My Department's policy is to promote a child-centred approach to education of all children with special educational needs including those with autism. This approach is based on advice received from international experts on autism, NEPS, the Inspectorate and the report of the Irish Task Force on Autism.
The National Council Special Education (NCSE) is currently at an advanced stage in the preparation of policy advice on the education of children with autism.
The NCSE policy advice will be delivered in the coming months and will reflect findings gathered from an extensive consultation process with parents, schools, professional service providers and other stakeholders.
The advice will draw upon new research commissioned by the NCSE for this purpose, and other research which the NCSE may wish to consider.
I expect that the NCSE final report will reflect the broadest possible range of views, both National and International and will provide recommendations which will assist the development of policy for future years.