Bill seeks to establish national autism strategy

A Labour TD is to put forward a private member's bill today seeking the establishment of a national autism strategy for adults with the disorder.

Autism acts were passed in England four years ago and in the North two years ago. The Scottish and Welsh governments introduced national autism strategies in 2008 and 2011.

A HSE review of autism services carried out last year stated that “geographically, current services can vary from robust, comprehensive and integrated to isolated, patchy and ineffective”. It also found “differing models and approaches to provision of health services were evident across local health offices and service areas”.