Debate contribution: Autism Services

Debate contribution by Mrs Pam Cameron on 12 May 2026.

MLA: Mrs Pam Cameron
Party at the time: Democratic Unionist Party
Date: 12 May 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Autism Services
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5528421

Text

I thank the Members who tabled the motion for highlighting the ongoing and deeply concerning issues surrounding autism services in Northern Ireland. As a member of the all-party group on autism and sponsor of the Autism (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022, I am profoundly frustrated that, despite repeated commitments, strategies and two pieces of legislation, so many autistic people and their families continue to be failed by the systems that are supposed to support them. In my work across my constituency, I hear regularly from parents and autistic adults about the barriers that they face daily when accessing basic services and appropriate supports. Far too many families are being left to fight for support in a system that is fragmented, under-resourced and regionally inconsistent across Northern Ireland. One of the clearest examples of systemic failure is the current waiting times for autism assessments. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance states that autism assessment pathways should be completed within 13 weeks, yet, in some health trust areas, families wait for up to five years to simply receive a diagnosis. That represents five years without clarity, five years without access to appropriate interventions and five years of avoidable stress and anxiety for children, parents and adults. Early diagnosis and intervention are evidence-based approaches that improve educational outcomes, mental health outcomes and long-term independence. Delayed diagnosis often results in needs escalating to crisis point, placing even greater pressure on health, education and social care services further down the line. In other words, the failure to intervene early is not only damaging for families but economically short-sighted. In education, autistic children continue to be failed in the classroom environment. Many parents report that their child is either not receiving the support that is needed or is being placed on a reduced timetable because the school does not have the capacity or resources to meet need. Even more concerning is the increasing number of autistic children who are now being described as experiencing "school can't" — children who are unable to attend school because the educational environment has become overwhelming, unsupported or unsuitable for them. Families are also deeply worried about what happens when their child reaches adulthood. Too many parents describe a cliff edge in support once a young person leaves school. There remains a lack of meaningful pathways into further education, employment, independent living and community participation for autistic adults. The employment figures alone should act as a wake-up call. Across the UK, only 22% of autistic adults are in employment, which is one of the lowest employment rates of any disability group. Many autistic people have enormous skills, talents and potential that are being overlooked because workplaces are not adapting recruitment practices or providing appropriate support. That is why we in government must move beyond simply recognising the problem and begin implementing measurable actions. We need targeted employment strategies, supported apprenticeships, autism-friendly recruitment practices and greater partnership among government, employers and the community sector to create sustainable employment opportunities. I welcome the fact that the Health Minister is here to respond to the debate. I welcome the publication of the latest delivery plan, but I remain concerned by the continuing absence of clear, measurable and time-bound targets. That has been a persistent weakness of previous strategies and action plans. Without quantifiable targets, transparent reporting mechanisms and departmental accountability, it becomes impossible to properly assess whether progress is being made. Aspirational language alone will not reduce waiting lists, improve school supports or increase employment opportunities. If the strategy is to succeed, Departments must be held accountable for outcomes, not simply intentions. That means setting measurable targets for outcomes on diagnosis, waiting times, educational support provision and transitions into adulthood and employment, alongside regular public reporting on progress. Under the provisions of the Autism (Amendment) Act 2022, Ema Cubitt was appointed in 2024 as the first Independent Autism Reviewer for Northern Ireland, and we absolutely welcome that. The role is the first of its kind across the United Kingdom and Ireland, and we should be rightly proud of it. However, Ema Cubitt has, on several occasions, highlighted the significant challenges associated with carrying out her responsibilities effectively, particularly because of insufficient resources, inadequate data —.
Thank you.

705 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

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