Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The Department's policy is that children with special educational needs, including those with autism, should be educated in an inclusive environment in mainstream schools, unless the extent of their needs is such that they require specialist support which cannot be provided in mainstream settings. Schools are supported in integrating children with special needs in schools by the national psychological services and the National Council for Special Education, NCSE.

The Department has issued a range of policy and guidance documents for schools on integrating children with special needs, including children with autism. This guidance includes Special Educational Needs - A Continuum of Support, which was issued to primary schools in 2007 and to post-primary schools in 2010. In addition, special education circular 02/05, Organisation of Teaching Resources for Pupils who Need Additional Support in Mainstream Primary Schools, was issued in 2005, and Inclusion of Students with Special Educational Needs: Post Primary Guidelines was issued in 2007. These documents are available on the Department's website www.education.ie. The NCSE is preparing policy advice on educational provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders.

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