Written answers

Tuesday, 3 April 2007

Department of Education and Science

Special Educational Needs

10:00 pm

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 611: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the number of schools that have asked for autistic units to be located at their schools; the type of autistic units available at these schools; the location of the units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12805/07]

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 612: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the way he selects the location of autistic units if a school does not apply to have such a unit at the school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12806/07]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 611 and 612 together.

My Department's preferred approach to the provision of appropriate education for children with autism is through the primary and post primary school network, whether through placement in mainstream classes, in special classes or in special schools, a view that is supported by the findings of the Task Force Report on Autism. My Department supports a multi-skills approach in regard to the education of children with autism where a range of teaching methods are available e.g. Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH), ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS).

As the Deputy is aware that the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) was established under the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities with particular emphasis on children. The NCSE has a key role in the delivery of services and operates through a network of special educational needs organisers (SENOs) who act as a focal point of contact for schools and parents. The role of the SENO includes the processing of applications from schools to establish special classes for autism or units which comprise 2-3 classes and establishing provision where necessary. The NCSE will continue to establish classes for children with autism as and where required.

In this regard my Department, in conjunction with the NCSE, has established:

186 special classes for children with autism, attached to special and mainstream schools;

5 special classes for children with Asperger's Syndrome;

18 pre-school classes to facilitate the demand for early intervention provision for children on the autistic spectrum;

14 Stand alone facilities providing an Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) specific methodologies on a pilot basis — 2 of these facilities have yet to be established.

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