Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if he will provide an overview of services that are available to a cohort of students (details supplied); his vision for the provision of such education to students of this profile into the future; the supports that are available to the families of such students; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13528/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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The Deputy will be aware that the establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country to cater for children with autism has been a key educational priority in recent years.

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE), through its network of local special educational needs organisers (SENOs), is responsible for processing applications from primary and post primary schools for special educational needs supports, including the establishment of special classes in various geographical areas as required. The NCSE operates within my Department's criteria in allocating such support.

SENOs are a valuable source of support to parents who are actively sourcing a placement for their children or on deciding the most appropriate placement for their child. The parents of the children to whom the Deputy refers should contact their local SENO directly to discuss their child's special educational needs, using the contact details available on www.ncse.ie. My Department strives to ensure that a continuum of special education provision is available as required for children with special educational needs. In line with this approach the policy is to promote a child-centred approach to education of all children with special educational needs including those with autism. As each child with autism is unique they should have access to a range of different approaches to meet their individual needs.

Children with autism present with a wide range of needs. Some children are capable of being fully integrated into mainstream schools without additional teaching or care supports. Others are able to attend mainstream schools but need additional teaching and/or care assistance. Many are best enrolled in autism-specific classes where more intensive and supportive interventions are required. Some may move from one setting to another as they get older and differing needs/strengths/abilities emerge.