The First Minister and Deputy First Minister last week led the Northern Ireland Assembly in a unique demonstration of national unity for Autism.

Along with the Ministers for Education and Health, they welcomed Celtic Nations Autism Partnership and committed their combined influence to the establishment of the Northern Ireland Autism Act.

Arlene Cassidy, Chief Executive of Autism NI (PAPA), said afterwards that her organisation was one step closer to ensuring that Northern Ireland led the home nations into groundbreaking legislation for Autism.

"This commitment is vital as we face the incredible reality that Autism is rising faster than any other disability", she went on, "yet, it is dependant for funding on the crumbs from Learning Disability or Mental Health departments which are struggling greatly under the burden."

Lobbying for the Northern Ireland Autism Act, she said, had enjoyed unique cross party support prior to the St Andrews Agreement and had already been passed by the Transitional Assembly.

"We just now need to go the extra mile and make this a reality for the 20,000 children and adults in Northern Ireland who live with ASD."

Michael McGimpsey (Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety) and Caitriona Ruane (Minister for Education) commended the work of Autism NI and the other three 'Home' societies.

"Worldwide research into the cause of Autism is in its infancy", they agreed, " yet one by one, nations are having to find within themselves the resources to meet the crisis of accelerating prevalence rates. It is estimated that the financial cost to the UK is now £28 billion, yet, there is no national strategy to manage this commitment or this budget".

It was for this reason, Ms Cassidy stressed, "that the Northern Ireland Assembly must set legislation for Autism at the front of its programme for government in its next session".

And, she agreed with Martin McGuinness, the Deputy First Minister, there was a critical need to strategically place the new Centre of Excellence at Middletown in County Armagh within a legislative framework.

"It would be very satisfying", she suggested, " if we could bring forth legislation for Autism in both jurisdictions in Ireland which assisted in the integration of Middletown within existing provision and strategic development."

Autism NI is Northern Ireland's leading Autism charity. It was f1989 by a group of concerned parents and professionals.

The charity seeks to ensure that people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their carers have access to appropriate services, enabling people with autism to become valued members of the community. The organisation supports a network of 17 branches and local support groups across Northern Ireland.

Further news and information can be found at HYPERLINK "http://www.autismni.org" www.autismni.org.