A group of eight autistic pupils who were left without a school after their specialist facility closed have still not found alternative places ten weeks later.

The Irish Independent reports the students, who formerly attended Achieve ABA in Donaghmede, north Dublin, have been forced to rely on home-schooling or private tutors, despite an intervention from Education Minister Ruairi Quinn asking the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) to assist the youngsters.

While the NCSE claims it has offered a satisfactory place for each child, parents have accused the body of failing to meet their children's needs.

One girl was referred to an all-boys school, as well as a facility requiring a 400km per week commute that was not suitable for her.

Pat McCormack, father of seven-year-old Meabh, said: "I'm petrified, like countless parents are around the country, about their child going into an unsuitable place and their child will ... regress and lose the skill sets they have learnt."

Recently, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation warned special needs pupils would be among the hardest hit by cuts to the education system, due to reduced resources and limited access to teaching assistants.

Written by Donal Walsh
 

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