Tensions at ABA school over move to back deal

SERIOUS tensions have emerged between the board of management and parents at one of Dublin’s best- known ABA schools for children with autism, over the board’s decision to radically change how the children are taught.

In recent days, the board of management of ABACAS Kilbarrack have agreed to accept the Department of Education’s proposals to change the school from a predominately Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA)- led school to a special school for children with autism and highly complex needs.

Twelve out of the country’s 13 ABA schools voted to accept the deal. The Red Door in Monkstown is the only school to have not yet accepted the department’s letter of offer which was drawn up after years of negotiations.