Menu
19/04/2012
Charity Calls For More Help For Autistic Children
A charity is calling on politicians to do more to help children with autism.
The National Autistic Society Northern Ireland (NAS NI) has asked MLAs to consider the needs of children with autism as they debate the reforms to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) system.
The charity is today launching the A* for Autism campaign on SEN, which points to current failings in the education of children with autism in Northern Ireland.
Research carried out by the NAS NI found that over half of children with autism wait over a year for appropriate educational support and that almost one in three parents feel that the education their child receives is not adequate to their needs.
Over 80% of parents who took part in our research say that a lack of support has harmed their children’s social and communication skills. And a further 65% said that a lack of support had affected their child’s mental health.
49% of parents also told us that they did not have enough information when choosing an educational placement for their child.
Shirelle Stewart , Co-Director of the National Autistic Society Northern Ireland said: "We hope that this campaign will enable children with autism to access an A* education that sets them up for life. Every area of Northern Ireland needs to have education provision that understands autism.
"It is completely unacceptable that so many parents have to battle to secure their child’s fundamental right to an education. The proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs system will shape the future of a generation of children with SEN so the Northern Ireland Assembly must listen to parents when they say that the system must do better to meet their needs."
The National Autistic Society Northern Ireland (NAS NI) has asked MLAs to consider the needs of children with autism as they debate the reforms to the Special Educational Needs (SEN) system.
The charity is today launching the A* for Autism campaign on SEN, which points to current failings in the education of children with autism in Northern Ireland.
Research carried out by the NAS NI found that over half of children with autism wait over a year for appropriate educational support and that almost one in three parents feel that the education their child receives is not adequate to their needs.
Over 80% of parents who took part in our research say that a lack of support has harmed their children’s social and communication skills. And a further 65% said that a lack of support had affected their child’s mental health.
49% of parents also told us that they did not have enough information when choosing an educational placement for their child.
Shirelle Stewart , Co-Director of the National Autistic Society Northern Ireland said: "We hope that this campaign will enable children with autism to access an A* education that sets them up for life. Every area of Northern Ireland needs to have education provision that understands autism.
"It is completely unacceptable that so many parents have to battle to secure their child’s fundamental right to an education. The proposed reforms to the Special Educational Needs system will shape the future of a generation of children with SEN so the Northern Ireland Assembly must listen to parents when they say that the system must do better to meet their needs."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
29 September 2023
Autism NI Calls For Specialist Autism Mental Health Service
Autism NI has highlight the urgent need of a specialist autism mental health service in Northern Ireland, in a special event at Stormont. According to recent figures, autistic adults are nine times more likely to die from suicide and autistic children twenty times more likely to self-harm.
Autism NI Calls For Specialist Autism Mental Health Service
Autism NI has highlight the urgent need of a specialist autism mental health service in Northern Ireland, in a special event at Stormont. According to recent figures, autistic adults are nine times more likely to die from suicide and autistic children twenty times more likely to self-harm.
24 March 2023
Autism NI Prepares To Celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week
Autism NI has urged people to get behind the message 'Be Kind To Different Minds', ahead of World Autism Acceptance Week from Monday 27th March until Sunday 2nd April 2023. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved and show their support for our vibrant autism community.
Autism NI Prepares To Celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week
Autism NI has urged people to get behind the message 'Be Kind To Different Minds', ahead of World Autism Acceptance Week from Monday 27th March until Sunday 2nd April 2023. This is a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved and show their support for our vibrant autism community.
22 September 2021
Ministers Welcome Progress Of New Autism Bill
A new Bill to improve support for people with autism has passed the second stage in the Assembly. South Antrim DUP representative and Chair of the all-party group on Autism, Pam Cameron, who proposed the Autism Private Members' Bill, has thanked MLA's for their support.
Ministers Welcome Progress Of New Autism Bill
A new Bill to improve support for people with autism has passed the second stage in the Assembly. South Antrim DUP representative and Chair of the all-party group on Autism, Pam Cameron, who proposed the Autism Private Members' Bill, has thanked MLA's for their support.
19 November 2018
Long Waiting Lists For Autism Diagnosis Unjustifiable - SDLP
An SDLP MLA has condemned the "absolutely shocking" length of time required to reach an autism diagnosis in Northern Ireland, after revealing that the amount of people waiting has increased by 28% in the last year.
Long Waiting Lists For Autism Diagnosis Unjustifiable - SDLP
An SDLP MLA has condemned the "absolutely shocking" length of time required to reach an autism diagnosis in Northern Ireland, after revealing that the amount of people waiting has increased by 28% in the last year.
22 December 2016
Number Of Children Waiting For Autism Assessment Increases By 280%
The number of children in Northern Ireland currently waiting for an autism spectrum assessment has risen by 280% over the last five years, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has revealed. The number of children increased from 607 in 2012 to 2,325 in the same period this year.
Number Of Children Waiting For Autism Assessment Increases By 280%
The number of children in Northern Ireland currently waiting for an autism spectrum assessment has risen by 280% over the last five years, the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) has revealed. The number of children increased from 607 in 2012 to 2,325 in the same period this year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Heavy rain in the morning will clear south. Drier in the afternoon with a few showers and the odd brighter spell. Quite windy at times but feeling quite mild especially in the east. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:New Year's eve will mark a change to colder conditions. Dry for many areas but a few showers around the north coast, clear spells developing but breezy at times. Minimum temperature 4 °C.
