Motion

Motion TitleDelivering Fit-for-Purpose Autism Services

Motion TextThat this Assembly expresses significant concern at the failure to provide fit-for-purpose services and support for those impacted by autism in Northern Ireland; further expresses significant concern at the findings of the Independent Autism Reviewer’s Annual Report September 2024 – March 2026 including on major pressures in respite and short break provision, the mental health effects of long autism assessment waiting times, the postcode lottery of available services, and the lack of a cross-government transition pathway for autistic young people; agrees that, with autism rates rising exponentially, providing high quality and responsive autism services should be a priority for the Department of Health; and calls on the Minister of Health to outline how he will ensure delivery of the measures in the Autism Strategy 2023 – 2028 and the Autism Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 during the rest of the Assembly mandate and his plans for the continued improvement of services in the years that follow.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office27/04/2026

Date Selected By Committee28/04/2026

Date of Plenary Debate12/05/2026