Principal in plea over school autism unit

A modern, purpose-built Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) unit in Broadford National School costing €170,000 is only being used by one pupil with special needs, due to a lack of enrolments.

School principal Liam Patterson has expressed his frustration over the delay in completing assessments for children who are being assessed for ASD.
Even though the school has received around eight enquiries from interested parents, the school can’t enrol pupils because the required assessments and diagnosis haven’t been fully completed.
The school has to operate under guidelines approved the National Council for Special Education.
However, the situation is further complicated by the fact that the vacancy for the special needs organiser for East Clare still hasn’t been filled, despite promises this would be done by last Christmas.
“The current system is operating at a snail’s pace. Our ASD unit, which was fully funded by the Department of Education, is fully functioning and has the benefit of a fully qualified teacher for ASD and special needs, Mr Patterson said.
“I would urge parents who have an ASD assessment completed to consider sending their child to this unit. I discovered recently some people weren’t aware there was an ASD unit attached to Broadford National School.
“I want to create a public awareness that the unit, which can cater for up to five pupils, is open.
“The unit includes a playground containing a specially devised sensory area for children with ASD, which allows children with special needs to integrate with children of their own age who are also attending the school,” he explained.
More than 100 pupils will be enrolling in the school in September under the tutelage of four mainstream teachers, one teaching support, one ASD teacher and one special needs assistant.
The school board of management decided that a sensory area should be incorporated in the new play area to use as a therapeutic tool for any child with ASD and for a small group of supervised infants.
This sensory area includes colours and weather patterns that will also be beneficial to other young infants.
With a nest swing, slide and play panels, the equipment will assist children’s physical, mental and social skills.