Parents raise alarm at repurposing of special classes

Re-classification of early intervention classes as autism classes is raising concerns, writes Education Correspondent Jess Casey

At least 25 early intervention classes open in 2020 have since been ‘redesignated’ as primary school autism classes. File picture: Danny Lawson/PA

Parents and educators have sounded the alarm over the repurposing of early intervention classes for pre-school children into autism classes in recent years.

At least 25 early intervention classes open in 2020 have since been ‘redesignated’ as primary school autism classes. Since 2023, 11 early intervention classes have been closed or repurposed into autism classes.