As the Deputy is aware my Department's position is that as each child with autism is unique, they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs. Applied Behavioural Analysis, or ABA, is one of the approaches used in special classes for children with autism.
The use of ABA as part of the range of interventions is particularly useful for addressing behavioural issues. My Department supports the use of ABA and training is provided for teachers in its use. However, the Department does not accept, based on research, advice and best practice, that ABA should be the only approach used. As children differ significantly from one another and as children's needs vary and change over time, it is not possible to impose a method or approach that will work for all children with autism. This child centred approach is based on advice received from international experts on autism, NEPS, the Inspectorate and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism.
My Department has not in the past developed guidelines relating to the transitioning of children from ABA environments to non-ABA mainstream environments. However, the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) is currently preparing Policy Advice on the Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The NCSE has advised my Department that the Policy Advice will be delivered in the spring of 2015 and will draw upon findings gathered from an extensive consultation process which has already commenced. Many studies have been conducted on the value of ABA and if the Deputy is aware of specific research on transitioning which she feels would be of benefit to NCSE in the preparation of the advice she should bring it to their attention directly.
I am aware that a number of parents continue to hold a view that my Department should support ABA where it is shown to be successful. As I have already stated, my Department supports the use of ABA, but not where it is exclusive of other interventions. I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.
