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Accessing Special Education Services in Ireland

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Accessing special education services in ireland

Accessing Special Education Services in Ireland

All parents want to ensure their children receive the best possible care and education to equip them for a bright future. When a child is diagnosed with learning or physical differences, understanding what the next steps should be for getting the necessary support is vital. This involves having the correct information about accessing special education services in Ireland and how to best navigate them.

If you are a parent of a child identified as requiring this, there are many resources in Ireland that can help. These services can give you the clarity to make decisions about your child’s future and can help them on the path towards meeting their full potential with their education and social life.

Autism Assessment

If you believe your child requires support, the first step is an Autism Assessment which we provide as part of our services. An autism assessment is a multi-step process that includes information from a variety of sources.
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The main tools used during a basic assessment are: the ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised), Child/Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (CSP/AASP), and the ADOS-2 (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule).

ADI-R

An extended interview completed by an experienced clinician with a child’s or adult’s parent/caregiver. Information is collected from different areas of functioning.

The Sensory Profile 

A standardised questionnaire completed by the parent/caregiver of a young child or an adolescent/adult being evaluated. Looks at your child’s ability to process input using their five senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste.

The ADOS-2

A semi-structured, standardised assessment of communication, social interaction, play/imagination, restrictive and repetitive behaviours.

Irish Society for Autism

After the autism assessment is carried out, there are many other support services available that will suit the needs of your child. The Irish Society for Autism is an example of one. This society offers a wide range of services and support, providing information through training and educational programmes for families, educators, students and health care workers. With a team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, it strives to enhance the quality of life of those with autism, and promote their social inclusion within the wider community.

They offer a range of information services in the form of:

  • Support Groups: established residential services across the country.
  • Educational Workshops: they work with primary and secondary schools across the country, providing awareness and education programmes.
  • Social Events: they organise international conferences featuring world renowned experts in the field of Autism to bring awareness.

They are passionate about raising awareness for autism and advocating for the rights of those affected. The work of the ISA is truly inspiring, and they continue to make significant strides in improving lives throughout Ireland.

Did You Know?

A study by researchers in DCU suggests that autism affects at least 1 per cent of the Irish population, similar to rates in the US and the UK.

School Support

If your child is diagnosed, they could be eligible for additional support in school. Accessing this support involves working with your child’s school and the relevant educational authorities to create an individual education plan. It will outline your child’s specific needs and the supports required to help them succeed. The type of support provided will depend on the individual needs of your child and may include:

  • Learning Support: additional teaching to help your child learn and progress.
  • Resource Teaching: involves a teacher working one to one with your child.
  • Special Schools: schools designed for children with special education needs (SEN) who require intensive support.

The educational environment may be an overwhelming place for children as they may struggle to adjust to changes in routine and the surroundings. Teachers and parents must work together to provide the necessary support which should be tailored to the individual child’s needs. It may include a range of helpful learning strategies such as:

–Visual Aids: objects of reference, such as  packaging, food labels and coloured pictures.
–Calming Techniques: relaxing classroom music to play in the background while the children are learning.
–Sensory Support: squeezy balls, hobby clay, and fidget toys. 

National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)

NEPS is a government-funded service that provides psychological assessments and support to schools and students, working in partnership with teachers, parents and children in identifying educational needs. Their aim is to support the well-being, learning, and development of children and young people. To access their services, simply contact your child’s school and they will arrange for a referral to be made. Support to schools is made through consultations, assessments, interventions, special projects and research with regards to:

  • Guidance on behavioral, emotional and social traits.
  • Special learning needs.

Their efforts contribute to the creation of a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment that enables students to excel academically and thrive socially.

Access to special education services in Ireland is a fundamental right. It is important to consider all available options while researching, in order to have the best chance of receiving the services needed. Having the knowledge about accessible services can be beneficial for parents, teachers and students, improving the life of those affected. Access to these services allows children the appropriate support they need while working towards their education goals.

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Creating a Supportive Home Environment for Children with Autism

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Creating a Supportive Home Environment for Children with Autism

Creating a supportive home environment for children with autism is essential. They require a home environment that is both loving and supportive in order to help them flourish. Having a safe, predictable atmosphere within the home can make it easier to reduce stress. Developing an understanding of your child’s unique needs combined with positive living strategies will create an encouraging home environment for everyone. There are many factors involved when creating a supportive home environment for children with autism.

Create a Predictable Routine

It is important for parents to establish a predictable, consistent routine. This helps children feel secure and safe. Having a predictable daily schedule and routine can provide structure and comfort.

Children with autism can often feel very overwhelmed by their environment and having structure can alleviate some of that stress. It helps them to understand and anticipate what happens next, leading to improved emotional regulation, fewer behavior outbursts, and increased independence.

Routine can be based around:

  • Allowing a certain time for meals during the day.
  • Setting a time for playtime with certain toys/games.
  • Setting a specific time schedule for schoolwork.
  • A schedule around daily living activities like brushing teeth or putting on shoes.

There are certain ways to implement this routine such as: creating visual supports like pictures, diagrams, and written schedules. This can help them to understand what is expected of them throughout the day. Try to make the visuals as clear and concise as possible.

Reduce Sensory Overload

sensory overload and Creating a Supportive Home Environment for Children with Autism

Children with autism can also be sensitive to noise, light and other sensory stimuli. Try to reduce these sources of stress with noise-cancelling headphones, low-level lighting, and other calming strategies.

Ways in which sensory overload can be eased and prevented are:

  • By providing a space for privacy when they become overwhelmed.
  • Provide calming activities such as colouring.
  • Items such as chew toys or weighted blankets can help to self-regulate emotionally.
  • Avoid loud activities in the home.
  • Supply noise-cancelling headphones.
  • Avoid loud music.
  • Avoid harsh, bright lights in the home.

Finding the right balance of sensory input is essential and helps them to enjoy life more comfortably and functionally. By taking the time to learn, receive assistance and practice, both parent and child can work together to reduce the amount of sensory input making life simpler for both.

Did You Know?

It is estimated that autism affects around 1 per cent of the populace, with a disproportionately higher number of male individuals experiencing the condition.

Autism and a supportive home environment

Encourage Communication

It’s important to encourage communication. Early intervention when a child has communication differences is crucial. It is good to determine your child’s communication level first and then proceed from there. Offer visual supports, such as pictures or symbols, to help them express their needs and feelings.

Non-verbal autism describes people with autism who cannot speak or can only speak a few words. About 25–30% of autistic individuals are nonspeaking or minimally speaking.  Support for non-verbal autism includes: speech therapy and behavioral therapy.

At our Autism Assessment Centre, Speech and Language Therapists work with anyone who may be experiencing a range of traits in relation to their speech, language and communication skills. Here are some of examples of who may benefit from a speech and language therapy assessment:

  • Children who are at the pre-verbal stage of language development and are communicating primarily through non-verbal means. For example, by taking an adult by the hand to show them what they want or by reaching, pointing or gesturing to what they want.
  • Children who can combine words together and use phrases, but have autistic developmental trajectory.
  • Children who can use a few single words but have communication challenges.

There are many other ways non-verbal children can communicate:

– Through facial expressions.
– Through gestures.
– Pointing to letters to spell words.
– Writing.

Connecting with other families who have autistic children can also help to provide a support system for both you and your child, as sharing experiences and resources can be beneficial for everybody.

It is necessary to create an open environment where parents feel comfortable having age-related conversations about autism. Creating a place for children where freedom of speech is encouraged, provides an invaluable foundation for their continuing growth.

Ways to Encourage Communication

– Keep language simple to avoid confusion.
– Give your child time to respond.
– Props can be used such as signs as well as hand gestures.
– Reward positive behaviour to encourage communication.
– Have a positive attitude which allows them to have one too.

Offer Choices

Children with autism often need more control over their environment, so offering choices can be beneficial. It can be incorporated into their daily routine. The ability to have control over even the smallest of decisions leads to increased participation and motivation in both educational and recreational activities. It allows them to express their interests and gives them a sense of control over their situation. In turn, this creates a supportive home environment for children with autism.

Choice boards are a great way for children to make their own choices. These are based on what kind of motor or communication skills the child has. A whiteboard can be used for this and the items that the child can choose from can be stuck to or drawn onto the choice board, giving them a visual aid. This can decrease anxiety and for the child.

Creating a Supportive Home Environment for Children with Autism and allowing choice

Ways in which you can offer them choices are:

  • Choice between two activities.
  • Choice of snacks.
  • Choice of preferred rewards.
  • Choice of what to wear.
  • Choice of where to visit.

Allowing these choices can help children to feel more confident and empowered. By letting them decide how to approach situations, no matter how big or small, we can create an even brighter future for them to experience.

By following these steps and remaining consistent with expectations and rules in your home environment, you can create a safe space for your child. A home where love, respect, and understanding is available. With the right support system it is entirely possible for parents to raise happy and successful individuals.

A healthy living environment using the above techniques will enable them to engage more fully with the world around them, allowing them to unlock their potential and have more enjoyable and fulfilling experiences in life.

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Understanding the Different Types of Autism

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

Understanding the Different Types of Autism

With every individual’s experience being unique, understanding and learning the different types of autism, including the individual needs and therapies for intervention associated, is not only helpful but essential to developing successful support plans. These plans can be tailored specifically for your loved one.

Whether you’re a parent trying to gain an understanding of this condition or a healthcare professional looking to expand on your knowledge, this article will provide insight into aspects surrounding various types of autism.

What are the Traits of Autism?

Traits of autism can vary, but common signs include differences in social interaction, communication differences and self-expression body language

Children with autism may also autistic sensory perception, such as being sensitive to noise or light.

Therapies for Intervention and Support

It is crucial for individuals with autism to receive support from a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including paediatricians, psychiatrists, and therapists.

Families and caregivers can also benefit from support groups and educational resources.

The Different Types of Autism

Classic Autism

Classic autism affects communication, social interaction and behavior. It is seen as a range of conditions as it can show up differently in each individual.

Common Traits of Classic Autism are:

  • Autistic developmental trajectory.
  • Certain traits around social interaction.
  • Self expression body language/stimming.
  • Sensory processing differences.

Treatment includes behavioral management therapy and cognitive behavior therapy depending on the needs. In Ireland, there are a variety of resources available for individuals and families affected by classic autism. The HSE provides a range of services, including assessments, diagnosis, and support for children and adults. There are several non-profit organisations such as ASD Ireland, AsIAm, and the Irish Society for Autism that provide information, advocacy, and support for those with autism.

Did You Know?

A policy advice report by the National Council for Special Education on Supporting Students with Autism in Schools, noted that 1 in 65, or 1.5%, of the school-going population in Ireland, had a diagnosis of autism.

Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)

PDD-NOS is a term used to characterise differences in socialisation and communication skills. It is considered a milder form of autism. People with PDD-NOS often display traits of autism but do not meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis of autism.

Common Traits of PDD-NOS are:

  • Autistic developmental trajectory.
  • Certain traits around social interactions.
  • Self expression body language/stimming.

However, the symptoms of PDD-NOS can vary widely from person to person. It is important for individuals with PDD-NOS to receive early intervention and support to help them overcome certain characteristics. Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy and speech therapy.

Rett Syndrome

Rett Syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder that affects the development of the brain. It primarily affects females.

Common Traits of Rett’s Syndrome are:

  • Communication differences.
  • Coordination differences.
  • Autistic developmental trajectory.
  • Breathing challenges.

There is currently no cure for Rett Syndrome, but there are supportive treatments that can help manage traits and improve the quality of life. Support can involve medication for breathing irregularities and coordination. Occupational therapy and physical therapy to prolong mobility can also be used.

Childhood Disintegrative Disorder

This is a rare condition that affects children between the ages of 3 and 4 years old. Children with this will experience a significant loss of language, social, and motor skills that have been previously acquired.

Common Traits of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder are:

  • Significant loss of language, social and motor skills that have been previously acquired.
  • Social challenges.
  • Challenges in the nervous system with speaking and breathing.

Support includes anti-seizure medications, behaviour therapy and speech and language therapy.

Every individual with autism will have unique traits and characteristics. Early intervention is essential in helping individuals achieve their full potential. As technology evolves and medical science progresses, the definitions and categories of autism will likely expand and become even more finely tailored. While no two individuals with autism are the same, understanding the different types of autism is a valuable step towards providing the right people with the right skills and knowledge to provide any support required.

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Understanding: We strive to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible.

Empathy: We always listen to and support the children and families who come to us.

Professionalism: Our clinicians are experts in their field.

Quality: Our reports are written to meet HSE standards.

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