Northern Ireland

Call for autistic children to access school if deemed in their best interest

The Department of Education issued specific guidance on the placement of vulnerable children in school on 10 April; this required children including those with additional needs to have a best interest assessment. If the outcome was that the child’s best interests would be better met in school, then a school placement should be offered.

Many families, especially those with children or young people with complex needs who required high levels of support, really suffered under lockdown. Families were expected to work, look after other children and care for their child or young person with complex needs. Services stopped overnight and the lack of routine and structure led to very distressed behaviour among many children and young people.

Therefore, we advocated on behalf of these families to the Northern Ireland Assembly, Department of Education and the Education Authority. We also supported legal action. In late June, a number of young people were offered school placements. We have since been advocating with the Assembly and via the media that special schools need to re-open on a full-time basis when schools return. To access education support, you can contact our Education Rights Helpline.

Broken promises report

In 2016, we published our Broken promises report in conjunction with Autism NI. This report analysed the impact of the 2011 Northern Ireland Autism Act, Action Plan and Strategy. Unfortunately, our research found that autistic people and their families feel that their hopes for a better future have been dashed. The Department of Health is currently consulting on what should be in a new Autism Strategy and Action Plan. We are campaigning to ensure that that the issues raised in the Broken promises report are remedied in the new Strategy and Plan.

Too Much Information

Past successes in Northern Ireland

First Minister addresses autistic people and their families

The month of April is normally dedicated to raising awareness and understanding of autism in Northern Ireland, but due to the lockdown, all activities were cancelled. We contacted the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister to ask them if they would specifically address autistic people and their families during this difficult time.

On 15 April, during the Northern Ireland Executive's daily coronavirus briefing, The First Minister Arlene Foster acknowledged the very real challenges that autistic people and their families were facing. She thanked them for playing their part in tackling the virus under very trying circumstances. You can see the Minister’s address here.

Exemptions to exercising for autistic people

During lockdown, a new law restricted people to exercising once a day and forbid them to travel beyond their local area. We raised the issue with the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Covid Committee to ensure that autistic people were exempt from this law.

We also raised it with the policing board of Northern Ireland and in the media to ensure autistic people and the police were aware of this exemption.

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For many years, our charity has been rated as one of the most effective disability charities by MPs.

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