Six new Autism Spectrum Disorder special classes for Louth

The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) are to open six new ASD Special Classes in County Louth for the 2017/18 school year it has been revealed.

There are currently four primary schools and three post primary schools operating Autism Spectrum Special Classes in the county, according to the Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton.

In a written answer to a question from local TD Fergus O’Dowd, Minister Bruton said the new classes will increase the number of ASD Early Intervention Special Classes from two to three, the number of ASD primary Special Classes from 13 to 18 while the four ASD post-primary Special Classes will remain the same.

Deputy O’Dowd had asked how many schools in County Louth have ASD units on site and how many schools are without an ASD unit.

The Minister said the NCSE had informed his department that they are satisfied that there are sufficient ASD special class placements to meet existing demand in County Louth.

‘My Department will continue to support the NCSE in opening special classes in areas where there is an identified need,’ he said.

The Minister said it is the policy of his department that all children with special educational needs, including those with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD), can have access to an education appropriate to their needs, preferably in school settings through the primary and post primary school network.

‘Such placements facilitate access to individualised education programmes which may draw from a range of appropriate educational interventions, delivered by fully qualified professional teachers, with the support of Special Needs Assistants and the appropriate school curriculum.’

The Minister went on to say that this policy has been informed by published research, including the Report of the Task Force on Autism (2001),

the Evaluation of Educational Provision for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (2006) and National Council for Special Education (NCSE) policy advice on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (2016).

The NCSE policy advice on Supporting Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (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 and improved teacher knowledge and understanding.