03-26-2006, 08:02 PM
We wish to voice our concerns over the way autism has been treated with regards to the Mental Health Review being conducted for Northern Ireland.
We are the parents of a seven-year-old boy diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum - a disability that he will have for the rest of his life. We strive to give him the skills and opportunities to make him "the best that he can be."
We realise that we will not always be here to do this and are frightened that, as things stand at present, as our son moves to adulthood, he may be treated as a person with a mental disability and not be recognised as someone with this specific disability.
The procedures and treatments that are used for dealing with mental disabilities are not the way forward for people on the autistic spectrum.
The individual needs of children and adults with autism can only be met by having a specific programme of care.
This right can only be assured if autism is individually recognised in any new legislation being drawn up.
People with autism have and continue to make important contributions in our society, but they should also have the same rights and assistance afforded to them as those afforded any other individual.
CONCERNED PARENTS, Co Londonderry
From belfasttelegraph.co.uk
We are the parents of a seven-year-old boy diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum - a disability that he will have for the rest of his life. We strive to give him the skills and opportunities to make him "the best that he can be."
We realise that we will not always be here to do this and are frightened that, as things stand at present, as our son moves to adulthood, he may be treated as a person with a mental disability and not be recognised as someone with this specific disability.
The procedures and treatments that are used for dealing with mental disabilities are not the way forward for people on the autistic spectrum.
The individual needs of children and adults with autism can only be met by having a specific programme of care.
This right can only be assured if autism is individually recognised in any new legislation being drawn up.
People with autism have and continue to make important contributions in our society, but they should also have the same rights and assistance afforded to them as those afforded any other individual.
CONCERNED PARENTS, Co Londonderry
From belfasttelegraph.co.uk