With 35,000 autistic people currently living in Northern Ireland, Autism NI is calling for urgent action to be taken to introduce a specialist autism mental health service for autistic people. 

With recent figures showing that autistic adults are nine times more likely to die from suicide and autistic children twenty times more likely to self-harm, the Charity is pressing for mental health professionals to be trained in autism, offering tailored support strategies that work for autistic people. 

These figures are staggering, and it is imperative that there is an introduction of a specialist autism mental health service in Northern Ireland now, to provide better services that are well-equipped in supporting autistic people. There is currently no mandatory autism training for mental health professionals. Training is key to ensure that appropriate adjustments are made for each autistic person, and to ensure that our mental health service is person-centred, adapting treatment and care at every point throughout a person’s journey. It is vital that autistic people and their families get the same access to mental health support as everyone else, and mental healthcare professionals are equipped to work collaboratively with autistic people.
Kerry Boyd
I feel particularly strong about autistic people in Northern Ireland being able to access consistent regional services, and more specifically, appropriate levels of mental health support, tailored to individual need. From listening to constituents, it’s clear is that the current system is not set up to support this, and autistic people and their families are being isolated and pushed from service to service.
Pam Cameron MLA
I felt completely abandoned when my mental health deteriorated. I was told there was no specialist support for autistic people which left me feeling scared and incredibly anxious for my future. Changes need to be made as I don’t want anyone else to feel like I did during those dark times. These changes should start with professionals being trained in autism and understanding how they can adapt their support strategies to help autistic people.
Kathy

Autism NI provides vital services for over 35,000 autistic people and their families throughout Northern Ireland, and campaigns for autism acceptance within society.

To find out more or for further information please call 028 9040 1729 or visit www.autismni.org