Ulster Unionist MLA, Ross Hussey has said that there must be a change of mindset from the top down to ensure that people with autism are receiving the support they need.
Ross sad:
“My first knowledge of autism was gained by my membership of the Western Health and Social Services Council. Before then I had absolutely no knowledge of autism, until a presentation to the health council by a group of parents pricked my conscience and made me want to know a little bit more. For that reason, I sat on the health council’s autism group, and it is also for that reason that I now sit on the all-party Assembly group on autism.'
“The “You Need to Know” campaign is extremely worthy of support. Our society needs to be aware of the needs of people with autism. We need to see a change of mindset from the top down. We need the Westminster government to recognise the needs of UK citizens with autism and the financial and practical implications of developing the relevant resources.’
“I think there is now, more than ever, a public appetite to see the delivery of improved support systems for children with autism. And it is important that those who are supporting the children are also receiving support too, like their parents and teachers. I would particularly like to see teachers receiving specialist training to enable them to gain a better knowledge of autism and its requirements in the classroom.’
Ross was supported by his Ulster Unionist colleague and Education committee member, Jo-Anne Dobson MLA:
“I would pay tribute to the National Autistic Society Northern Ireland, which produced the ‘You Need to Know’ report as well as the more recent ‘A* for Autism’. Having that research carried out and those reports published adds greatly to the debate on recognising the needs of people with autism, their families and their carers.’
“Through relatives and constituents whose families have been directly affected by autism, I know that some people struggling with this disability can find the world a very puzzling and frightening place. Support at an early age can make such a positive difference. When a child receives dedicated help and guidance, so begins the process of lifelong care and assistance, which helps people to communicate better and to relate to people around them, thus improving their everyday social interaction.’
“At a time when we are debating reforms to the special educational needs system, we must consider the challenges that children with autism face in the classroom. The Autism Bill was passed last year, but, unless there is a genuine change in approach, the problems may never be truly tackled.’
