As the Deputy is aware, health related support services for children with autism and their families have been greatly enhanced and expanded since 1998. The health boards have established a number of multi-disciplinary teams comprising speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses and social workers to provide health related support services to children with autism and, in particular, special classes for children with autism are being developed by the Department of Education and Science. A total of £4.6 million has been provided for the development and enhancement of these services since 1998 rising to a full year cost of £5.1 million in 2001.
With reference to the level of therapy services provided to individual classes, the question of the overall level of input from any particular therapist will vary in each case, depending on the individual needs of the children. It is a matter for each health board to determine the overall level of support that can be made available and to identify specific needs that should be addressed.
With reference to the provision of respite services, £4 million has been provided this year, with a full year cost of £5 million in 2001, specifically for the development of new respite places for persons with an intellectual disability and those with autism.
