Alliance Ards and North Down Councillor Kellie Armstrong, a Strangford Assembly election candidate, has said while she welcomes the Health Minister’s investment in autism services, more needs done to reduce waiting times. She also called on the Minister for Education to make comment on the petition as so far Education Minister has failed to make any comment to her or in response to any requests for meetings from parents.
The Alliance Strangford Assembly candidate was speaking after Health Minister Simon Hamilton announced £2 million per year would be put into the area in a bid to improve access to support services. Councillor Armstrong brought the petition with 8271 signatures to the steps of Stormont saying both the health and education departments have failed to deliver the appropriate care for those with autism.
Cllr Kellie Armstrong said: “Whilst £2 million going towards autism services can only be welcomed, the reality is it’s only a start. There is nothing in the Minister’s announcement about creating a more joined-up approach to working with the Department of Education to enable earlier intervention and an appropriate multi-agency approach.
“Until we see the Autism Act enacted and waiting times dramatically reduced, then £2 million is just a figure. Children with autism and other learning difficulties are still being consistently failed and no longer should we let it continue.
“To date, 8271 people have signed my petition. Those people realise their voices are finally being heard. They want to see action not continued inaction”.
The petition was formally submitted in the Assembly Chamber by Alliance’s Kieran McCarthy MLA who has been a member of the All Party Group on Autism. Kieran confirmed that he was “extremely proud to be able to submit this petition on behalf of the many families who fight every day for their children.” This petition, the last one he will submit as an MLA, is vital and he called upon both Ministers to take heed and ensure appropriate investment and services are provided for children with ASD.
