Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail)
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I thank all of our contributors and guests. It is obvious they are all very passionate about autism. I do not know their backgrounds but many of us have a family or close link with someone with autism. That is what drives many of us on this committee. I know many people who work with organisations involved with neurodiversity and autism that have similar links. One can tell that the witnesses have a passion and vision for people with autism and, ultimately, an ambition for such people. The first speaker mentioned special schools which is an issue I have come across. We opened a special school recently in Crumlin called Our Lady of Hope. It is a beautiful school and is working out very well although it started with a few issues. It is a school for children with autism and is not a mainstream school. If children can fit in mainstream settings, ideally that would be the preference but some children need an environment with extra care. An issue that arose last year related to handling children. Many teachers and special needs assistants, SNAs, were not equipped to handle children properly. Children were going home with bruises and hand marks on them.

It seems like a basic thing in an autism spectrum disorder, ASD, classroom that the teachers, SNAs and anyone else working in that environment would have the correct training. This is a niche topic, but I was blown away to hear it is happening in this day and age, and that people are not able to properly handle children. Our guests might be able to answer on that point.

It is great to hear that adults with autism are now advocates. That includes our guests and Mr. Adam Harris, who is now a sort of celebrity. It is great to hear the adult voice, no more than it is also great to see women elected. It shows there is a pathway. If one cannot see it happen, one feels it cannot happen. I say "Well done" in that regard and again thank our guests for coming to the meeting. I will listen to my colleagues' questions.