ASD school placement
Deputy Browne described a child with autism awaiting a move to a more suitable school, along with SNA and transport supports. The Taoiseach said the family should be kept informed and asked the Deputy to forward details so the case could be followed up.
I was contacted recently by a mother whose daughter, Brigid, was diagnosed with ASD in October. Brigid's psychologist said that she needed to be moved from her current school to one with a special unit that would suit her needs. Thanks to the assistance of a special needs officer, a school has been identified and applications were made for a SNA and transport for Brigid.
However, neither the family nor the school has heard anything back since these applications were made. Brigid's mother has said that while they are being left in limbo, Brigid is falling behind as time goes by. She has to be collected at noon every day because she is not managing well within her current school environment. In light of the programme for Government commitment to support continued investment in SNAs and the further commitment to inclusion and access as the foundation of a more just and equal society, this family should be treated better. What can the Taoiseach do to move this process on?
Comment on this
I do not have the details of the case. Is the Deputy saying that the family has heard nothing from the new school or the special education needs organiser? The family should be informed as to progress relating to their child in terms of the placement in the school in the first instance and the allocation of an SNA. That should happen. I do not have the details but if the Deputy forwards them to us, we will follow it through.