Autism NI (PAPA), Donard, Knockbracken Healthcare Park, Saintfield Road, Belfast, BT8 8BH

In 1989 when the charity was formally constituted the following aims were agreed by the founding parents and professionals. They remain true today:-

• Promote the welfare of people with Autism
• Raise the awareness of Autism with politicians, policy makers, service providers and the general public
• Provide information to carers and professionals
• Provide training for professionals
• Promote quality assurance standards
• Be a pressure group
• Develop and maintain local support groups (branches) in Northern Ireland and the Border Counties
• Forge and maintain links with worldwide Autism
• Be the association and voice for Autism in Northern Ireland
• Work in partnership with a range of voluntary, private and statutory agencies
• Fundraise
• Offer family support
• Encourage research into Autism
• Promote relevant services for children, young people and adults with Autism

Our Strategic Plan
Autism NI annually reviews its Strategic Plan in partnership with its board, staff, regional branches and support groups. This guarantees the development of an achievable, realistic and visionary plan for the work of the charity year on year.

The Main Objectives for the charity detailed within the Strategic Plan include:

1. Empower the Branch Network and local support groups within a Community Development Framework which strengthens the Charity's partnership ethos between parents/professionals/individuals with Autism.
2. Identify need and work to promote and establish models of best practice and quality services for individuals with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their families.
3. Ensure that the Autism Community in Northern Ireland is kept informed of current and relevant developments in Autism in Northern Ireland and in Autism worldwide.
4. Ensure that the needs of people with Autism are understood by policy makers.
5. Raise Awareness of Autism and Autism NI (PAPA) with the general public through operating and reviewing an effective Autism NI (PAPA) Communication Strategy.
6. Maximise the potential of all human and physical resources within Autism NI (PAPA).
7. Maintain and strengthen the funding base and financial management of Autism NI (PAPA).

Our Position Statements

• Assessment & Diagnosis (29kb)
• Therapies & Interventions (35kb)
• MMR (12kb)
• Researchers & Students (34kb)