Teacher union defends policy on autism

The largest teacher union in the State, the Irish National Teachers' Organisation, has defended its policy on autism.

In a strongly worded statement yesterday, it dismissed claims that the INTO demand for fully qualified teachers in schools was affecting education services for children with autism.

John Carr, its general secretary, said primary teachers were implementing the recommendation in the Autism Task Force Report; this said the Department of Education and Science made available a range of approaches to meet the needs of pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

"It is our view that in primary schools the best person to do this is a fully qualified and properly supported primary teacher. A top-class education, that meets the needs of the child, in a social setting is what parents want for their children."

This is what primary teachers, in special schools, special classes and mainstream classes were providing all over the country, he said.

Teachers were providing, within the limits of the resources, quality education for children with autism in special classes and mainstream classes.

He also strongly criticised remarks by Minister for Education Mary Hanafin in relation to an unopened autistic unit in a school in north Dublin.

"The fact of the matter is that the Government has not provided the required supports. The school highlighted this, not to apportion blame but to beg for resources for children with autism . . ."