Alliance’s Strangford Assembly candidate was speaking after she took part in a special debate yesterday (Tuesday) at the Stormont Hotel, hosted by the National Autistic Society NI, in conjunction with Autism NI – which took place shortly after she lodged a major petition with the Assembly containing over 8,000 signatures calling for more action.
“The overall feeling from the event was one of frustration,” said Cllr Armstrong said.
“Despite the Health Minister’s last-ditch attempt to quiet the growing voices of concern, we need better services and we need them now. There will be £2 million invested in the sector, which will go a long way, but it is only a start. Until waiting times are reduced substantially, that money is only a figure.
“I have experience of autism in my own family, so I know first-hand the depths of the frustration people are feeling. Until the changes are made which we need, we will not see any transformation in the services people currently experience.”