Ms Julie Tonge:

It ranges but students tell us that it is typically between €400 and €500. That can vary, however, and it can be difficult to find people who are willing to provide a diagnosis. I mentioned the national clinical programme for adults with ADHD. That is something that can definitely be replicated for people with autism. That is a multidisciplinary team so not only are people provided with a diagnosis but they also might be provided with medication for ADHD and psychological supports, occupational therapy supports and other supports, as appropriate. Something similar to that would be a good thing to look at.

On the universal design approach, something that the committee could consider is the National Disability Authority's "Building for Everyone" design approach. That is comprehensive guidance on how to design, build and manage buildings and spaces so that they can be readily accessed by anyone. That could be an autistic person, a person with another disability, a parent pushing a buggy or an elderly person. That involves looking at buildings as a whole and meeting the needs of the maximum number of people, including autistic people.