Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Both the Government and the HSE acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced with the delivery of therapies for children with autism and their families. Disability services are provided based on the presenting needs of an individual assessment according to the person’s requirements and care needs. The HSE is focused on implementing the actions of the PDS roadmap which will target enhancing capacity in our health service to deliver much needed therapies, including to those with autism.

With specific regard to therapies, the HSE provides information and training to carers and staff in the management of behaviours, such as de-escalation intervention techniques and positive behaviour supports, in addition to clinical therapies including OT, physio and speech and language therapy. Equine therapy, art therapy, pet therapy and music therapy are among the range of offerings now available. I would like to expand the conversation on equine therapy. I know I have two Cork TDs behind me. I first saw equine therapy in Liskennett. It is a phenomenal service involving 600 children each week accessing equine therapy with 20 ponies. That is a regional centre and we are looking at doing one in Stewarts Care in Kilcloon and one in Toghermore in Galway.

Equine therapy, art therapy and music therapy bring in other disciplines. It is a finite resource where we need to look at the training and skill sets. Children's advancement by doing alternative therapy of expression is a game changer and can add huge value to de-escalating young people's agitation. We also have the Cubbie in some libraries here in Dublin. It was designed in Mayo and is in 320 facilities in Ireland and the UK where children are allowed to sit in a little space with the music, colouring and lights to meet their needs.

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