Government yet to make substantial progress on autism recommendations

In 2023, the then-Oireachtas Autism Committee published its final report which included 109 recommendations. A review of the report by the current Oireachtas committee on disability matters has found that the Government has made "good progress" on just 32 of those, with "limited progress" on 59 and no progress at all on 18. File photo

The Government has only made good progress on less than a third of the recommendations made by an autism committee two years ago.

In 2023, the then-Oireachtas Autism Committee published its final report which included 109 recommendations. A review of the report by the current Oireachtas committee on disability matters has found that the Government has made "good progress" on just 32 of those, with "limited progress" on 59 and no progress at all on 18.

A “good progress” tag was designated where it was clear that a recommendation had already been acted upon. The new review did say that "notable progress" had been made in some of the recommendations.

It said: "Progress has been made in establishing stronger governance and implementation structures for autism policy, particularly through the Autism Innovation Strategy and related initiatives on data.

"However, full realisation of the Final Report recommendations will depend on sustained cross-government co-ordination, continued investment in service capacity, and further consideration of dedicated autism legislation to embed these commitments in law."

However, there are still aspects of life for autistic people where problems remain, the report said. 

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When looking at health and life, the review noted that autistic people required timely diagnosis, co-ordinated healthcare, mental-health supports, and qualified staff who understand autism. But the review said "significant challenges persist" in retaining staff and ensuring equitable service delivery.

In a recent publication, autism charity AsIAm estimated that 85% of autistic people here are unemployed or underemployed.

The Oireachtas review noted that while there was clear progress when it came to promoting inclusive employment and reducing barriers for autistic jobseekers, continued focus will be required to ensure that practices extend beyond the public sector.

The chair of the committee on joint disability, Maurice Quinlivan, said: "Several key issues were identified by the former Joint Committee on Autism which remain relevant to this committee, including delays in Assessments of Need, insufficient access to assessments and services, issues with inclusivity in education and a lack of employment supports.

"More action is needed by the State to mobilise cross-sectoral actors and to place an autism strategy on a statutory footing as part of the wider review of disability legislation."

In the conclusion of the report, the committee acknowledges the efforts of departments and agencies that provided "detailed submissions". It also "welcomed" the steps taken to involve autistic people and their families in co-designing new policies and services.

But it did say some cases had shown that "reforms have been initiated but remain incomplete or are subject to long delays, particularly in relation to service access, workforce retention, and independent living supports".