To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the capacity of Health and Social Care Northern Ireland to meet the demand for autism services.

My concern regarding the demand for autism services and increasing referral lists is well documented and I appreciate the challenges that waiting times present for individuals, their families and carers.

Trusts have reported that demand for services is outstripping the capacity to address increasing waiting lists with a number of factors contributing to this. As with many areas of the health and social care sector, the ability to recruit and retain sufficient numbers of specialised staff to deliver autism services is challenging. Additionally, the increase in requests from individuals who require a diagnosis, to allocate services and support relating to education and benefits is further impacting on services.

The Health and Social Care Board are continuing to engage with Trusts to keep waiting list figures and demand for services under review.