Written Answers. - Facilities for Children with Autism.
Ivor Callely
Ceist:
33
Mr. Callely
asked the
Minister for Education
the proposals, if any, she has to develop special schools for children with special needs, in particular autistic children; if her attention has been drawn to the programme in Northern Ireland for autistic children; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[2637/95]
Mary Harney
Ceist:
35
Miss Harney
asked the
Minister for Education
the progress that has been made in relation to a dedicated educational facility for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[2606/95]
Chris Flood
Ceist:
44
Mr. Flood
asked the
Minister for Education
the progress, if any, that has been made in the matter of the provision of a dedicated educational facility for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[2587/95]
Robert Molloy
Ceist:
156
Mr. Molloy
asked the
Minister for Education
the present position regarding the provision of a school specifically for children with autism; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[2745/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 35, 44 and 156 together.
I propose to introduce a pilot programme of special support services for children with autism. This programme will involve: the allocation of extra teachers to specifically address the educational needs of children with autism; the delivery of specially tailored education programmes to meet the needs of these children; the delivery of special inservice support to the teachers concerned.
It is intended that this pilot programme will be tested in a number of selected locations over the coming year. The programme will be monitored and the experience gained will provide a valuable basis for the development of a longer-term response in this area.
The areas being selected for the pilot phase of the programme are those where numbers of children with autism have been identified. In the case of each location chosen, the intention would be that the arrangements put in place would be developed in close consultation with the authorities of the schools concerned and the relevant health authorities.
In some cases, for example where the children attending a school are predominantly in the autistic group, the response will be "whole school" based. In other cases, the number of children involved or their particular requirements may suggest that the provision of a separate class or unit might be more appropriate. There is a need to be flexible and to allow for the development of approaches which best suit the needs of the children concerned.
I am aware of the demands from representatives of the autistic children for the provision of dedicated facilities to meet their educational needs. However, given the variety of difficulties which can attach to autism, I am anxious that any steps taken in this area will be of maximum benefit to the children concerned. Experience gained with the pilot programme will have value in this regard. My officials are currently in discussion with the Austic Society in regard to the pilot programme and I hope to make an announcement in this connection in the near future.
I am aware of the programme in Northern Ireland to which the Deputy refers. I understand that this programme is also operating on a pilot basis at present and my Department will be interested in learning the outcome of that initiative in due course.
