Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2025
272. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the National Council for Special Education accept clinical diagnosing of autism in assessment reports completed by educational psychologists. [33409/25]
View answer273. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Education and Youth if the National Council for Special Education accept clinical diagnosing of autism in assessment reports completed by clinical psychologists. [33410/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 and 273 together.
My Department has recently issued a new circular letter to schools in relation to the approach and measures being undertaken to support the forward planning of special classes and special school places for the 2026/2027 school year.
The circular letter and NCSE guidelines clearly set out the eligibility criteria for access to a special class or special school. For example the eligibility criteria for admission to an autism special class for the 2026/2027 school year is:
Children and young people are eligible for enrolment in a special class for autism when the following is provided in support of such an application:
Professional report(s) outlining:
• Diagnosis of autism (e.g. Autism: DSM IV/V or ICD 10/11 (psychologist, psychiatrist, multi-disciplinary report)
AND
• A demonstration of the understanding of complexity of the child’s overall level of need/s evidenced in the professional reports
AND
• Given the severity or complexity of the child’s support needs, a clear professional recommendation as to what educational placement type would be most appropriate to best meet the child’s needs, along with the rationale for same
AND
• A letter from the NCSE confirming that the child is known to them and that the child has the required diagnosis and recommendation for a special class for autism.
Professional reports and confirmation of a diagnosis are not required to access special education teacher and Special Needs Assistant supports in mainstream.
