Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 April 2014
26. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Education and Skills the date on which his Department’s policy on educating children with autism will be available; the actions that are being taken to improve educational provision for children with autism, particularly in the area of early intervention services for children who have received a diagnosis of autism. [16337/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department's policy promotes a child centred approach to the education of children with special needs including autism. Children with autism can enrol in an early intervention class from the age of three and if a placement is not available home tuition is provided. Home tuition is also provided for children with autism from the age of two and a half.
The NCSE is currently preparing policy advice on the education of children with autism which will include a review of early intervention provision. I expect that the final report, which is to be delivered at an unspecified date in the spring of 2015, will consider the broadest possible range of views and provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.
