Autism Diagnoses Rise in Ireland, Schools Struggle to Keep Up
A sharp rise in autism prevalence and related conditions among children in Ireland is projected to require thousands of additional special school places in the coming years. Official estimates indicate that the proportion of students requiring special classes or schools could nearly double, reaching 5% of the student population by 2030-2031. This marks a significant increase from the current 2.7%, which includes approximately 8,000 children in special schools and 11,000 in special classes within mainstream schools.
The rise in demand reflects growing autism diagnoses due to increased awareness, improved diagnostic methods, and expanded assessment criteria. According to the National Council for Special Education, autism prevalence among schoolchildren in Ireland increased from 1.6% in 2018 to 3.4% in 2022.
This surge is placing additional pressure on Ireland’s education and health services. Currently, over 13,000 children with disabilities are awaiting initial contact from child disability services, with two-thirds of them waiting for over a year. Experts emphasize the importance of early intervention during preschool and early-school years to ensure positive outcomes for children. In Dublin 15, the shortage of school places for children with autism is particularly severe, forcing families to apply to numerous schools in search of placements.
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