Vol. 488 No. 7
389 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Education and Science if a person (details supplied) in County Dublin will be offered a place in a special class or appropriate school in view of the need involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7410/98]
430 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Education and Science when an autistic child (details supplied) in County Dublin will be offered a place in a special class or school appropriate to him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7330/98]
451 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Education and Science the approaches by his Department towards meeting the needs of autistic children; if he will assist the parents of an autistic person (details supplied) in need of urgent attention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7431/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 389, 430 and 451 together.
I understand that the child in question is currently attending the pre-school facility attached to Stewarts special school, Palmerstown. I have requested my Department's inspectorate to investigate the long-term educational needs of this child. I assure the Deputies that every effort will be made to ensure that suitable educational provision is made available to the child as speedily as possible.
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 or resource teachers. Children with more serious needs have traditionally been catered for in a number of special schools, including schools dedicated to children with mental handicap and schools for children with emotional/behavioural disorders.
In addition, in 1995-96 my Department commenced a pilot programme of special education services for children with autism. The Department has commenced a review of this pilot programme. This review, which is expected to be completed by the end of the current school year, will provide a basis for the development of future responses to the educational needs of children with autism.
