Autism Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 May 2014

Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Questions (394, 395, 396)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

394. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 217 of 26 February 2014, the persons who advised him on not considering ABA as a medical treatment for children with autism in Ireland; the criteria used to determine if ABA should or should not be considered as a medical treatment for children with autism in Ireland; if he will provide details of any research consulted to make a decision on same; and the details of any discussions he had with experts and their names and titles. [20128/14]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

395. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that ABA is listed as a treatment for autism on the Health Service Executive website; and the HSE policy documents, guidance and circulars governing ABA as a treatment for individuals with autism. [20129/14]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

396. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the Health Service Executive recommended service providers relating to the provision of ABA services for persons with autism. [20130/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 to 396, inclusive, together.

The reply given to PQ 217 of 26 February 2014 was based on advice received from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer in my Department. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is one of a number of approaches that are used, predominantly in educational settings, when working with children with autism spectrum disorders. It is not considered a medical treatment in Ireland. This was confirmed by the HSE.

Information on a wide range of matters is available on the HSE's website and not all of this is health-related. It should be noted that the information provided is intended as a public information resource and should never replace the advice or assessment of a qualified healthcare professional. The HSE has indicated that it will examine the content on Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) on the website to ensure its appropriateness. The HSE provides services for individuals with autism, either directly or through a range of voluntary service providers. Health clinicians will assess each child individually and provide appropriate interventions.