Mr. Jim Lennon:

Over the past decade, the centre has built a reputation for excellence in the quality of its services and this has been confirmed by independent joint inspections. The centre has developed an effective programme of work that spans both jurisdictions and has gained recognition as an all-Ireland body providing specialist services to service users. The North-South aspect of the centre’s programmes has enabled expertise to be developed and shared through extensive joint working and co-operation across the island. The centre works closely with stakeholders in Ireland on a range of projects, the most recent being the Autism Good Practice Guidance for Schools, which was recently published by the Department. Representatives from centre sat on this group to develop and write the guidance and are currently involved in the dissemination of same and spreading its use throughout schools.

We appreciate the challenges that face autistic children, their families and the education professionals who work with them, and we are committed to supporting them and the education Departments in both jurisdictions through the continuing development and provision of services and resources for use in education across the island.