All children with special educational needs within the primary school system, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, ASDs, have an automatic entitlement to a response to their needs.
The special educational needs of children with ASD can be addressed in special dedicated schools, special dedicated classes attached to ordinary schools or on an integrated basis in ordinary schools. Decisions regarding the most appropriate model of response in each particular case are based on the professionally assessed needs of the individual child. Many children at primary school level with disorders on the autistic spectrum are capable of attending ordinary schools on an integrated basis with the support, where necessary, of resource teacher and-or special needs assistant services. Where the level of the condition is of a more serious nature, provision is made by way of special schools or special classes attached to ordinary schools. All such facilities operate at a maximum pupil teacher ratio of 6:1 and special needs assistant support is provided where required.
My Department allocates additional resources to individual second level schools to cater for special needs pupils enrolled in those schools. Applications for resources are referred to the national educational psychological service and each case is considered on its merits.
There are seven facilities in the State operating on a pilot project basis that use alternative educational methods for teaching children on the autistic spectrum; three are CABAS facilities. The CABAS teaching method employs a comprehensive application of behaviour analysis to schooling approach. A decision on the approval of other such establishments will be made in light of evaluations of provision for children with ASD currently being carried out by my Department's inspectorate. The evaluation process will also include educational services for children with autism in other settings such as special schools, special classes and children integrated in mainstream schools. It is envisaged that a report on the outcome of the evaluation will be available this year.
It is my intention to ensure that all children, including children with autistic spectrum disorders, receive education appropriate to their needs.