Nine out of 10 autistic children without access to proper services

NINE out of 10 children with autism are not getting the specialist services they need to develop, according to a survey of primary school principals in schools catering for children with the condition.

A mere fifth of the 280 principals surveyed said they would favour the ABA approach of education, which most parents of children with autism believe is best for their child, but 65% of principals said this method is best for children under four years of age.

School principals said the majority of children with autism enrolled in special schools or special classes do not have access to a variety of professional interventions needed including speech and language therapists, psychologists and occupational therapists.

The survey by the Irish Primary Principals Network was published ahead of the first World Autism Day, which takes place today and is expected to become an annual event.

To mark the occasion, a special helpline is being launched for parents of autistic children to get in touch with one another.

The phone line is being run by the mobile phone company O2 and Irish Autism Action (IAA) and will allow the parents to share experiences and advice.

IAA chairman Cormac Rennick said: “It provides a range of supports for the parents of children with autism who often feel very isolated.”

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday launched a European charter of rights for people with autism.

A research programme was also launched which will investigate the incidence of autism in Ireland and compare it to other countries. The research, to be carried out at Dublin City University will allow for better planning of services.

* The helpline number is 1890 818 518 and will operate from 7pm to 10pm, five days a week.