Jack Wall
Question:232 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to investigate and provide a long-term health plan for autistic children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10624/00]
Written Answers. - Autism Services.
The Government is committed to the development of services to children with autism. In recent years significant additional funding has been allocated for the development of these services. £4.6 million has been provided since 1998, with a full year cost of £5.1 million in 2001, specifically for the development of health related support services for children with autism.
The health related support services required are essentially assessment, early intervention, respite and outreach support services to the children, teachers and families, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, psychological and psychiatric intervention, nursing, social work and home support. The provision of residential services, where appropriate, would also be part of these support services.
The Department of Education and Science, which has responsibility for the provision of educational services, has established a number of special classes for children with autism and the health boards have established multi-disciplinary teams to provide these classes with the support services outlined above. These teams work closely with parents and teachers in order to address the needs of the children concerned.
The Government is committed to a significant programme of capital and revenue investment over the period 2000 to 2002 to meet the identified needs of persons with autism and those with an intellectual disability. My Department will continue to work with the health boards, voluntary agencies, the Department of Education and Science and the families of children with autism to meet both their current and long-term health related needs.