Menu
19/11/2018
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.
897 children in the Northern Health Trust area are currently awaiting their initial appointment following referral, according to statistics obtained by John Dallat MLA through a Freedom of Information request.
"These figures are utterly depressing and are a huge additional burden for parents who want the earliest intervention for their children," the East L'Derry MLA said.
"At this stage many of them have been robbed of the benefits of early intervention and are already facing a very challenging world without the support they should have had."
Mr Dallat explained that early detection can increase the likelihood that children will excel in their educational development, but added that the issue is not limited to youngsters as 172 adults are also waiting for appointments.
"This subject was debated in the Assembly for 20 years but even today the number of teachers with training in Autism is insufficient and not meeting the demand," he added.
"Regrettably, this is yet another major issue being neglected with little concern about the rights of all children to be treated equally. It is wrong, immoral and unjustified.
"It is soul-destroying that we do not have the resources and an Assembly to drive this issue forward."
(JG)
897 children in the Northern Health Trust area are currently awaiting their initial appointment following referral, according to statistics obtained by John Dallat MLA through a Freedom of Information request.
"These figures are utterly depressing and are a huge additional burden for parents who want the earliest intervention for their children," the East L'Derry MLA said.
"At this stage many of them have been robbed of the benefits of early intervention and are already facing a very challenging world without the support they should have had."
Mr Dallat explained that early detection can increase the likelihood that children will excel in their educational development, but added that the issue is not limited to youngsters as 172 adults are also waiting for appointments.
"This subject was debated in the Assembly for 20 years but even today the number of teachers with training in Autism is insufficient and not meeting the demand," he added.
"Regrettably, this is yet another major issue being neglected with little concern about the rights of all children to be treated equally. It is wrong, immoral and unjustified.
"It is soul-destroying that we do not have the resources and an Assembly to drive this issue forward."
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
01 December 2023
Alliance Warns Waiting List Figures Demand Fundamental Change
Alliance has warned that the latest waiting list figures demonstrate the need for fundamental change. The party's Health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA said a comprehensive change to our approach to public health is required as there is no further time to wait.
Alliance Warns Waiting List Figures Demand Fundamental Change
Alliance has warned that the latest waiting list figures demonstrate the need for fundamental change. The party's Health spokesperson, Paula Bradshaw MLA said a comprehensive change to our approach to public health is required as there is no further time to wait.
22 July 2015
Call For Action Plan To Be Implemented To Deal With Hospital Waiting Lists
Sinn Féin is calling for an action plan to be implemented to deal with hospital waiting lists in Northern Ireland. Chair of the Assembly's health committee, MLA Maeve McLaughlin, said the rise in waiting times is "not acceptable" for patients.
Call For Action Plan To Be Implemented To Deal With Hospital Waiting Lists
Sinn Féin is calling for an action plan to be implemented to deal with hospital waiting lists in Northern Ireland. Chair of the Assembly's health committee, MLA Maeve McLaughlin, said the rise in waiting times is "not acceptable" for patients.
09 March 2022
SDLP Welcomes Passing Of New Autism Bill
The SDLP have welcomed the passing of the Autism (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, stating that the new legislation would make a real difference to people with autism and their families.
SDLP Welcomes Passing Of New Autism Bill
The SDLP have welcomed the passing of the Autism (Amendment) Bill in the Assembly, stating that the new legislation would make a real difference to people with autism and their families.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
