asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the unit for the treatment of autistic children at St. Loman's Hospital, Palmerstown, County Dublin at present deals only with children up to twelve years of age; and that on reaching this age limit the children in general must be transferred to mental hospitals and institutions which have no special provision for dealing with this type of handicap; and whether, in view of the fact that the type of treatment used for mental retardation or other mental illness is quite different from that required by autistic children, he will take immediate steps to provide facilities for the treatment of this type of handicap in persons over twelve years of age.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Treatment of Autistic Children.
10.
I am aware that the position is as stated by the Deputy in the opening part of the question.
The children's unit at St. Loman's Hospital, established by the Dublin Health Authority at my suggestion for the treatment of mentally ill children, including autistic children, was to an appreciable extent experimental. The value of the experience gained during the short period in which the unit has been in operation is now being assessed and in that connection the establishment of a special unit for adolescents is being considered.