Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail)
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I have another question for Dr. Coughlan. There is an ongoing debate on neurodiversity but when it comes to autism, there are levels 1, 2 and 3. Those with level 3 autism require a huge amount of additional support. For a person with level 3 autism, the diagnosis is in my opinion, although I am not a doctor, very different from a level 1 diagnosis. I do not know if it is right for us to be discussing them together, although maybe it is because I am still learning. The needs of individuals with level 3 autism and level 1 autism are completely different. Maybe we are not having enough conversation about children and adults with level 3 autism. It sounds as though Ms Carr's son has level 3. My son has level 3 autism. These children and adults are different from those who are higher functioning. There is a debate taking place on whether we are focusing enough on children with level 3 autism, those children who have huge needs that are not being met.