Autism: a cross-cultural perspective on service provision and capacity building

Dr Ilona Roth (OU) Prevalence estimates for autism in the western world have risen substantially over recent years, most probably reflecting a combination of increasing public awareness, wider inclusion criteria and improved diagnostic services. Many gaps and inequalities of services and support remain, especially in relation to adults and to deprived and ethnic minority communities. … Read more

Evidence and Policy: How to help families of children diagnosed with autism in Northern Ireland

Prof Mickey Keenan (Ulster) Currently in the USA, 44 States have introduced legislation to ensure that parents have access to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for the treatment of autism; hundreds of major companies have also made ABA available under their health insurance policies for workers. The supporting evidence to introduce this legislation will be outlined … Read more

Preventing poverty and social exclusion for those affected by autism and their families

Prof Karola Dillenburger, Dr Lyn McKerr and Dr Julie-Ann Jordan (QUB) Autism rates in Northern Ireland are rising by 0.2 annually and now stand at 2.3% in the school population. The cost to society for autism is £34billion in the UK, more than cancer, strokes, and heart disease combined; 36% of this cost is for … Read more

Parent training in evidence-based practice for Autism

Dr Stephen Gallagher (Ulster) Despite the rising numbers of children being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and the fact that it is parents who carry the greatest burden of caring for their children, there has been little investment in effective parent training. There is an urgent need for parents to learn practical skills that … Read more

Early intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder: Comparing international policies with developments in Northern Ireland

Prof Karola Dillenburger (QUB) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects about 2% of school children (approximately 5000 in Northern Ireland; Megaw, 2013). ASD is a pervasive neurodevelopmental condition with problems in building social relationships and very restricted interests When these children enter the labour market, only 15% of them find employment; a great loss to them … Read more