Vol. 518 No. 3
303 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science the information he has on the incidence and trends of autism here; the use of the services of his Department by persons with autism; and the estimated increase in the services which will be required by his Department to meet the growing needs in the next five years. [11564/00]
The collection of data on the incidence and trends of autism here is a matter for the Department of Health and Children.
Twenty-one special classes have been allocated to mainstream national schools countrywide for pupils with autism. A total of 29 special schools have classes for pupils with autism. In each case the pupil-teacher ratio is 6:1, and in each case a special needs assistant has also been allocated. In a number of mainstream schools, at primary and post-primary levels, there are individual pupils with autism who are supported by resource teachers and special needs assistants, in addition to their class teachers.
Any increase in services which may be required over the next five years will be dependent on the number of children who are newly diagnosed with the disorder and on referrals for educational provision.
