14/05/2026
Alliance Calls for Urgent Overhaul of 'Broken' Autism Services
Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA has issued an urgent call to the Health Minister to deliver fit-for-purpose autism services, claiming that the current system is leaving families and individuals to "fight to have their voices heard."
The North Belfast MLA made the comments ahead of an Alliance Assembly motion scheduled for tomorrow, 12 May, which seeks to secure better support for those impacted by autism across Northern Ireland.
Ms McAllister highlighted that services are currently severely overwhelmed, resulting in long waiting times and inconsistent access to essential resources such as respite and short-break services.
Nuala McAllister MLA said: "Our autism services are severely overwhelmed, leaving families and individuals without the support they desperately need.
"Imagine waiting years to understand why your child is struggling, only to find yourself without any support. Thousands of families across Northern Ireland seeking respite and short-break services face a postcode lottery, with some receiving little support while others receive nothing at all. This is the unfair reality.
"The findings of the Independent Autism Reviewer's Annual Report September 2024 – March 2026 highlight the negative mental health effects associated with our long waiting times for assessments, as well as the mental health challenges faced by individuals with autism who struggle to fit into a society centred around neurotypical ideals.
"Our System is broken, and individuals with autism and their families should not have to fight to have their voices heard. That's why Alliance is calling on the Health Minister to urgently deliver fit-for-purpose autism services and outline his plan to cut waiting lists, deliver the Autism Strategy and support the many families left struggling."
The North Belfast MLA made the comments ahead of an Alliance Assembly motion scheduled for tomorrow, 12 May, which seeks to secure better support for those impacted by autism across Northern Ireland.
Ms McAllister highlighted that services are currently severely overwhelmed, resulting in long waiting times and inconsistent access to essential resources such as respite and short-break services.
Nuala McAllister MLA said: "Our autism services are severely overwhelmed, leaving families and individuals without the support they desperately need.
"The findings of the Independent Autism Reviewer's Annual Report September 2024 – March 2026 highlight the negative mental health effects associated with our long waiting times for assessments, as well as the mental health challenges faced by individuals with autism who struggle to fit into a society centred around neurotypical ideals.
"Our System is broken, and individuals with autism and their families should not have to fight to have their voices heard. That's why Alliance is calling on the Health Minister to urgently deliver fit-for-purpose autism services and outline his plan to cut waiting lists, deliver the Autism Strategy and support the many families left struggling."
Latest Northern Ireland News
14 May 2026
'Look Up to Live' Campaign Warns of Deadly Overhead Power Line Risks
NIE Networks has launched a significant new public safety campaign, "Look Up to Live," following confirmation that more than 40 people were involved in incidents with overhead electricity lines in 2025. These accidents resulted in devastating consequences, including life-changing injuries and fatalities.
'Look Up to Live' Campaign Warns of Deadly Overhead Power Line Risks
NIE Networks has launched a significant new public safety campaign, "Look Up to Live," following confirmation that more than 40 people were involved in incidents with overhead electricity lines in 2025. These accidents resulted in devastating consequences, including life-changing injuries and fatalities.
14 May 2026
Education Minister Breaks Ground On £22m Overhaul Of Glenwood Primary School
Education Minister Paul Givan has broken ground on a major construction programme at Glenwood Primary School, marking the formal start of works. The £22 million investment will refurbish the existing Grade B1 listed building and deliver a new block with ten classrooms, a library and dining facilities.
Education Minister Breaks Ground On £22m Overhaul Of Glenwood Primary School
Education Minister Paul Givan has broken ground on a major construction programme at Glenwood Primary School, marking the formal start of works. The £22 million investment will refurbish the existing Grade B1 listed building and deliver a new block with ten classrooms, a library and dining facilities.
14 May 2026
New Logistics Academy to Help Local Residents Into Work
A new training initiative has been launched to help residents in Antrim and Newtownabbey kickstart careers in the thriving warehousing and logistics industry.
New Logistics Academy to Help Local Residents Into Work
A new training initiative has been launched to help residents in Antrim and Newtownabbey kickstart careers in the thriving warehousing and logistics industry.
14 May 2026
Belfast Residents Urged to Join 'Spring Fling' for British Heart Foundation
Belfast locals are being encouraged to take part in a "spring fling to mend a broken heart" by donating high-quality, pre-loved women's clothing to the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The call for donations comes as the charity celebrates its annual Reuse Revolution campaign, aimed at turning unwanted items into vital funds for medical research.
Belfast Residents Urged to Join 'Spring Fling' for British Heart Foundation
Belfast locals are being encouraged to take part in a "spring fling to mend a broken heart" by donating high-quality, pre-loved women's clothing to the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The call for donations comes as the charity celebrates its annual Reuse Revolution campaign, aimed at turning unwanted items into vital funds for medical research.
14 May 2026
Vertipools Installed At Strangford Lough To Boost Marine Life
An initiative to encourage marine species to colonise purpose-built rock pools is now under way on Strangford Lough. Ten Vertipools have been mounted on the club's seawall at Whiterock.
Vertipools Installed At Strangford Lough To Boost Marine Life
An initiative to encourage marine species to colonise purpose-built rock pools is now under way on Strangford Lough. Ten Vertipools have been mounted on the club's seawall at Whiterock.
14 May 2026
Alliance Calls for Urgent Overhaul of 'Broken' Autism Services
Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA has issued an urgent call to the Health Minister to deliver fit-for-purpose autism services, claiming that the current system is leaving families and individuals to "fight to have their voices heard.
Alliance Calls for Urgent Overhaul of 'Broken' Autism Services
Alliance Health spokesperson Nuala McAllister MLA has issued an urgent call to the Health Minister to deliver fit-for-purpose autism services, claiming that the current system is leaving families and individuals to "fight to have their voices heard.
14 May 2026
Swann Questions Govt Authority Following King's Speech
Ulster Unionist MP for South Antrim Robin Swann has expressed a mixture of support and skepticism following the delivery of today's King's Speech. While welcoming the focus on national security and the economy, the MP warned that mounting leadership pressure on the Prime Minister may hinder the delivery of the 37 announced bills.
Swann Questions Govt Authority Following King's Speech
Ulster Unionist MP for South Antrim Robin Swann has expressed a mixture of support and skepticism following the delivery of today's King's Speech. While welcoming the focus on national security and the economy, the MP warned that mounting leadership pressure on the Prime Minister may hinder the delivery of the 37 announced bills.
14 May 2026
Major Resurfacing Project Announced for Castledawson Roundabout
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that a £250,000 resurfacing scheme is set to begin at the A6 Castledawson Roundabout on Monday 18 May 2026. The project will also include a short stretch of the A54 Magherafelt Road.
Major Resurfacing Project Announced for Castledawson Roundabout
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that a £250,000 resurfacing scheme is set to begin at the A6 Castledawson Roundabout on Monday 18 May 2026. The project will also include a short stretch of the A54 Magherafelt Road.
14 May 2026
Larne Skyline to Change as Latharna House Demolition Approaches
The iconic 16-storey Latharna House in Larne is set to be demolished, with work beginning later this month. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that a contractor is now in place to remove the building, which has been a prominent fixture of the local skyline since the early 1970s.
Larne Skyline to Change as Latharna House Demolition Approaches
The iconic 16-storey Latharna House in Larne is set to be demolished, with work beginning later this month. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that a contractor is now in place to remove the building, which has been a prominent fixture of the local skyline since the early 1970s.
13 May 2026
Minister Muir Outlines Vision for Sustainable Food System at Balmoral Show
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has detailed his strategy for creating a resilient and environmentally sustainable food system in Northern Ireland through close partnership with farmers, processors, and consumers.
Minister Muir Outlines Vision for Sustainable Food System at Balmoral Show
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has detailed his strategy for creating a resilient and environmentally sustainable food system in Northern Ireland through close partnership with farmers, processors, and consumers.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Rather cloudy start with showers, perhaps some more persistent rain at first in far west. Becoming brighter with some long sunny spells developing, towards midday, the showers becoming lighter and less frequent. Fresh northerly winds, strong in coastal parts. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Some good spells of evening sunshine, and long clear spells overnight, with just a few showers around. Touch of frost possible in sheltered spots. Winds easing. Minimum temperature 2 °C.