Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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195. To ask the Minister for Education and Skills the steps he has taken to implement the policy advice of the National Council for Special Education regarding children with ASD; if all of the recommendations of the report will be implemented; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6971/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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In 2016 the National Council for Special Education published updated policy advice on the Educational Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In developing this policy advice, the NCSE consulted widely with parents, professionals and other stakeholders and interested parties while also conducting research.

The NCSE policy advice on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Schools (2016) found that Students are generally well supported in schools with appropriate curriculum; extensive teacher and SNA supports; improving range of educational placements supported by improved accommodation and equipment; improved teacher knowledge and understanding and a generally good standard of provision at primary and post primary levels.

The NCSE policy advice noted that ASD is a spectrum condition, so some students with ASD require little support in school and are relatively independent in their learning, while others require significant levels of support. 

The NCSE Policy Advice also states that International Research findings suggest that most students with ASD should be considered for inclusion in mainstream education with their peers, where inclusion is well-planned and well-resourced.

The report includes 11 key Recommendations which focus on improvements which might be considered to the range of provisions which are currently available for children with Autism in schools.

The report is available on the NCSE website www.ncse.ie.

My Department has convened an Implementation Group with representatives of the NCSE, NEPS, the Inspectorate and external representatives to ensure that the Report’s recommendations are fully and appropriately considered and that a timetable for implementation is prepared. The work of the Implementation Group is ongoing.