Written Answers - Autism Services.
Dinny McGinley
Question:
121
Mr. McGinley
asked the
Minister for Education and Science
if he will give details of the incidence of autism in school going children in each county; the services which are currently available for children suffering from this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[22440/97]
My Department does not have details of the number of autistic children currently participating in the education system in each county.
Children with autism have access to a range of educational support services. The precise nature of the support provided will depend on the severity of the condition in each individual case.
In some cases, children with mild features of autism are educated in ordinary schools with the support, where necessary, of remedial and resource teachers. Children with more serious needs have traditionally been catered for in a number of special schools, including schools for children with mental handicap and schools for children with emotional-behavioural disorders.
In the 1995-96 school year a pilot programme of special education services was established for children with autism. Under this programme, a number of special classes dedicated specifically to the needs of these children have been established. The programme involves the following: (a) the allocation of extra teachers to specifically address the educational needs of children with autism; (b) the delivery of specially tailored educational programmes to meet the needs of these children; and (c) the delivery of special in-service support to the teachers concerned.
These special classes are attached to schools located in Beechpark, Stillorgan, County Dublin and Cratloe, Ennis, County Clare. A further special class was established in St. Brigid's special school, Dundalk, County Louth in the 1996-97 school year. Each of the special classes caters for a maximum of six children. A total of 46 children are currently catered for under the pilot programme.
My Department's inspectorate is currently reviewing the operation of the pilot programme and will be consulting with the Irish Society for Autism as part of this process. The review, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, will provide a basis for the development of future responses to the educational needs of children with autism.
