Autism Ireland & Saplings submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Autism
The Joint Committee on Autism took place between 2022/23 and was established to consider matters relating to the services and supports provided by the State for autistic people and to report back to the Oireachtas.
This is the link to the final report from the Joint Committee on Autism. There are many, many recommendations and it remains to be seen which if any are put into policy.
Autism Ireland and Saplings Patron Bodies put forward a submission to the committee on behalf of their 12 Special Schools (ABACAS Drogheda, ABACAS Kilbarrack, ABACAS Kilnamainagh, ABALTA, Stepping Stones, The Red Door, Jonah Project, Saplings Kill, Saplings Rathfarnham, Saplings Goresbridge, Saplings Carlow and Saplings Mullingar). This submission took the form of the lived experience of families whose children currently or have previously attended these evidence based special schools for autistic children with complex needs. Specifically addressing their experience of ABA and PBS in practice in modern day Ireland under the supervision of qualified Behaviour Analysts working with Teachers and Special Needs Assistants.
Please click here to read our submission and these family accounts.