Autism Support Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 April 2014

Wednesday, 2 April 2014

Ceisteanna (100)

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

100. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 358 to 362, inclusive, of 25 March 2014, in view of the fact the research by Howard et al in 2005 stated the ABA group had significantly higher mean standard scores in almost all skill domains measured and assessed by independent examiners than the other two groups assessed, if he will now answer the question previously asked; and if he now accepts the two separate pieces of research clearly demonstrate that, fully accepting it only relates to some children and not all children with autism, the sole use of an ABA approach to educate some children with autism was clearly shown to be more effective than the alternative approaches used in the studies. [15599/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Education and Skills

The Deputy is aware that 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 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.

As I previously advised the Deputy my officials brought the two pieces of research, to which he again refers, to the attention of the NCSE, in the context of their preparation of this policy advice. 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. As outlined previously I have not personally read the research in question. The research, its merits and issues arising will be considered in the context of the NCSE policy advice report.