Speaking as the recently established Celtic Nations Autism Partnership (CNAP) visited Stormont, Michael McGimpsey and Caitríona Ruane said they would do all in their power to help people with autism.
The Minister for Health, Michael McGimpsey said:
“My Department is currently in the process of commissioning a working group to conduct a review of autism service provision in Northern Ireland, which will identify gaps, look to share best practice and recognise innovation.
“Our health and social care trusts provide a range of services for children and adults with autism, including diagnostic and assessment services, family support services, day care and respite services, befriending schemes and training for parents and staff in collaboration with specialist voluntary organisations."
The aim of CNAP, a partnership of Autism Northern Ireland, Autism Cymru, the Scottish Society for Autism and the Irish Society for Autism, is to establish an alliance of interested parties to work with Government.
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, welcomed CNAP to Parliament Buildings and said: “I passionately believe that all children, including those with special needs, deserve an equal opportunity to a quality education. Indeed, I recently visited the proposed site of the centre for excellence in autism at Middletown to see the excellent preparatory work being undertaken to work with autistic children.
“The establishment of CNAP will provide a united voice for those interested in working in the interests of children with autism and will help Government fulfil its commitment to this important area.”
