AQW 37719/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 36508/22-27, whether there is an obligation to offer all parents a clinician, either medical or allied health professional, appointment following an autism diagnosis.
Asked by Nuala McAllister MLA on 7 January 2026
- Answered
- Written
- Tabled
- 7 January 2026
- Answer due by
- 22 January 2026
- Answered
- 22 January 202615 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
There is no obligation to offer all parents a clinician appointment, either medical or allied health professional, following an autism diagnosis.
As advised in AQW 36508/22-27, the assessing Clinician will make appropriate onward referrals if indicated based on the individual needs identified during the assessment. Onward referral may be to Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).