To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to list the community and voluntary sector organisations that have participated in developing both the Autism Strategy and Action Plan; and for his assessment of the importance of these organisations in supporting people with autism.

The Autism Strategy (2013-2020) and Action Plan (2013-2016) was developed through a process of collaborative and consultative working between people with autism, their families and carers, representatives from all NI government departments and a number of community and voluntary sector organisations.

The community and voluntary sector organisations who participated in this development via the Autism Strategy Project Board and/or responded to the consultation were: ASD Support Group NI; ASK about Autism; Autism NI; Autism Initiatives NI; Autism Network NI; Barnardo’s NI; Children’s Law Centre; Disability Action; Early Years – The Organisation for Young People; Kaleidoscope NI; MENCAP; National Autistic Society NI; NI Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders; Parents Autism Lobby; and SOLAS Special Needs Charity for NI and Victim Support NI. Respondents to the consultation are listed at: http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/autism-strategy-consultation-feedback.pdf.

I readily acknowledge the positive role of voluntary and community organisations in supporting people with autism and their families. Such work is vital in complementing statutory services delivered by professionals and support staff in health and social care, and also that provided by other government departments and their agencies.