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A WEST Tyrone MLA is to forward a motion to the Stormont Assembly next week calling for the Health Minister to properly invest in services for those with autism.
It follows a number of meetings in recent weeks hosted by the Sinn Féin MLA, Maolíosa McHugh.
He has highlighted the consequences of the lack of investment in autism services, including the long waiting lists for assessments and the knock-on effects on children not receiving classroom special needs support that they so badly need.
“We have also discussed the perennial problem of lack of transition services for people with autism and other disabilities upon leaving formal education and the lack of adult support services,” Mr McHugh added.
A delegation will now be requesting a meeting with the Education Authority and other relevant agencies to try and secure progress on the various areas of concern.
“No parent should have to pay for an autism diagnosis for their child,” Mr McHugh continued.
“The Health Minister should invest in these services to cut down waiting lists and ensure this doesn’t happen.”