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Professional Support
Autism Diagnosticians Forum
The Forum is an independent professional body which evolved from the Northern Ireland Diagnostic Special Interest Group (ASD) which developed out of a peer support and training (specialist diagnostic) project with Autism NI (1997-2007).
In 2006, the Special Interest Group was asked by Western Health Board to prepare a statement regarding their position on “Private Practice within ASD Diagnosis”.
The Forum meets twice a year and membership is open to professionals meeting on agreed criteria.
Further information and contact details can be obtained through Autism NI.
Multi-Agency (ASD) Special Interest Group (SIG)
The Multi Agency SIG will meet annually at Autism NI offices at Donard in Belfast.
Meetings will take the form of a Masterclass with a renowned expert in the area of ASD. There will be an opportunity for open debate on key cross agency issues as well as informal networking over coffee.
The objective of the SIG will be to facilitate the positive exchange of strategic and practice issues across the range of professional disciplines relevant to ASD.
The research Autism NI Research Report “Is Anyone Listening” highlighted the impact upon professionals of working in the very challenging area of ASD in Northern Ireland. The proposed ASD Special Interest Group (SIG) is aimed at encouraging peer support and reduction of professional and agency isolation. The following extracts are quotes from local professionals taken from the above research:
- “It’s good to be acknowledged and that it’s not just one side (i.e. families). The opportunity to speak like this is really important and something we don’t do. This feels open...and like something is going to happen with the research” (Health Professional)
- “I’m not feeling connected with other professionals doing ASD work. We’re working alongside each other rather than with each other.” (Education Professional)