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Paddy Leonard, 19 Apr
Foyle SDLP MLA and member of the All Party Group on Autism, Mark
H Durkan has expressed serious concern that the continued absence of an
Executive has delayed the delivery of the Autism Strategy appointment
of an Independent Autism Reviewer.
The role is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, overseeing the
implementation of the Strategy and ensuring consistency across autism
services.
The Foyle MLA said: “Autism legislation hasn’t been fully updated since
2011 leaving hundreds of people living with autism and their families
without vital support. The failure to appoint an Independent Reviewer
is the latest in a series of unforgivable casualties of the impasse at
Stormont.
“This role is an important one, created to improve accountability and
ensure the Autism Strategy is implemented properly and effectively
meets the needs of people with autism.
“Perhaps most importantly it would deliver consistent support and
improve early diagnosis. The unforgivable waits so many individuals and
families have been subjected to has spiralled out of control, that
crisis has been compounded by the pandemic and now the absence of a
functioning government is preventing the implementation of this vital
legislative framework.
“It’s a disgrace that these long overdue reforms, including the
creation of early intervention services, are further delayed.
“The sooner an ASD diagnosis can be given, the sooner support services
can be accessed, at present there are over 4500 children awaiting
assessment.
“The implementation of the Autism Strategy provided a glimmer of hope
for those families but now they're left with further uncertainty and
without critical support. No child should be neglected on colossal
waiting lists, fighting for support to which they are entitled.
“An independent Autism reviewer in conjunction with the Autism Strategy
has the potential to transform lives. It’s reprehensible that the
position cannot be filled - once again, DUP intransigence continues to
punish the most vulnerable.”