Today on Morning Focus, Dr Susan Crawford of Get Autism Active joined us on-air to discuss the issue of provision at mainstream schools for pupils with autism spectrum disorders.
This matter was raised earlier this month in the Dáil by a Cork TD (Dara Murphy) who was given figures which show that there are a total of 41 special classes available currently across Clare. Responding to Dep Murphy, Education Minister Joe McHugh also noted that Budget 2020 provides for an additional 1,064 SNA posts and 400 new special education teacher posts to cater for new need next year. Dr Crawford joined us on the line to discuss whether or not there’s enough provision to support children in attending mainstream education.
Dr Crawford’s son, Tomás was diagnosed in 1998 with autism, at the age of two. In light of this she set up an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) unit attached to a mainstream school and currently offers training in autism awareness through the Get Autism Active initiative.
For more information please visit the website here.
If you missed the interview, you can listen back below:
