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Special Educational Needs Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 April 2019

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Questions (180)

Seán Fleming

Question:

180. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Education and Skills the number of children with an autism diagnosis that require school placement in preschool settings, mainstream primary schools, ASD units or second-level schools at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15143/19]

View answer

Written answers

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), an independent agency of my Department, is responsible for planning, coordinating and advising on education provision for children with special educational needs.

The NCSE’s policy advice on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2016) noted a national ASD prevalence rate of 1.55% or 1 in every 65 students.

The greater proportion of children with Autism attend mainstream classes, but some students may find it difficult to manage full-time placement there and will require the environment of an ASD special class for some or all of their time in school and for a minority of children with Special Educational Needs including Autism, placements in a Special School may be required.

The NCSE is aware of emerging need from year to year, and where special class or special school provision is required it is planned and established to meet that need.

The Council ensures that schools in an area can, between them, cater for all children who have been identified as having special educational needs, including those needing special class or special school placements.

Special Education Needs Organisers (SENOs) who are locally based are available to assist and advice parents whose children have special needs.  Parents experiencing difficulty in enrolling their child in school should contact their local SENO.

SENOs are also available to assist and advise schools on special education supports and planning.

Since 2011, the NCSE has increased the number of special classes from 548 in 2011 to 1,459 across the country now, of which 1,196 are Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) special classes.

There are currently 33 special classes attached to mainstream schools in County Carlow. Of these, 6 are ASD early intervention classes, 13 are primary ASD classes and 11 are post primary ASD classes.

The number of ASD special class placements available in County Carlow has increased from 36 in 2011/2012 to 180 in 2018/2019.

Details of all special classes for children with special educational needs are available by county on the NCSE website at www.ncse.ie.

As the Deputy's question relates to a particular area I have arranged for the question to be forwarded to the NCSE for their attention and direct reply.

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