Northern Ireland, fast gaining a reputation for having one of the worst autism services in the developed world, is seeing parents mount a new campaign for politicians to meet their children’s needs.
Kellie Armstrong: “My brother has learning disabilities and I grew up in a family that fought for years for better services for him.” Photograph by Bernie Brown
A petition demanding action on the dire lack of provision in Northern Ireland received more than 4,000 signatures in just 24 hours. The figure has already passed the 7,000 mark.
The petition calls for urgent action from Health Minister Simon Hamilton and Education Minister John O’Dowd, who preside over the long standing drought of provision. It states that children “are being failed by the health and education system in Northern Ireland”.
Stress of trying to get services
The petition was launched by Alliance party councillor Kellie Armstrong. Councillor Armstrong has relayed the stress her family endured trying to get services for her brother.
She said: “I’m well aware of the stress on families and the need for greater support.” She added: “My brother has learning disabilities and I grew up in a family that fought for years for better services for him so that he could have the best opportunities in life.”
Parents want to present the petition to politicians on 16 February. Many report having to wait for more than 20 months for an assessment. The petition calls for a wait of no more than three months.
Following assessment, parents want a “specific and clear pathway of multi agency support from diagnosis through to adolescence and beyond”. The petition asks for training and resources provided for schools to enable those with autism to reach their potential.
Rising numbers in Northern Ireland
Parents’ frustration at the lack of provision is set against a background of rising numbers of school-age children in Northern Ireland being diagnosed with autism.
In 2015, a report released by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety confirmed that there has been a 67 per cent increase in school-age children in Northern Ireland diagnosed as having ASD over the past five years.
It has been reported that one in 54 pupils attending school in Northern Ireland have a diagnosis of ASD, which amount to an estimated 6,000 pupils.
The petition can be viewed by clicking here
Published: 11 February 2016
