Mr Williams has commissioned a review of the needs of children and young people with Asperger Syndrome aged between 10 and 18 years-old.
A team from the University of Birmigham has started work on this and will continue until May this year.
“I have met children and young people with Asperger Syndrome and many have contacted my office about it,” said the Commissioner. “They have had good experiences and poor experiences.
“This review aims to identify good practice in relation to diagnosis and provision, to highlight gaps in education, health and social services and make recommendations on how these might be enhanced.”
The University of Birmingham team undertaking the review is led by Dr Glenys Jones.
“To make the review as relevant and real as possible we need to hear the experiences of children and young people who have Asperger Syndrome; we need to hear from their parents; and we need to hear from the professionals working with children and young people,” said Dr Jones.
“Then we can make sure that the results relate directly to the needs of children and young people and that their voice is heard clearly in this review.”
To find out more about how you might be involved you can contact the team via email (Asperger@contacts.bham.ac.uk) or by writing to Dr Jones, School of Education, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT.
All information will be treated confidentially.
Notes to Editors
You can find out more about the work of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People here on our web site.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES For more information please contact Andrew McGall, Communication Officer at NICCY on 028 9031 1616 or communications@niccy.org