Address on Autism Services to Green Party Convention 08

The story for parents of autistic children is one of uncertainty and despair.

We are told that early intervention and diagnosis is vital, yet Speech and language and Occupational therapy services in Kilkenny, like much of the country, are at breaking point. And for parents, every week without intervention is like a lifetime.

Bringing our own son to early intervention services in Kilkenny, I became acutely aware of the problems many parents face in trying to access basic services for their children.

The early intervention in the lives of young children with autism, developmental delays or speech and language delays is vital! It will shape the futures of those children; those who have a fundamental human right to a full, dignified and happy life.

We finally got our son into speech and language services, and into a fantastic Montessori pre school. He’s doing really well, starting school in September and ready for the challenges ahead.

I must say, we are fortunate to have one excellent Dept funded ABA school in County Kilkenny. And, many mainstream schools in Kilkenny are doing great work in integrating and working with children with autism.

However, many children present with a range of issues, making it difficult to put a label on them, which would otherwise open the door to services. And often the services are just not there. It can be a long and exhaustive road for parents just trying to get a diagnosis.

It is essential that services in family affairs, health and education reflect the diversity of the spectrum of autism disorder.

There can be no discrimination towards children who don’t fit a specific diagnosis. A child who falls outside of assessment criteria could be left in a sort of educational limbo, which can set a child on a prolonged path of disadvantage.

The ABA issue has been pushed to the top of the political agenda by NGO’s such as Irish Autism Action. The demands of Autism rights campaigners should be met within the term of this Government. Autism specific provision in health, education and family affairs; core funding for the Autism Diagnostic Centre; early intervention appropriate to needs; the funding of ABA schools; provision of services in secondary schools, and provision of home based supports and supports for adults with autism.

Our party was founded on the principles of social justice. And I feel we should take a central role in areas outside our perceived remit. Yes, climate change is urgent but so are the lives of the most vulnerable in our society: the young, the elderly, those at risk of poverty, people with intellectual, psychiatric and physical disabilities. I believe that the Green Party/Comhaontas Glas can be a strong voice in Government for those who can’t speak up for themselves. I am calling on our Parliamentary Party to be the social conscience of Government.

I ask that we take centre stage in not just greening this country but transforming it into a country that truly cherishes its people.

Ultimately, we will be judged as a government party by the compassion and empathy we feel for the people that we serve.