Vol. 490 No. 7
69 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will establish a support group for parents of children suffering from autism; the plans, if any, he has to provide educational facilities for these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10952/98]
I point out to the Deputy that there are already in existence a number of support groups for parents of children suffering from autism including, for example, the Irish Society for Autism.
Children with autism have access to a range of educational support services. The precise nature and level of service 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 a with mental handicap and schools for children with emotional-behavioural disorders.
My Department is currently reviewing the operation of the pilot programme of special education services for children with autism which was first introduced in the 1995-96 school year. 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 education needs of children with autism.
