Ireland's first dedicated centre for the treatment and assessment of children and families affected by autism has been opened in Dublin.
The Solas Centre in Clontarf will cut the time spent waiting for diagnosis from the current 12 months to three months and eventually plans to eliminate waiting times.
Officially opened by the Irish Autism Action group today, the centre will also share international best practice and research, and support older children and adults that have never been diagnosed or were diagnosed incorrectly.
The rate of autism in Ireland is rising, and accounts for one in every 166 births, compared with one in every 2,000 births 10 years ago.
"The opening of the Solas Centre is a great achievement that will immediately impact positively on the lives of children and their families currently waiting for diagnosis," said Cormac Rennick, chairman of Irish Autism Action.
"Autism is a serious life-long condition that is marked by difficulties in communicating and forming relationships with people. The number of children living with autism on the rise, and there is still no cure, so early diagnosis and access to information and support is critical."
The Solas Centre is part of a partnership with O2 Ireland, which will provide funding and help build awareness and understanding of autism.
