Calls to evaluate autism schools in danger of closure

CALLS are being made for a full evaluation of the country’s 13 pilot ABA (Applied Behavioural Analysis) schools before the Department of Education considers shutting them down.

Fine Gael has said the plans, which will directly affect up to 300 children with autism, “should be put on hold” so that the schools’ effectiveness can be assessed.

Figures obtained by the party show that in Cork and Kerry alone, the numbers of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses has increased 500% between 2001 and January of this year.