Parents of children who have autism say they have serious concerns about whether there will be sufficient supports available to them when they return to school.

The national autism charity 'As I Am' says face masks and social distancing will be a major challenge for autistic students.

Just over three quarters of families surveyed by As I Am said they feel their child will need more support, but fewer than half believe they will receive it.

According to the survey of almost 1,200 parents, 32% said their children have not engaged in learning since the beginning of lockdown.

53% did not avail of the Summer Provision programme - which provides in-school or home-based tuition for 40 hours during the summer.

42% of parents said they did not receive support from school during the restrictions.

68% of parents are anxious about the return to school, and 68% said they had experienced a greater number of overloads and meltdowns during the crisis.

One of the young students that is due to return Gavin Jones. The 11-year-old boy is pre-verbal and has autism.

His mother Ciara Jones said the last couple of months have been particularly difficult.

She said that while he went back to school for July Provision, the parents have noticed a marked decline in his behaviour.

She said that where he would have always had one or two baths a day - or maybe three - he went up to five, six, or seven baths a day.

She said that he has also started to kick out, and has kicked chunks out of the walls in his bedroom.

She is telling teachers that in many cases, the child that they said goodbye to in March is not necessarily the boy or girl they are going to say hello to in September.

A spokesperson for the Minister with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion has said that any person who has special needs, and who may feel upset or very uncomfortable wearing a face covering, will not be required to wear one.

In a statement, Josepha Madigan said this includes people with autism, as well as those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory concerns or tactile sensitivity.

She also said that she is committed to providing every possible support to students with autism returning to school in the coming days.

As part of the School Reopening Plan, there is dedicated funding in place to support the Special Education sector, including:

  • An additional €3.8 million for enhanced cleaning in special schools and schools with special classes.
  • Funding for the recruitment of additional NEPS psychologists to work with students with special needs.
  • Enhanced funding for minor works in schools with SEN students.

She said that in addition, all SNA absences will be covered for any reason as part of a €15.7 million fund for school support staff, meaning that SNAs will be available to those who need them.