AQW 50051/22-27
Miss Nuala McAllister
Alliance Party
North Belfast
Tabled Date: 30/06/2026
Answered On Date: 30/07/2026
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 45019/22-27, to detail the average waiting time for an initial appointment for an autism diagnosis, for children under the age of 18.
Answer:
Health and Social Care Trusts have resumed reporting of autism assessment waiting lists since April 2026. It should be advised that these figures are provided with a high level of confidence. Validation of reporting is still ongoing as information from Encompass is being manually checked for accuracy. The most recent return is set out below: Number of Children waiting for Autism Diagnostic Assessment (as of May 2026) | HSC Trust | Children waiting | Belfast | 4,996 | Northern | 5,545 | South Eastern | 3,145 | Southern | 1,996 | Western | 2,988 | Total | 18,670 |
Source: Manual Trust Returns to SPPG Information The Department does not hold information on average waiting times for ASD assessments.
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