Primary School & Secondary School
Mainstream Class with Additional Support
Some children with Autism can manage in a mainstream class without support, but some may need additional support. This may be just within the classroom, provided by the teacher. This is known as Classroom Support. This sometimes involves putting in strategies that benefit the whole class or on an individual basis. An individual does not need a diagnosis for additional support.
The next level of support is School Support, this usually involves some hours with a resource teacher in a group of the individual setting. For example, social skills support. School Support Plus is the highest level of support and can involve support from a Special Needs Assistant to manage breaks or any challenging behaviour that arises. There can also be external supports as well, for example with an Occupational Therapist or Psychologist.
A child on School Support Plus is entitled to an Individual Educational Plan (IEP). This plan outlines information gathered over time relative to the student’s abilities, special educational needs and educational performance. The IEP will also be used to set short-term and long-term targets for the child, noting the interventions and supports that will be in place to assist the child in meeting these targets.
Autism Class in a Mainstream Setting
Children with an official Autism diagnosis and psychologist recommendation, can access a special class for Autism, based in a mainstream school. These classes have a ratio of six pupils to one teacher and two SNAs. There are many classes throughout Dublin, but places can be scarce, and your child may need to travel a longer distance to access one.
Currently there are a lot more classes in primary schools than secondary schools. You will need to apply either directly to the schools or to the Autism application system (depending on your location) but your local Special Needs Coordinator (SENO) will be able to support you in finding a class for your child. Some children in an autism class will integrate into a mainstream class for part of their day. This depends on each individual child and how they manage in a busier, more challenging environment.
The classes broadly follow the school curriculum, and some children may be able to access a mainstream class more appropriate to their academic ability. There may also be external support within the school setting, for example with an Occupational Therapist or Speech and Language Therapist.
Special School
For some children with Autism, a special school may sometimes be the most beneficial setting. In special schools, class sizes are kept small so that staff can attend effectively to their students’ needs. As well as teaching staff, other specialist staff may also be present in a special school (such as Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, etc.) where appropriate.
The learning and development activities delivered in a special school are directly informed by the needs of the students and may be focused more on life skills than academic attainment depending on the individual.
