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A PROPOSED BILL to provide Ireland with a national strategy around autism will be discussed in the Dáil today.
The legislation, written and brought forward by Labour TD Michael McCarthy, allows for a “unified standard of autism care nationally”.
It also includes other measures such as an awareness campaign.
According to McCarthy, Health Minister James Reilly has indicated his support for the Bill.
“It will set out how future governments, regardless of its composition, will meet the needs of people and support them to ensure they reach their full potential regardless of where they live,” said the Cork deputy.
“I have been working on this particular issue for over a year now and it is pleasing to see it finally reach this critical stage after months of discussions with various stakeholders, ministers, officials in the Department of Health.”
McCarthy said he was contacted by “many parents” in his constituency who have concerns around the lack of service provision for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
There is still a lack of knowledge surrounding the condition, he continued.
“I was struck by their stories and after looking into the matter further, it was clear that Ireland was considerably behind the curve this area, and that legislation would be a first step in addressing the problem.”
England and Northern Ireland both have Autism Acts in place, while Scotland and Wales have implemented strategies on the issue.
About 600 children are born with autism each year in Ireland, a dramatic increase in diagnoses.
The Bill requires cooperation from various departments, including education, social protection, health and jobs. McCarthy will launch it today at 10am outside Leinster House. He will be accompanied by the CEO of the Irish Society for Autism Pat Matthews and 20-year-old Conor Deeney from Ballyliffin in Donegal, who has autism.
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I would like to thank Michael Mc Carthy for his interest and efforts.It will be interesting to see just what the strategy is going forward.
They can with with not moving services out of communities. Blanchardstown & castleknock child and adolescent mental health services were moved to the other side of the city. Which takes 2 buses to get to trying doing that with a kid who is being assessed for autism or ADHD and then having then fit for doing assessments.
Is this a joke and they removing staff from St Catherine’s in Wicklow.What does Autism mean to all these politicians sitting in the Dail?
Why is there a picture of a child with the article when the Bill pertains to adults? Part of the reason why adults with autism have such a difficult time getting support from anywhere is because everyone has focused on children to the absolute exclusion of adults with autism and their views. Even on radio this morning, all I heard were parents being interviewed. There are plenty of cabable adults out there with autism who are well able of sharing their perspective, it’s just no one will give them a platform, so they get squeezed out of any public conversation that relates to them.
On a side note, the issue of staff redundancies in St. Catherines has more to do with internal issues of finances and governance that has been ongoing for quite a number of years, not government cut backs.
Lorraine, I agree with you. This Bill is an amendment to the Equal Status Act and the Employment Act, so the definition of “disability” is broadened to include people who have “difficulty socialising and forming relationships”.
Whether or not these Acts will translate into reality and have a positive impact on the lives of all autistic adults remains to be seen.
Adults with autism are “included” within some charities, but only those who have college degrees and/or live fully independently. While this gives hope to many parents of autistic children, it does very little for the majority of autistic adults who do not have the same education or career opportunities.
To paraphrase Ari Ne’eman: “Autism organisations are very happy to include us when we stick to our true life story of overcoming adversity. However, sneak in a few political opinions and the accusations of inappropriateness come flying fast and thick”.
The Internet has opened up many doors to the autistic community. So-called “low functioning” people like Amy Sequenzia, Henry Frost, and many others, have made valuable contributions. They live happy and fulfilled lives, because of their disabilities, not in spite of them. When people with autism or any type of disability or mental health condition are given a means of communication in an age-appropriate manner (even if it is not through speech) and when we are included in a meaningful way (as opposed to tokenism), literally anything could be possible.
The short sighted opinion of politicians is money spent on autism falls down a hole and does not make a difference, they think children will be autistic adults needing as much support as they did when young no matter how much is spent. So they try to spend as little as possible.
That myth is dangerously wrong. Early intervention and eduction is key to improving a child’s autism, with early intervention there’s a better chance they can obtain employment and live an independent or semi independent life as adults, a better chance they will rely less on social welfare and adult mental health services.
A small sum spent improving autism services for the young will save money in the long run.
Only now this is happening? A first national strategy on Autism in 2013!? Crazy late guys. The problem with TD’s is that they look at an issue and only really take a deep interest in it if it effects someone belonging to them in their family. If nobody in their family has autism then they’ll be like, “hell sure what what I care about that thing like”
As a parent of a six year old on the autism spectrum, I’m glad to see something being done around standardising the services. It is crazy how diverse the approaches taken by different service providers can be – the HSE has subcontracted out the services in most areas & it is really an address lottery as to what services are available. My son has done very well due to early diagnosis & intervention driven by ourselves for the most part. My worries mainly relate to his teenage years and beyond when as far as I can see services are piecemeal & chaotic at best.
Early intervention is key. Putting money into services for young children with Autism would save much more money in the long run. As usual, Ireland is totally behind the times. As a sibling of someone with Autism and a learning disability, this ‘strategy’ is too little too late.
will be interesting to see what ‘cooperation’ they expect,or will get,for that matter,from joan burton and her social protection department.given that so far all she seems to do is,cut respite care and refuse people domicillary care allowance.great help that is for people affected by autism.
Why is this government forcing people into the high court to get what their kids with autisim are entitled too .If they think parents wont take them on they are badly mistaken
Why is everyone so negative? I was there today and it is a step forward. There are service’s for children with ASD, some attention needs to be brought to adults with ASD also.
Seriously take a step back! Autism once known as Kanner’s Schizophrenia, thought to been caused by the ‘cold fridge mother’ and now has taken Asperger’s Syndrome it to its DSM V definitions! We now want to legislate for something that has been redefined and packaged by psychiatrists, psychologist and the law!
The UK & NI may have legislation but I wonder is it legislation for services these individuals and families need or a Government that will accept them as full citizens, ensure their services are ring fenced and get on with life!
*what would
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