Health Minister launches new autism strategic action plan

An action plan that will deliver significant improvements in services for people of all ages affected by autism, their families and carers has been launched.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Strategic Action Plan (2008/9 – 2010/11) follows an independent review of ASD services which was chaired by Lord Maginnis.

Launching the Action Plan, Michael McGimpsey said: “From the outset I have been committed to improving care for those affected by autism. The need has been clear. This Action Plan will drive up improvements in the service for the benefit of all those affected by autism, their families and carers.

“I recognise that to do this partnership working will be vital. All sectors must work together and no one organisation can work in isolation. A joined up approach will ensure that the needs of children, young people and adults affected by ASD are addressed, through the delivery of high quality, timely and effective services.”

The Minister continued: “The Action Plan follows on from the excellent work of the Independent Review, chaired by Lord Maginnis of Drumglass, and I want to thank him and his team for the very valuable contribution they have made.”

A major action within the ASD Strategic Action Plan (2008/9 – 2010/11) was the establishment of a Regional ASD Network Group. The aim of this multidisciplinary, multiagency Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Network Group is to provide a regional perspective to the development of autism services and to oversee the implementation of the Action Plan.

Dr Stephen Bergin, Chair of the Regional ASD Network Group, welcomed the Minister’s support and encouraged input from parents and carers. He said: "Communication with service users, parents, carers and the voluntary sector is vitally important to the success of this action plan. To facilitate this, the Regional ASD Network is holding a series of open meetings across Northern Ireland where additional information regarding the Network will be shared. I look forward to working closely with services users, parents and all voluntary and community sector groups.”

Open meetings have already commenced and will continue to take place across Northern Ireland in June and July as follows:

• June 29 - Omagh (Silverbirch Hotel).
• July 6 - Portadown (Seagoe Hotel).
• July 29 - Ballymena (George Sloan Adult Centre).
• All events are scheduled to commence at 7pm.

Notes to Editors:

1. The ASD Strategic Action Plan and the Consultation Response Document can be found on the DHSSPS website.

2. The Regional ASD Network Group is chaired by Dr Stephen Bergin, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, Public Health Agency. Dr Bergin was a member of the Independent Review of Autism Services.

3. The Regional ASD Network Group will be supported by a Regional ASD Reference Group, chaired by Lord Maginnis, to provide valuable expertise and advice from parents, carers, and individuals affected by ASD as well as the voluntary and community sector.

4. Public consultation on the ASD Strategic Action Plan ran from September to December 2008. Over 450 consultation responses were received.

5. The ASD Action Plan is organised around five key themes:

• service redesign to improve ASD care
• performance improvement
• training and raising awareness
• communication and information
• and effective engagement and partnership working.

6. Press enquiries to DHSSPS press office on 028 90522841. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.