Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

51. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills his views on whether ASD, autism spectrum disorder, units in mainstream schools for children with autism is the preferred educational environment for children; and his plans with regard to developing and working with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Minister of State with special responsibility for disabilities to further ASD units. [14830/17]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department's policy, in accordance with Section 2 of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act, 2004, is to provide for the inclusive education of children with special educational needs, including Autism, in mainstream school settings, unless such a placement would not be in the best interests of the child concerned, or the children with whom they will be educated.

My Department therefore provides for a continuum of provision which includes mainstream school placements with additional supports, or for pupils who require more specialist interventions, special school and special class placements.

For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, such special school and class placements are provided on the basis of a student-teacher ratio of six to one, along with Special Needs Assistant support.

The establishment of a network of autism-specific special classes in schools across the country has been a key educational priority in recent years.

As Autism can occur along a spectrum, with differing levels of need, there is no one preferred educational environment for children with Autism

Parents are guided on the most appropriate placement by professional assessments which take account of each child’s individual needs.

My Department works with service-providing partners in the health and disability sectors to support and plan for the co-ordinated delivery of services to families of children with special educational needs across the disability sector. The interdepartmental cross-sectional Team, comprises of representatives of my Department, the National Educational Psychological Service, the Department of Health, Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the National Council for Special Education, and the Health Service Executive.