To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the increase in the number of people having to use private healthcare for autism services.

I have publicly stated that access to services should be available to all at the time that support is required and this is not unique to autism.

I am acutely aware that lengthy waiting lists are presenting challenges to individuals and families who are waiting for autism assessment and that this has resulted in some families seeking private assessment. However, the decision to seek private diagnosis is a personal choice for individuals and families and constitutes private treatment.