To ask the Minister of Health to outline the timescale and development of an autism strategy beyond 2020.

Whilst preparations had been at an advanced stage for the next phase of cross-departmental and stakeholder engagement to agree future actions for a revised autism strategy for publication at the beginning of 2021, this work has been significantly constrained as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. My Department has, however, continued to engage with stakeholders via bilateral meetings and in July issued a public questionnaire to a range of organisations for circulation to inform key priorities for the future. I will shortly be writing to my Executive colleagues to update them on this work, and next steps.