Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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181. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the criteria that qualifies as early educational intervention for pre-school children with autism. [55243/13]

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that my Department's preferred approach is that, where possible, children are educated in school settings where they may have access to individualised education programmes, fully-qualified professional teachers, special needs assistants, the appropriate school curriculum with the option, where possible and appropriate, of full or partial integration and interaction with other pupils.

Consequently, my Department's policy is to facilitate the enrolment of pupils with autism in Early Intervention classes in primary schools from the age of three years. In such classes, which have a maximum enrolment of 6 children, there will be a fully qualified primary school teacher and 2 Special Needs Assistants.

When a child with an autism diagnosis reaches 4 years of age they may be accommodated in a number of settings. In such circumstances, a school placement can be a place in a special school which enrols children with ASD; a place in a special class for children with ASD attached to a mainstream school; a place in an early intervention class for children with ASD or a place in a mainstream class in a mainstream school with resources if necessary.

Where there is no suitable educational placement available for children with a diagnosis of autism, my Department will consider applications under the Home Tuition scheme, where the child can receive 20 hours home tuition which is funded by my Department.

Children aged 2.5 years and with a diagnosis are not eligible for enrolment in an early intervention class and will qualify for 10 hours tuition per week under the terms of the Home Tuition scheme should the parent wish to avail of it.