Michael D. Higgins
Question:155 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of special units which cater for children with autism; the number of students involved; and the capacity and timescale proposed. [22989/01]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Prior to October 1998 there were no special classes for children with autism in primary schools. As part of my policy of mainstreaming where possible, 89 special classes dedicated to children with autism are now in place in the primary school system. Each class caters for a maximum of six children and each has the support of a teacher and two special needs assistants. The classes in question can cater for up to 534 pupils with autism. Further such classes are being established in response to identified needs.
My Department also supports a pilot project in Cork which caters for 30 pupils with autism. This project, which delivers an applied behavioural analysis, ABA, model of response, was established in 1999 and is operating on a five year pilot basis.
My Department has also sanctioned funding for two further pilot projects using the ABA model of response. These projects have been sanctioned for a three year period and will each cater for 12 children with autism.
In October 2000 I established a special task force on autism to advise me on the future development of services in this area. I expect that the task force will submit its report by the end of this month.
My Department has also commissioned the UK based National Foundation for Educational Research – NFER – to conduct an evaluation of all current State funded education services for children with autism. The foundation commenced its work in May of this year and is due to present its report within the next few weeks.
The report of the task force and the outcome of the NFER evaluation will provide a valuable input into the future development of services for children with autism.