James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 78: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take to address the long waiting lists for assessment and diagnosis of children suspected of having autism, which now stand at up to two years, given that there is a three-year window of opportunity to intervene to allow a child achieve his or her full potential and that to lose two of these years waiting for an assessment would be catastrophic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9774/08]

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government is committed to providing a high quality service for all people with a disability, as illustrated by the substantial investment in the disability sector in recent years. An integral part of the national disability strategy is the multi-annual investment programme, published in December 2004, which contains details of specific commitments in regard to the provision of high priority disability services in the period 2006 to 2009. These commitments include the development of new residential, respite and day places for persons with an intellectual disability and autism in each of the years covered by the programme. Additional funding was also provided to enhance the level and range of multidisciplinary support services available to adults and children with intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities and those with autism. It also provided for the recruitment of additional professional and support staff. The priority to date has been to enhance assessment and support services for children with disabilities.

Prior to the establishment of the Health Service Executive, different approaches had emerged throughout the State to service delivery for individuals with autism. There are early intervention services in many parts of the country, some of which are run by the HSE and others by non-statutory agencies, but there are inconsistencies in their approach and delivery. The HSE is committed to redesigning these services in line with its transformation programme and current best practice.

Intervention early in life can have a significant impact on the disabling effects of a condition or impairment. In recognition of this, Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 was commenced for children aged under five years with effect from 1 June 2007. This provides parents of young children with disabilities with an entitlement to an independent assessment of their child's health and education needs and a statement of the services it is proposed to provide for that child. To date, more than 1,300 applications for assessment of need have been received and are being processed by the HSE.

Representatives of the Departments of Health and Children and Education and Science, the HSE and the National Council for Special Education meet on a monthly basis to address a range of issues, including matters arising from the ongoing implementation of the Disability Act 2005.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

This work includes planning for the roll-out of Part 2 of the Disability Act 2005 and the Education for Persons with Special Needs Act 2004 to children aged between five and 18 years and to adults. Issues in regard to the timely and appropriate provision of health and education supports for children with a range of disabilities, including autism, are being considered in the context of these discussions. Health related support services for children aged five to 18 years and for adults will continue to be enhanced to enable the HSE to meet needs identified for this group.

The recently established Office for Disability and Mental Health will focus on facilitating the delivery of integrated health and education support services for children with special needs, by further developing the existing mechanisms for co-operation and co-ordination between the health and education sectors.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I cannot tell from the Minister of State's response how he proposes to address this issue. There is a window of opportunity between the ages of three and six years where it is possible to make a significant impression on the ultimate outcome for an autistic child. However, a waiting list of up to two years means two thirds of this window may be lost to parents as they wait in frustration for a diagnosis. Many parents are going abroad to seek diagnostic services or doing so privately at extraordinary cost. This is unfair, particularly when we know that early intervention would mean that 50% of these children could move into mainstream education.

What arrangements are in place to provide speech and language therapy and behavioural therapy under the so-called eclectic model to which the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, has referred, in mainstream schools which provide special classes for children with autism? Two schools on the north side of Dublin, for example, have the classrooms, teachers and special needs assistants but cannot secure speech and language and behavioural therapy services.

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The diagnosis of autism is outlined in the international classification of diseases and related health problems. There are five diagnoses under this umbrella. The overall estimated prevalence is in the order of 60 in 10,000 children. As I said, there has been a degree of inconsistency in the delivery of services throughout the State which the HSE is committed to correcting. To date, there is no agreed mechanism for interaction between the HSE and the Department of Education and Science and practices differ throughout the State. The recently established Office of Disability and Mental Health, which I have the honour of heading up, is designed specifically to tackle such problems as this. If the Deputy requires, I can discuss the issue further.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am delighted the Minister of State is taking control and responsibility in this area. I ask that he devise a cogent, coherent plan to address this issue immediately. It is a matter of co-ordination. All the services and divisions are in place but they must be co-ordinated. I hope we will not have to wait for a report to issue and that the Minister of State will take action that will result in tangible change in the next three months.

Jimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A cross-sectoral committee has been established comprising representatives from the Departments of Health and Children and Education and Science, the HSE and the National Council for Special Education, which meets on a monthly basis. I have attended one of its meetings and intend to do so more regularly. By these means, we will ensure progress in this area.