Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 31 January 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism

Autism Policy: Discussion (Resumed)

Photo of Micheál CarrigyMicheál Carrigy (Fine Gael)
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I have a few questions. A common word I came across in our guests' submission was "inclusion". If I were to pick out one theme, it is that autistic people and their families want to be included in society. As Oireachtas Members, we have to put the supports in place to ensure that will happen.

In respect of assisted technology, which Dr. Healy mentioned, what can Science Foundation Ireland do to improve that? Certain technology exists, and there are other methods of helping kids, particularly non-verbal ones. Fiacre Ryan from Mayo, the first non-verbal child to sit the leaving certificate using the rapid prompting method, appeared before the committee. What type of technology is Dr. Healy referring to? What proposals is she thinking about? She also mentioned literary skills and ABA. What are her views in that regard?

Turning to Dr. Seoighe, what is the next phase of the project? Where is it moving to and what specific projects does he see happening in respect of autism?

My final question, on sleep research, is for Dr. Lopez. I am the father of a young boy who is autistic. What has the foundation's pilot work shown ahead of any longer research to be carried out?