What People Say About Us

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"The help and support and advice of our major autism charity, Autism NI, along with that of the other autism charities has been invaluable in bringing forward this bill. I thank the members of the Health Committee, along with the members of the All-party Group on Autism, for their support to date and look forward to their continued support as the bill progresses through the remainder of its stages."
Dominic Bradley MLA (SDLP Newry and Armagh)


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DUP North Down MLA, Alex Easton, after meeting with representatives of Autism NI has praised them for the work that they have done in highlighting the suffering of those from Autistic Spectrum Disorder and their carers.  It is estimated that 20,000 people in Northern Ireland have ASD, more than everyone suffering from MS, Parkinson’s and Down's syndrome combined.  Speaking today [Name] said: "People with Autism have suffered in silence for a very long time however Autism N.I. have given individuals with ASD and their carers a voice in fighting for their rights of access to care and support.  Autism NI not only have the person with Autism at heart but their family and carer. They have evidence based expertise in the areas of training and family support services and have done some tremendous work to include research, surveys in addition to actively lobbying those, such as myself, in positions of influence and power.  I admire the professionalism, determination, stamina and drive behind all those who work in Autism NI, they have an excellent staff team whether a volunteer or paid member of their support team.  It is clear that we need more investment in services for those with Autism. Autism NI has been working hard in order to deliver this in addition to equality and fairness in the treatment of individuals and their carers.  “Autism NI can be assured that they have a friend in me and my party.” the DUP MLA said.
Councillor Alex Easton MLA (DUP, North Down)

 


“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Arlene Cassidy and her team for all there sterling work and persistence that has seen this bill being brought before the Assembly, I pledge my full support to help families who have loved ones with Autism and commend the ongoing work of Autism NI.”
Ian McCrea MLA (Mid Ulster)

 


“People with autism have long-suffered from a service deficit here in Northern Ireland and it is great to see firsthand the fantastic support that Autism NI provide to people with autism and their families.  The SDLP has been pushing for a coherent cross-departmental strategy for autism through an Autism Bill for Northern Ireland and we are delighted to invite representatives from Autism NI to Stormont for the next stage of this bill.  We hope that its passing will give autism recognition as a social and developmental disorder under the Disability Discrimination Act and will help ensure that people with autism have access to the services they require throughout all of their lives".
Margaret Ritchie MP MLA
SDLP Leader and South Down MP


“The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety consider that Autism NI’s ASD Training Service offers an excellent resource for organisations and individuals working with children and adults with ASD. We commend this Service”.
DHSS&PS

 

Autism NI continues to be the main voluntary organisation associated with Autism in Northern Ireland. Autism NI is held in high regard as the lead organisation in Autism in Northern Ireland”.
Joe Blake
Social Services Inspectorate


“The establishment of Autism NI was a watershed in bringing together parents into a grouping where alongside professionals, as the name suggests, they could have a more effective voice. Autism NI also gave a chance to learn together, to look at best practice and new ideas for helping children on the autistic spectrum. Indeed Autism NI has developed some very innovative resources for parents and their children”.
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Westminster recognises Autism NI as the national Autism organisation of Northern Ireland and commends the organisation’s innovative work responding to families with ASDs.
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This charity has done an amazing job of supporting families of those with Autism, and informing health professionals about treatment. It is to be commended for its work in helping to reduce the isolation and stress that is often caused as the result of the condition.”
Katie Pinnock
Director of UK Corporate Contributions at GlaxoSmithKline
 

Autism NI has done a very good job of raising the profile of families living with Autism in Northern Ireland. Its evidence based early intervention model is extremely impressive, which has received attention from other organizations in this country and abroad. It is the only organization in Northern Ireland providing such a comprehensive range of services for families and professionals dealing with Autism.
GlaxoSmithKline
Impact Award Judge’s Comments


Autism NI is a genuine trailblazer – it provides invaluable support to families with young children from the time when they are awaiting diagnosis to preschool training. It knows that early intervention is vital for children with Autism and has worked tirelessly to ensure these families get the attention and support they need”.
Niall Dickson
Chief Executive of the King’s Fund


Autism Northern Ireland’s well-thought strategy ensures it delivers much-needed and very valuable services to its users. It is an inclusive charity anchored with good involvement from the community. Well deserving of being a (GlaxoSmithKline Impact Award) winner.”
Chitra Bharucha
Vice Chairman, BBC Trust and Impact Trust judge