The Minister said: "Middletown was established as an all island centre of excellence for the education of children and young people with autism. I visited Middletown last May with deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and we both pledged our support for this centre, which is being jointly developed with the Department for Education and Science.
"Middletown has already undertaken training of special education needs co-ordinators, who provide a direct service to the children and young people in our schools. I commend the work of the Chief Executive and all staff who are working hard to provide a facility that will meet the needs of children and young people from all parts of this island.
"Across the north we have a number of schools who look after the needs of children and young people with autism. When fully operational, Middletown will complement this work and help children with autism, and also help educators to better understand and treat the needs of this condition."
