TDs to debate problems facing parents of autistic children
The difficulties faced by parents of children with autism are due to be raised by Fine Gael during private members' time in the Dáil tonight.
The move follows a recent High Court action which left a Co Wicklow couple facing a €5m legal bill after failing to force the State to fund special ABA therapy for their autistic son.
Experts say ABA is the best form of education for autistic children, but the Government refuses to provide blanket funding for the therapy.
Instead, it says the current system, which incorporates a range of educational programmes, is in line with international best practice.
Fine Gael, however, has tabled a motion calling on the Government to commit to funding ABA and to making services available to autistic children if they have been recommended by psychologists.
