ABA programmes - Autistic children will benefit

WHEN will Education Minister Mary Hanafin see the light?

This is the $50,000 question that perplexes parents of autistic children.

For years, they have campaigned for permanence to be given to pilot studies based on Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA).

This proven system of education is widely supported across the spectrum of autism research. Significantly, a UK study shows that children with the condition can boost their IQ by 40 points through intensive ABA teaching programmes.

However, the minister favours an “eclectic” method of schooling for autistic children, linked in with mainstream schools. Though she denies her position has anything to do with finance or resources, according to researchers she is isolated in her stance.

Yet, the State is forcing parents to resort to the courts in search of a better education for autistic children. As well as inflicting anxiety on the families, the State ends up paying millions in legal costs that would be far better spent on the ABA system. This is a crazy scenario.