To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 13930/22-27, for an update on the review of the paediatric autism spectrum disorder pathway.

My officials met with all Trusts individually to map current paediatric children’s ASD and ADHD referral, assessment and intervention pathways. Following this mapping exercise, Department officials are working with colleagues from the Public Health Agency and Child Health to develop a regionally consistent and defined neurodevelopmental pathway that complies with NICE guidelines.

This pathway will take into consideration, best practice, emerging evidence and the recognition that workforce planning is critical to meeting the needs of children and young people in a timely manner. A consistent pathway will inform future investment across all HSC Trusts to provide equitable and effective pathways, and reduce waiting times.

This work is being overseen by the Joint Children’s Planning and Performance Team chaired by two Deputy Directors, one from my Department and one from the PHA.