AQW 50050/22-27 Written question to the Minister of Health
To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 45019/22-27, whether validated waiting list information for autism services is now available through encompass.
Asked by Nuala McAllister MLA on 30 June 2026
- Answered
- Written
- After due date
- Tabled
- 30 June 2026
- Answer due by
- 17 July 2026
- Answered
- 30 July 202630 days after tabling
- Department
- Department of Health
- Priority question
- No
Answer
Health and Social Care Trusts have resumed reporting of autism assessment waiting lists since April 2026. It should be advised that these figures are provided with a high level of confidence. Validation of reporting is still ongoing as information from Encompass is being manually checked for accuracy.
The most recent return is set out below:
| Number of Children waiting for Autism Diagnostic Assessment (as of May 2026) | |
| HSC Trust | Children waiting |
| Belfast | 4,996 |
| Northern | 5,545 |
| South Eastern | 3,145 |
| Southern | 1,996 |
| Western | 2,988 |
| Total | 18,670 |
Source: Manual Trust Returns to SPPG Information
The Department does not hold information on average waiting times for ASD assessments.