Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 31 January 2023
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism
Autism Policy: Discussion (Resumed)
Ms Jill McCanney:
Yes, we have a full range. Looking at our referral profile, in Ireland, we have had around 90 referrals now during the course of the service. There would be a huge profile of difference there. We have non-speaking children and young people right up to very articulate children and young people. They use a variety of communication methods. Our staff would be proficient in being able to communicate using whichever method is comfortable for that child or young person. We work across all sectors – primary, post primary and special schools. A significant number of our referrals would be on a reduced school day, which would be a key area for referral.