AQW 6252/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 03/09/2020
Answered On Date: 05/10/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to outline the timescale and development of an autism strategy beyond 2020.

Answer:

Whilst preparations had been at an advanced stage for the next phase of cross-departmental and stakeholder engagement to agree future actions for a revised autism strategy for publication at the beginning of 2021, this work has been significantly constrained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. My Department has, however, continued to engage with stakeholders via bilateral meetings and in July issued a public questionnaire to a range of organisations for circulation to inform key priorities for the future. I will shortly be writing to my Executive colleagues to update them on this work, and next steps.