Sinn Fein MLA Maeve McLaughlin
SINN Féin Derry MLA Maeve McLaughlin has said the DUP health minister Simon Hamilton needs to return to his post and work with the Education Minister John O’Dowd to deal with growing rates of autism.
The chair of the Assembly’s health committee said: ‘The prevalence of autism has increased in recent years and everyone involved in that sector is in agreement on the need for early intervention.
“As of March this year almost 1,400 children were waiting for a diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“Improving the system will require increased cooperation between the health department and the education department.
“For that to happen we need a health minister in place, working with the education minister.
“The DUP need to step up to the mark and get back to work tackling important issues such as ensuring children and young people with autism get the service they deserve.”
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