Autism Specific Educational Provision

The Southern Education and Library Board has extended the range of provision for children and young people with ASD. The majority of children are educated in mainstream schools. Some require more specialist provision such as in ASD specific Learning Support Centres or in ASD classes in any one of the Board’s Special Schools.

The Autism Advisory and Intervention Service (AAIS) works in partnership with schools, parents and other professionals and agencies to support the personal, social and educational development of children and young people with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). The service comprises teachers and autism intervention officers who have specific training and experience in providing support for children and young people with an ASD, their parents, teachers and other staff. A Senior Educational Psychologist has responsibility for the management and development of the service.

Improvements to Autism Health and Social Care services in Northern Ireland

Plans are ongoing to improve autism services for children and adults in Northern Ireland.

The Regional Autism Spectrum Disorder Network was set up by the Health and Social care Board to implement the Autism Action Plan published by Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey last autumn and already much progreass has been made.

To find out what the Network is all about and what improvements to autism services are planned, please click on this link to the Health and Social Care Board; http://www.hscboard.hscni.net/asdnetwork.html