Codd: State wastage is impacting on autistic kids

Qualified teachers are being paid by the government for one on one services with children under the home tuition grant because there is a severe lack of ASD unit space in Wexford. Aontu Rosslare LEA rep Jim Codd has challenged the states wasteful approach to dealing with the 1300 plus waiting list for children to see an occupational therapist in County Wexford.

 “I’ve been a teacher for over two decades in Bridgetown College and I’ve seen first hand the huge difference that ASD unit, SNAs and additional services have made to students over the past few years. These services prevent vulnerable children from disappearing through the cracks in our education system and allow them to open up as confident individuals.”

 “There are over 1300 children stuck on waiting lists to see an occupational therapist in County Wexford at the moment. This is 33 times the national average and a damning indictment of Wexford services.”

 “Some children can’t manage in mainstream classes because of sensory overload or extreme social anxiety. We don’t have enough ASD spaces available across the county. This has led to a situation where qualified teachers are being paid by the government for one on one services with children under the home tuition grant. This is unsustainable and clearly not the most efficient way to handle the huge backlogs in the system.”

 “There is huge wastage in our public service. If this was adequately addressed, funding would become available to help those who are most at risk and end these shameful waiting lists.”