Autism (Hansard, 13 September 2004)

§ Mrs. Iris Robinson
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether there are specific targets regarding early diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders in the Province. [187773]

§ Angela Smith
The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety's Priorities for Action 2004–05 includes the following action "By 31 March 2005, Boards and Trusts should establish multidisciplinary diagnostic, assessment and early intervention teams to provide for improved life outcomes for around 200 children and young people with autism per year.
This target is in addition to the numbers of children already being referred for diagnosis where an autistic spectrum disorder is suspected.

§ Mrs. Iris Robinson
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much funding has been allocated to improving awareness and education about autistic spectrum disorders in the Province in each of the last five years. [187775]

§ Angela Smith
The funding allocated by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), health and social services boards and trusts and the Department of Education (DE) for improving awareness and education about autistic spectrum disorders for healthcare staff, education staff and parents is outlined in the following table:

£

DHSSPS HSS boards and trusts DE Total

1999–2000 24,800 24,600 — 49,400

2000–01 25,400 30,800 — 56,200

2001–02 26,000 62,800 — 88,800

2002–03 50,000 141,700 49,000 240,700

2003–04 50,000 251,300 842,000 1,143,300

£
	DHSSPS	HSS boards and trusts	DE	Total
1999–2000	24,800	24,600	—	49,400
2000–01	25,400	30,800	—	56,200
2001–02	26,000	62,800	—	88,800
2002–03	50,000	141,700	49,000	240,700
2003–04	50,000	251,300	842,000	1,143,300