24th April 2008

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A hard-hitting research report on the lack of statutory services for children with autism and their parents and carers will be published this week.

The report, Meeting the Needs of Families Living with Children Diagnosed with Austism Spectrum Disorder, was compiled by researchers from the University of Ulster, QUB and autism charity, PEAT, supported by funding from the Royal Irish Academy.

A total of 95 parents, representing 100 children with ASD and 67 multi-disciplinary professionals took part in the research which covered both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The report concluded that there is a severe lack of statutory service provision, in particular in Northern Ireland.

“There are deficiencies in the formation of parent/professional partnerships; prolonged waiting times for diagnosis and the issuing of Special Educational Needs Statements and the absence of a coherent view on science-based policy and practice,” said Dr Mickey Keenan, from the University of Ulster’s School of Psychology.

He added: “While parents and professionals largely agreed about future needs, there were some discrepancies with regard to the basis of interventions. The research uncovered considerable lack of knowledge and application of the science of behaviour analysis amongst professionals that can be directly linked to the non-inclusion of suitably qualified behaviour analysts in local governmental reviews and reports.”

Amongst the recommendations of the report are:

• Quicker diagnosis of children with ASD;

• Better training for staff involved in making diagnosis;

• Early intervention and regular revision of children’s education and care plans;

• That the cost benefits of early intervention are taken into account;

• More support for Applied Behaviour Analysis training and education and better parent/professional partnerships.

Dr Tony Byrne, chairperson of PEAT and one of the researchers, as well as the father of two children with ASD, said: “While this report may make uncomfortable reading for some, it is necessary to show those in positions of power that current services are neither adequate nor effective.

“The research has allowed PEAT to identify our priorities to help families and to develop a strategy for the next five years. Effective training for parents and carers can help to make a real difference for their kids, but they need the full support of health and education professionals in their struggle with autism”.

The report will be launched at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast on Friday, April 25 at 12 noon.

A full copy of the report can be downloaded at www.peatni.org

For further information, please contact:

Trina Porter
Telephone: 028 71675511
Email: Trina Porter