To ask the Minister of Education how many children diagnosed with autism, confirmed by an educational psychologist, are receiving (i) the number of hours of recommended support; and (ii) less than the recommended hours of support, including the reasons for these children not receiving the recommended hours.

The Education Authority (EA) has advised that the diagnosis of children with autism is the responsibility of the Department of Health and is therefore confirmed by Paediatric ASD Services within Trusts. Educational psychologists neither diagnose nor confirm a diagnosis of autism.

Children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs have an entitlement to the level of support as set out in the statement and as agreed with the school. The support may come in the form of additional adult support and/or intervention from EA autism support services. The number of hours is specific to each child and is agreed with the parent and school.

In some cases, if schools have difficulty recruiting adult assistance, a child may receive less than the recommended level. Schools are encouraged to put contingencies in play to meet the need, pending the appointment of the adult assistant.