Five new school classes to come on stream to support students with autism in Kilkenny

Five new special classes to support students on the autism spectrum are set to come on stream in schools across in Kilkenny in the next academic year.

Three of these classes are planned for primary schools and two are planned for post-primary schools.

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They will be located at Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal (Graignamanagh), Burnchurch NS, Gowran NS, Colaiste Mhuire (Johnstown) and Grennan College (Thomastown).

The news has been warmly welcomed by local councillor Maria Dollard who described it as 'something we as parents, families and allies of autistic children continually campaign and advocate for'.

"Increasingly, schools are realising that inclusive education is better for children, families, wider school communities and society as a whole," she said.

"The critical part is not only the physical creation of the autism classroom but the leadership of school principals to ensure that the classrooms do not become segregated or isolated 'units' within the wider school community. Autism classes are not a solution to exclusion but rather a tool to support inclusion in the school environment.

" I wish the schools every success and commend them in their leadership in taking this step towards better and more inclusive education for everyone." 

Parents seeking special class placements for their children are advised to contact the National Council for Special Education so that their needs can be taken into account for planning purposes.

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Local Special Educational Needs Organisers (SENOs) remain available to assist and advise parents of children with special educational needs.

Parents may contact SENOs directly using the contact details available at 'ncse.ie/regional-service'.