Vol. 506 No. 5
257 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of children in County Meath with autism in the age groups four to ten and ten to 18; and the special class provision, if any, available to them. [15978/99]
258 Mr. J. Brady asked the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding services for children with autism in County Meath; if the special class established in Navan in 1998 caters for children up to the age of ten; and the plans, if any, he has to establish a further special class for children from ten to 18 years with autism. [15980/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 258 together.
Information on the total number of children in County Meath with autism, and their ages, is readily available in my Department. There are two special classes located in a primary school in Navan, County Meath, which have been established to cater for pupils with autism. I understand that the age range of the pupils in these classes is between five and 12 years.
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 forms 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 mild general learning disability and schools for children with emotional-behavioural disorders.
The Deputy will be aware of my recent announcement giving formal recognition of the distinct educational needs of certain children with autism. Such children are now being catered for in 40 special classes established in special schools and in mainstream primary schools throughout the country. Each of these classes caters for a maximum of six pupils and each class has the support of a special needs assistant. The special schools cater for pupils up to 18 years of age.
My Department's inspectorate will be keeping the classes established in the area referred to by the Deputy under regular review. Additional classes will be established in any area where the need for such provision has been identified.
