Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 25 Jul 1996

Vol. 468 No. 4

Written Answers. - Autistic Children's Education.

Seán Haughey

Question:

513 Mr. Haughey asked the Minister for Education the progress, if any, which has been made in the provision of appropriate education for children with autism; if she has received the evaluation study on the effectiveness of the TEACCH system of education conducted in Northern Ireland with children with autism between the years 1991 and 1995 and presented in Belfast on 25 April 1996; if she intends introducing the TEACCH system here and in particular to a school (details supplied) in Dublin; if she intends removing this school from its categorisation under schools for emotionally disturbed in her Department's directory of special schools and re-designating it as a school for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15690/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am pleased to inform the Deputy that I established a pilot programme of special education services for children with autism in the 1995/96 school year.

A number of special classes dedicated to the educational needs of autistic children are now in operation. These classes are attached to Setanta Special School, Beech Park, Stillorgan, County Dublin, Ballyowen Meadows Special School, also located at Beech Park, Stillorgan, and Cratloe National School, Ennis, County Clare.

I am aware of the study on the effectiveness of the TEACCH system to which the Deputy refers. My officials are in discussion with the Irish Society for Autism regarding the possibility of bringing a TEACCH team to Ireland to conduct a workshop. The In-Career Development Unit of my Department is examining proposals for the attendance of relevant teachers at this workshop and discussions are currently taking place regarding this matter. My Department will also be arranging for a programme of support for teachers of autistic children through the Laois Education Centre.

I am aware of the demand from some parents of autistic children for the provision of dedicated facilities to meet their educational needs. I am anxious that any steps taken in this regard will be of maximum benefit to the children concerned, given the variety of difficulties which can attach to the autistic condition. I will address the question of the most appropriate provision for children with autism in the light of experience gained from the pilot programme and in consultation with parents and other interested parties.