Autistic children 'rights abused'

Autistic disorders are often diagnosed in childhood

Children with autism in the Western Health Trust are having their human rights breached, a charity has claimed.

Children there have to wait up to four years to be assessed for the condition and a further five years before receiving treatment.

Northern Ireland Autism said these were the longest waiting times in NI.

It said children were entitled to speedy treatment, no matter where they lived.

Louise Timoney from Castlederg said she had been waiting three years to have her seven-year-old son, Oran, assessed.

"It's ridiculous, early intervention is the key when treating autism," she said.