A new Autism Spectrum Disorder Unit is to be provided at Merlin Woods National School in Doughiska this month.
The Government plans to establish the unit have been welcomed by Galway West Labour TD Derek Nolan, who said there are already “fantastic examples” of ASD units in operation in Galway, such as Claddagh national school.
Typically such classes have six children with ASD in them along with a dedicated teacher and two special needs assistants.
“Autism has a huge impact on a child’s education,” said Dep Nolan. “Students with ASD suffer from impairments in social interaction as well as patterns of communication and specialist facilities are crucial to aiding their development and confidence.”
He said it was “very appropriate” that Merlin Woods National School in Doughiska would be allocated the ASD resource.
“As the school develops further over the coming years,” he said, “this facility will provide a much needed educational tool to help children battling with learning difficulties.”
