Executive ‘committed’ to supporting people with Autism

Health Minister Edwin Poots has told the Assembly the Executive is committed to supporting people with autism.

The Minister was speaking as he launched the cross departmental Autism Strategy (2013 – 2020) and Action Plan (2013 – 2016) on behalf of the Executive.

“The Autism Strategy is the first of its kind in terms of a cross-departmental Strategy addressing the ‘whole life’ needs of people, families and carers living with autism in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“The successful development of the strategy and action plan can be attributed to the effective work of the multi-agency, multi-disciplinary Project Board, coupled with the proactive input of the autism community throughout Northern Ireland.”

The strategy and action plan will include an autism awareness campaign, improved accessibility to goods and services, support for families living with autism and the establishment of a multi-agency autism advice service pilot in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

The Minister concluded: “My Executive colleagues and I remain committed to commissioning, developing and delivering services so we can collectively maximise the potential, participation and inclusion of people with autism throughout their lives; and at the same time provide support and encouragement to them and their families.”