Twenty five special classes have been allocated to mainstream national schools countrywide for pupils with autism. A total of 29 special classes for pupils with autism have been allocated to special schools. In each case the pupil-teacher ratio is 6:1, and a special needs assistant is also 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. Support services to pupils with autism are also provided by the clinical teams in the different health boards, but my Department does not have precise details of these services.
My Department is currently considering the question of support services for special classes catering for pupils with autism. This includes the training of staff. The involvement of the Department of Health and Children and the parents in planning for these pupils is also being considered.
The pre-service training of teachers equips them to deal with a range of pupil diversity. Students at the two larger colleges of education follow a module in special education as part of their basic teacher training. The two expert groups which were appointed on teachers' pre-service education are reviewing the need for training in this particular area.
A very small number of teachers, at both levels, will work with pupils who present with autism. It is considered that the most appropriate way to meet their training needs is through the provision of specialised courses for teachers at post-graduate level.
