§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the services available to(a) children and (b) adults with autism; and what plans he has to enhance these services. [9256]
§ Mr. MossIt is the responsibility of the education and library boards to assess and provide for the special educational needs of all children in Northern Ireland, including children with autism. Placements may be made in special schools, in special units attached to mainstream schools or in mainstream schools themselves.
The health and personal social services needs of people with autism are met by the four health and social services boards within their learning disability programmes of care. Services include residential and nursing home care, day care and respite care and a wide range of community nursing, social work, psychology and paramedical services. There is, however, growing awareness among health and social services boards, trusts and professional staff of the specialised needs of people with autism. One board is organising a series of courses to train staff in TEACCH—treatment and education of autistic related communication handicapped children—a structural treatment and educational programme.
These courses will enable staff in adult settings to continue and develop the TEACCH programmes started in schools and to introduce TEACCH to others who would benefit from it.
In addition, the Department of Health and Social Services is providing financial support for Professionals and Parents and Autism—PAPA—a local voluntary organisation.