Support measures for autism must be invested in

Carla Lockhart MP • November 28, 2023

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised the need for additional support for those in preschool and nursery settings to support children in their care who have autismUpper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has raised the need for additional support for those in preschool and nursery settings to support children in their care who have autism or other additional needs.The DUP representative raised the issue in Westminster last week. or other additional needs. The DUP representative raised the issue in Westminster last week.

Carla Lockhart said:

 

“My Party colleague Pam Cameron MLA has done a huge amount of work alongside Autism NI in raising the issue of autism training for teachers. It is vital that this training is invested in by Government.

 

However, we must not forget the vital importance of preschool provision. Training for those in preschool and nursery environments is vital, not only to ensure that kids are supported in that environment, but also to identify autism in children at the youngest age. This is essential to allow for assessment and support measures to be in place for going to primary school.

 

We have so much need in our society to ensure children have the support networks in place to support them through their education pathway. The sooner those needs are identified, the earlier that framework of support can be provided.

 

I will continue to champion this issue in Parliament and ensure the needs of those with autism are heard loud and clear by Government.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP April 22, 2026
Lockhart Secures Prime Minister’s Commitment to Review Newborn MLD Screening in Memory of Teddy from Portadown 
By Carla Lockhart MP April 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has challenged the Chancellor in the House of Commons after claims were made that households in Northern Ireland received £150 off their energy bills in April.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 22, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has highlighted the vital work of Guide Dogs Northern Ireland after renewed interest from constituents who noticed a guide dog in the House of Commons chamber.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 21, 2026
The DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has challenged the Government on what action is being taken to defend religious freedom and protect Christians in Iran.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 21, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart is encouraging the local community to come out and support the upcoming Fibro Friends Coffee Morning, taking place at Banbridge Old Town Hall on Saturday 25th April at 9:30am.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 16, 2026
The DUP’s Westminster Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has responded to the findings of a landmark independent study into the true cost of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) on the agriculture sector in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 16, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boucher, raising concerns and requesting a meeting to discuss the policing response to recent protests involving members of the farming community and members of the public.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 16, 2026
Carla Lockhart MP has described a statement made by Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir on BBC Radio Ulster as confusing, saying it gave farmers false hope for much needed funding.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 15, 2026
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the strength of community spirit across the constituency following a busy Saturday attending a range of local events and initiatives.
By Carla Lockhart MP April 14, 2026
DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has led a Parliamentary debate marking the first anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland v Scottish Ministers, warning that a year on, the Government has failed to deliver the clarity and protections women were promised.