New report highlights innovative approach of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership

CARDIFF, Wales: A new report by autism charities demonstrated the innovative approaches to improving the lives of people with autism across the North of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

That's the feeling of many of the charities within the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership (CNAP) and those in the Autism Alliance UK. CNAP spokesman Cathy Maclean said: "The North of Ireland, Scotland and Wales are being particularly dynamic in the way their devolved governments are helping with national autism strategies,"

Arlene Cassidy, CEO of Autism Northern Ireland, commented: "Massive social change takes time but it also takes leadership, consistency and inclusive practice. This was vital in our successful campaign for equality legislation for Autism in Northern Ireland."

Sinn Fin Health spokesperson Councillor Paul Fleming said: "Since the Welsh and Scottish Governments' introduction of an all-age autism strategy, legislation in the North of Ireland now impels all government departments to work together to deliver an all-age autism strategy and financial commitment has been promised for this. Government-funded strategies across the North of Ireland, much like in Scotland and Wales, are making real differences to the autism community and those who support them, especially the many voluntary sector organisations."

"In the future, there is the potential for the Island of Ireland to establish an all-age Autism Research Centre and work in conjunction with NUI Galway's centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, to provide better outcomes for autistic individuals and their families mirroring that which has been established at Cardiff University in Wales, which could increase investment and focus into autism research in Ireland."

(Source: CNAP, July 26, 2012)

Visit link:
New report highlights innovative approach of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership