Govt to hold cross-border autism education conference

Education Minister Mary Hanafin has announced plans to hold a cross-border conference on autism at Croke Park next month.

Ms Hanafin says up to 200 experts, parents and teachers will be invited to the one-day event on April 15th, which will examine all issues surrounding the education of autistic children.

The move comes amid major criticism of the Irish Government's approach to the issue.

Ms Hanafin has been severely criticised for refusing to fund ABA therapy for all parents who want their children educated under the highly regarded system.

She says the Government supports ABA as part of a multi-dimensional approach that also includes other forms of autistic education.