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Autism NI is Northern Ireland’s main Autism charity. The organisation is evaluated by the Social Services Inspectorate (DHSS&PS) every three years and by DHSS&PS annually. The charity is further enhanced by its long history of evidence based (researched) practice which is undertaken for every project or service it delivers. Our services include:
Area 1 - Family Support
Autism NI Family Support offers support to parents/carers of newly diagnosed children as well as support to families who have been living with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for longer periods.
Autism NI has Autism Resource Officers and Parent Liaison Officers (who work both full and part time in many regional areas), who are committed to supporting all families with many issues and challenges they may face.
Our Helpline offers a regional service, T. 028 9040 1729, E. helpline@autismni.org ; providing Advice, Information and Regional Support Groups.
We also provide (depending on available funding) a Family Support training Package delivered through our Training Department, e.g. ACCESS and other specific training needs. Visit Opportunities to Learn for more information.
In partnership with Autism Initiatives, services within Western and Northern Health & Social Care Trusts have been initiated. Through the Orchardville Society and the NØW Project, there is improved access to supported employment opportunities for some individuals with ASD in sectors of Belfast.
http://www.autisminitiatives.org
Please visit Support Near You for further information.
Area 2 - Training
Autism NI organises an extremely popular calendar of events, workshops, conferences and seminars for parents, carers and professionals on a wide range of issues.
The Autism NI training service aims to provide information regarding various strategies, practical solutions and a range of interventions.
The training department also manages a range of specialist projects involving pioneering work, partnerships and consultations aimed at taking forward ASD related strategies (e.g. Autism and the Criminal Justice System and Autism, Health and Well Being); and also provides tailor made, training packages for staff and volunteers from a wide range of organisations.
Family Support Training: Autism NI has a range of family support training for the family and extended family members.
Please visit Opportunities to Learn for further information.
Area 3 - Lobby
Autism NI’s ongoing lobbying efforts are based upon a general campaign of Autism Awareness. The main activities in this campaign are focused on Autism Awareness Month and the United Nations Designated World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) (2nd April).
Autism NI provides access to media, press, lobbying training for key representatives from the Branch and Family Support Network to facilitate local press coverage of events and campaigns linked to Autism.
The focus of the lobby has been to improve understanding and promote the need for specialist services for Autism. In 2002, Autism NI began its political lobby armed with the shameful evidence of need in the Task Group an Autism Report the accelerating prevalence rates for ASD in Northern Ireland and the disproportionately low levels of funding for support services.
In 2006, as the tension between lack of resources and dramatically accelerating demand became acute Autism NI launched its campaign for a Strategic & Legislative answer. In 2008, the All Party Assembly Group in Autism (APAGA) was established (with Autism NI providing the Secretariat), following a fact finding visit to Washington by members of the Celtic Nations Autism Partnership (CNAP). In 2009, APAGA began work on The Autism Act (NI).
Autism NI has built its Lobby on Researched evidence.
Please visit Campaigning for You for further information.
Area 4 - Fundraising
Autism NI receives minimal funding from the Statutory Sector - largely due to the lack of recognition of the need to fund Family Support Services despite the building evidence that this is a critical core service.
Please visit our "Get Involved" Section for further information on what you can do to support our efforts.