Closure of Donegal autism service is 'extremely difficult and upsetting news'

The closure of Glenside autism service is “extremely difficult and upsetting news for parents” at short notice, a Donegal County Councillor said.

Sinn Féin Councillor for the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman has commented on reports that Glenside autism service will close tomorrow, Saturday.

It is believed this decision was made following the implementation of the progression of disability services in 2021, autism services and autism therapies are now governed under the Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT).

Speaking today, Cllr Nic Mheanman said: “This is extremely difficult and upsetting news for parents to have received with just three days' notice. I have spoken to parents who are absolutely distraught at this news. These services cater for children up to 18 years of age and for the service to be withdrawn at such short notice, it has caused a lot of upset for the service users.”

“Parents are now being told to contact CDNT but it’s my understanding that CDNT only found this out this week also. These children will now need to undergo an assessment of need to see what services can be offered but as we already know our CDNT services already have long waiting lists.”

“To send a formal letter to parents to say the service is closing in three days is not good enough. I have written to the HSE on this matter. A proper handover plan should have been in place to allow for an easy transition for service users. Once again were seeing a lack of forward planning in the HSE.”