The Integrated Autism Service (IAS) has been recognised with the Outstanding Team Work Award at the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Staff Recognition Awards, celebrating their exceptional commitment to working together to improve services and make a meaningful difference to patient experience.
This award recognises teams who demonstrate total commitment to collaboration — whether through improving services, strengthening environments, or delivering initiatives that positively impact patients. The IAS team was nominated in recognition of their resilience, dedication and unwavering focus on service users, even in the face of significant and sustained challenge.
The nomination highlighted that the team continues to deliver high-quality care despite the withdrawal of Welsh Government funding and a 30% year-on-year increase in demand. Central to the nomination was powerful feedback from service users, reflecting the compassion, professionalism and impact of the team’s work:
“For many years I have not felt understood, different and struggled with life. The treatment and consideration shown by the team has been exceptional in opening my eyes to my condition and eventually providing a diagnosis. Even before my diagnosis, after triage, I was so much happier knowing more about myself.”
“[The clinician] was very kind, considerate and very professional. She made us feel comfortable and was able to communicate well. She helped us understand the condition and gave us lots of support and access to services.”
“My clinician was very thorough, compassionate and didn’t just put everything down to recent events. I feel I can move on and have a higher understanding of myself and the way I am as a person.”
Despite chronic challenges in funding, workforce capacity and rising demand, the IAS team continues to work exceptionally well together — supporting one another and creating a warm, welcoming service environment. Service users consistently value what the team offers, not only in assessment and diagnosis, but through a growing range of post-diagnostic groups and support.
The team also works closely with colleagues across Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, providing invaluable advice and support to neurodivergent people and staff. Their commitment to developing training opportunities is helping to improve understanding and practice across services, with real, lasting impact on people’s lives.
This award is a well-deserved recognition of an outstanding team whose dedication, compassion and collaboration continue to make a difference every day.