Autistic adults call for action

Autism campaigners have called on the Assembly to act

Seventy percent of adults with autism in Northern Ireland feel they do not get enough support, a report has said.

The report from the National Autistic Society (NAS) said there were a lack of services for adults with autism in Northern Ireland.

The research also indicated that local health and social care trusts do not know how many people in their areas are affected.

It is estimated that approximately 17,000 adults in NI suffer from autism.

The National Autistic Society in Northern Ireland has launched the 'I Exist' campaign to help improve the lives of sufferers.

Regina Cox, regional coordinator for NAS, said the message of the campaign was that adults with autism wanted their "needs understood and fulfilled".

"It aims to address the problems they face and the barriers which prevent them from getting the right support. We are calling on the Northern Ireland Assembly to think, act, and transform lives."