Northern Ireland, General Health Legislation Country Resources Autism Spectrum Disorder Northern Ireland 9 May 2011 Legislation/regulation

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The Autism Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, implemented in May 2011, primarily covers two areas for development. First, the Act requires changes to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to include people with autism. The definition of disability will be amended so that criteria for measuring disability will include 'taking part in normal social interaction; or forming social relationships', thereby promoting access to services and benefits. Second, the Act requires the Northern Ireland government to implement a cross-departmental autism strategy (led by the DHSSPS), which outlines how the health, educational and social needs of people with autism will be addressed across the lifespan. It must also set out how families' and carers' needs will be addressed, and develop an autism awareness campaign.

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