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

Why go political?

Autism NI (PAPA) was a member of the Northern Ireland Task Group on Autism appointed by the Minister of Education in 2001. The resultant analysis of services for children and young people with Autism contained within the Task Group Report of 2002 was a catalogue of inadequate researching, knowledge and strategic direction for Autism which has formed the basis of planned action within the Education Sector in Northern Ireland over the intervening years.

For Autism NI it informed the dawning awareness that parent and professional empowerment was not enough to produce the provision of services required to meet the deepening need resulting from the accelerating demand on already stretched resources caused by the dramatic rise in prevalence of Autism.

In 2002, Autism NI (PAPA) initiated a political awareness and Lobby Campaign that resulted in the formation of a cross party group of MLA’s willing to take on the role of Autism Ambassadors within the Northern Ireland Assembly. Between 2002 and 2006, activity centred upon individual briefings on Autism to key MLA’s, presentations to the Health & Education Committees, regular e-mail briefing updates to the Assembly Autism Ambassadors, liaison regarding the two Assembly Debates on Autism and regional Lobby events within Parliament Buildings.

Activity accelerated in 2006 as the Northern Ireland Assembly resumed activity in the transition made following a period of Direct Rule from Westminster (London). The return of the devolved structures and responsibilities unleashed a heightened level of activity by Autism NI in moving forward political action for Autism.

Legislation!! In our Time??
The Story so far

		In January 2006 the NI Transitional Assembly pledged to work for Autism and then in June MLAs signed up to a campaign for legislation.
		January 2007 In January 2007, the NI Transitional Assembly voted in support of legislation for Autism Click here to view the debate
		19th June 2007 The story continues On 19th June, the NI Assembly hosted the Launch of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership.
		Walk for Autism! Walk for Legislation! On Saturday 13th October 2007, parents, professionals, members and supporters walked from the gates of Stormont to the steps of Parliament Buildings to present letters, petitions and notices to MLAs.
		With a little help from our friends? At the end of September 2007 a high profile delegation of politicians from the Northern Ireland Assembly led a fact-finding visit to Washington