Brian O'Shea
Ceist:405 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide units for children within the autistic spectrum in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18929/98]
Written Answers. - Special Educational Needs.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:406 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the plans, if any, he has to provide units for children within the autistic spectrum in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18930/98]
David Stanton
Ceist:468 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Education and Science the supports, if any, available to schools and children to help in education of children who are diagnosed as autistic; the extent of the condition in the school going population at the various stages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18790/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 405, 406 and 468 together.
Children with autism have access to a range of educational support services. The precise nature of the support provided will depend on the severity of the condition in each individual case. In some cases, children with mild features of autism are educated in ordinary schools with the support where necessary of remedial or resource teachers. Children with more serious needs have traditionally been catered for in special schools, including schools dedicated to children with mental handicap and schools for children with emotional-behavioural disorders.
In the current school year, a number of special classes catering specifically for children with autism, have been established in both primary schools and special schools. To date a total of 14 such classes have been set up in primary schools and seven classes in special schools.
Each class, which caters for a maximum of six children, receives the support of a class teacher, a child care assistant and special capitation funding. In addition, an outreach support service is provided by the relevant health authority.
The establishment of additional classes in a number of locations, including those mentioned by the Deputy, is currently under active consideration in my Department.
Support services are provided on the basis of an assessed level of need. My Department does not have precise data on the overall extent of the condition in the school going population. However, research data from the Eastern Health Board found a prevalence rate of five per 10,000 persons in the age range 0-25 who met diagnostic criteria for autism.