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Page last updated at 16:23 GMT, Monday, 14 July 2008 17:23 UK

Autistic children 'rights abused'

Shadow image of a child
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.


SEE ALSO
Family's landmark autism victory
06 Oct 04 |  Northern Ireland
GPs 'unaware of autism needs'
21 Mar 03 |  Health
Intensive therapy helps with autism
13 Sep 02 |  Education
Autism
03 Mar 05 |  Medical notes

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