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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 May 1998

Vol. 491 No. 3

Written Answers. - Special Education Needs.

Gay Mitchell

Question:

492 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of places funded by his Department in the greater Dublin area for autistic children; their locations; the numbers on the waiting list for these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11926/98]

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 special schools, including schools dedicated to children with mental handicap and schools for children with emotional and behaviourial disorders.

Because of the range of individual needs which can present and the consequent variety of responses being availed of by children with autism in the Dublin area, I am not in a position to indicate to the Deputy the precise number of children being catered for in the area or the precise number awaiting particular placements. However, I am aware that a number of children with autism are currently seeking placement in special school facilities and my Department is actively engaged in seeking to accommodate these needs.

In the 1995-96 school year, my Department commenced a pilot programme of special education services for children with autism. Two special schools in the Dublin area are currently involved in this programme. The schools in question are located at Beechpark, Stillorgan and currently cater for a total of 37 pupils with autism.

The Department has commenced a review of this pilot programme. The 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.

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