Rehab Group to build Limerick school for children with autism

THE Rehab Group has decided to take on the educational crisis facing autistic children in Limerick.

Work is to commence within weeks on a school for children with autism. The facility will be built by Rehab at Cloughkeating, Mungret on the outskirts of the city.

Initially, it will cater for six pre-school children and a further 24 primary children, aged between three and 12 but it’s hoped the figure will rise to 60 over the next four years.

Yesterday Fine Gael TD Michael Noonan said final touches were being put to the plans: “I am very pleased the Rehab Group intend to provide these vital facilities here in Limerick and will act as patron for the school.”

The children who will get places are those who are, at present, unable to access mainstream education due the learning and behavioural challenges posed by autism.

“We’re hoping to take relevant aspects from different schools of teaching so the specific needs of each child will be met. Teaching will be one-to-one but will also embrace group work so social skills are developed,” a Rehab spokesman said.

“Methods of education will include PECS, ABA, MEBS, Scheduled Supervised Exercise, Life Skills and Individual Educational Plan. The aim of the school will be to provide a specialised education programme to prepare children with autism for mainstream educational settings where possible”.

Rehab is working in partnership with the Department of Education, the HSE and the Children with Autism organisation in Limerick.

Initially, 19 staff will be employed — a principal, five teachers, 12 special needs assistants and one administrative staff member. Additional supports will be sought for children who need more individualised attention. The school and its curriculum will be subject to an assessment by a psychologist and approval by the Department of Education special needs officer.

Rehab is to set about establishing a board of management for the school and begin recruitment of staff.

Mr Noonan last night called on the Department of Education to support the proposal so the facility can be opened as soon as possible: “I warmly welcome the decision by Rehab. It is great news for children with autism in Limerick and their parents. I urge the Department of Education to fully back the plans.”