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A hard-hitting report on the lack of statutory services for children with autism and their parents and carers will be published this week (April 2008).

The report, Meeting the Needs of Families Living with Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, was compiled by researchers from Queen’s University Belfast, University of Ulster, and autism charity, PEAT, supported by funding from the Royal Irish Academy.

A total of 95 parents, representing 100 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and 67 multi-disciplinary professionals took part in the research which covered both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The report concluded that there is a severe lack of statutory service provision, in particular in Northern Ireland. Amongst the recommendations of the report are:
• Quicker diagnosis of children with ASD
• Better training for staff involved in making diagnosis
• Early intervention and regular revision of children’s education and care plans
• That the cost benefits of early intervention are taken into account
• More support for Applied Behaviour Analysis training and education and better parent/professional partnerships

For further information: click here

Copies of this report can be obtained from
Dr. M. Keenan
School of Psychology, University of Ulster
N. Ireland BT52 1SA E’mail m.keenan@ulster.ac.uk