Full Breakdown
Mother Says Son With Autism and ADHD Denied Adult Disability Support in Northern Ireland
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
The Core Issue
Cherisse Lanigan, a mother from Draperstown, County Londonderry, says her 18-year-old son Callan has been left without adult disability services after the Northern Health Trust applied an IQ-based assessment to determine eligibility. Callan, who has autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety and other behavioural challenges, now faces “abandonment” and “falling through cracks” in the system, according to Lanigan.
02
Assessment Criteria and Eligibility
Under current policy, health trusts in Northern Ireland use a single IQ test to gauge support needs for young adults transitioning from child to adult services. Lanigan argues that this approach ignores the broader spectrum of autism-related social and emotional needs. She contends that Callan’s complex diagnosis cannot be reduced to an IQ score, and that the loss of support will hinder his progress and limit his ability to live independently.
03
Responses from Health Authorities
The Northern Health Trust acknowledges that the IQ-based method “can present significant challenges” for individuals and families who do not meet the eligibility criteria. The Trust’s statement stops short of promising changes, but it recognises the concerns raised by families like the Lanigans about the adequacy of the assessment framework.
04
Implications for Young Adults with Learning Difficulties
Lanigan’s case highlights a broader tension between standardized eligibility tools and the nuanced needs of autistic and neurodivergent adults. Critics of the IQ-centric model argue that it may leave many young people without essential social, emotional, and behavioural support, potentially forcing them into prolonged dependence on family care. The situation underscores ongoing debates in Northern Ireland about how to reform disability assessments to better reflect the lived realities of those with complex learning difficulties.