AQW 41859/22-27

Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast

Tabled Date: 04/03/2026
Answered On Date: 06/04/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether there will be regional commissioning of post-diagnosis support for children who receive an autism diagnosis.

Answer:

Children’s Autism services are currently commissioned to offer post diagnostic intervention. Health and Social Care Trusts (HSCTs) already offer post diagnostic support following an autism assessment.

It is recognised that there is a deficit in provision both for assessment and post-diagnostic support and that investment is required across a range of services that would help meet the needs of the autistic population.

The Department is currently operating within a constrained budget and is required to make decisions in relation to the work that can be delivered within current resources. Any decision to commission services in the future will be based on an assessment of the level of demand for services.