from the sector is clear: without urgent financial intervention, more small charities will fold — and families will bear the cost.
