Autism

Part of Private Members’ Business – in the Northern Ireland Assembly at 3:15 am on 9 January 2007.

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Photo of Carmel Hanna Carmel Hanna Social Democratic and Labour Party 3:15, 9 January 2007

I welcome the motion from my party colleague, and I support the amendment.

As elected representatives we are becoming more aware of the autism spectrum disorder, a develop­mental disability. However, there is still a general lack of understanding on the part of the public. That is by the very fact that it can be a hidden condition and is such a varied condition. However, that is improving through the well-organised campaign mounted by Autism Northern Ireland, which is a charity made up of parents, professionals, other support groups, and friends and acquaintances, as well as constituents.

The dire need for the implementation of a well-

co-ordinated strategy has been brought home to me. Furthermore, awareness needs to be raised with regard to the dilemmas and issues facing parents and carers of people with autism. We are learning more about this complex and challenging disorder from other places, particularly regarding legislation and the need for a clear strategic direction; we must continue to learn.

Today is our opportunity to move the issue forward, and so I make a plea, particularly to the DUP and Sinn Féin, to make a move; get on with it and let the rest of us get back to work.