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15/02/2016
Additional £2m Announced For Autism Services
An additional £2 million is to be invested in Autism Services in Northern Ireland.
The money is to be used to tackle waiting lists and improve access to support services.
Health Minister Simon Hamilton said: "Since 2010 the number of referrals for autism assessments has nearly doubled from 1,500 to 2,800 at the end of last year.
"Despite the hard work of many dedicated professionals, we are struggling to match pace with demand. Many children and young people are waiting more than thirteen weeks for an assessment. This is not acceptable and I am determined to get these waiting lists down.
"That is why I am announcing increased investment of an additional £2m for Autism services across Northern Ireland. This money will fund much needed new capacity to ensure there is quicker access to diagnostic services and that, crucially, there is more support for young people and their families."
(CD/JP)
The money is to be used to tackle waiting lists and improve access to support services.
Health Minister Simon Hamilton said: "Since 2010 the number of referrals for autism assessments has nearly doubled from 1,500 to 2,800 at the end of last year.
"Despite the hard work of many dedicated professionals, we are struggling to match pace with demand. Many children and young people are waiting more than thirteen weeks for an assessment. This is not acceptable and I am determined to get these waiting lists down.
"That is why I am announcing increased investment of an additional £2m for Autism services across Northern Ireland. This money will fund much needed new capacity to ensure there is quicker access to diagnostic services and that, crucially, there is more support for young people and their families."
(CD/JP)
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