Individual Post

 Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said that continued work with services that provide for pupils with autism is needed to ensure that the Executive’s Autism Strategy and Action Plan are implemented fully.

Mr Boylan said:

“I welcome the commitment from the Education Minister that funding will be made available to the Education Authority to ensure it delivers an effective education provision for the growing number of children with autism.

“There is an increase in the prevalence of autism in school age children.

“Services like the Middletown Centre for Autism provide excellent support for children with complex autism and offers professional training and research services to parents.

“These services are vital to children and parents alike and we must ensure that they receive funding so pupils can get a high quality education in order for them to fulfil their potential.

“Sinn Féin will continue to work with services like the Education Authority and the Middletown Centre for Autism and other departments to ensure that the Executive’s Autism Strategy and Action Plan are implemented fully.”