Statement on proposed changes to the Autism Class Model

AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, notes today’s announcement by the Department of Education and Youth on proposed changes to the Autism Class Model in 5 schools. This proposal would see the participating secondary schools with established autism classes be able to enrol up to 12 students. The model would not include physical space or increased SNA / teacher allocation but would include an increased funding, capitation and NCSE supports.

In responding to today’s announcement, we are mindful of the many children and young people who are without an appropriate school place for September. Whilst proposals or reforms can be welcome in creating a more inclusive education system, they must not fail to negate the right not just to a school place but for that school place to be appropriate . We note the proposed name for the proposed model in 5 secondary schools is an "Inclusive Autism Class" but we would remind the Department that all Autism classes in the system should be inclusive and promote opportunities for Autistic young people to participate in mainstream activities with their peers

We are concerned that today’s announcement has come without advanced consultation with our organisation or community and urgently require clarity on how schools will be supported to operationalise such a model and the impact it will have on our students. At a minimum, this proposal should provide an opt-out option to families with full vindication of the existing right to access an autism class, take account of the profile and support needs of children in an autism class, provide adequate regulation space for young people and maintain the current teacher: pupil ratio.

We have written to the Department today seeking an urgent meeting. We will keep the community informed of this engagement and welcome any questions you may have to inform our advocacy.

‍