asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the criticism of the chairman of the Irish Society for Autistic Children concerning the implementation by the Government of the recommendations by the Commission of Inquiry on Mental Illness in 1966 with particular reference to the improvement of services for autistic children; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - Services for Autistic Children.
16.
I have seen Press reports of the criticism mentioned. The Commission on Mental Illness made no specific recommendations for the improvement of services for autistic children; its only reference to autism was to say that it is one of the terms which may not convey the same meaning to different people. The commission, however, recommended the establishment of child psychiatric clinics in Cork, Limerick, and Galway, with possibly a subclinic at Sligo, in addition to those in Dublin. A clinic was established in Cork but the child psychiatrist who conducted it took up another post. I recently agreed that the post should be re-advertised. I have agreed that a child psychiatrist should be appointed to Galway. When he is available the question of a subclinic in Sligo can be considered. No proposals for a clinic at Limerick have yet been made but the matter will be borne in mind. It must be remembered that there is a world shortage of child psychiatrists. It should also be remembered that the commission, in recommending the development of regional clinics, stated that the clinics operated by the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, and by the Sisters of Mercy at the Mater Hospital, already provided most of the services the commission had in mind.
My use of the term "family psychiatry" was misunderstood. The term is used in the sense of treating the family as a unit—it does not imply that every autistic child should be treated in his own home.