Disabilities and integration: hollow policies mean too many children miss out
Inclusion has to mean more than just offering someone the chance to take part
Autism
Stories about autism
Disability campaigner Cara Darmody begins third 50-hour protest over ‘disgraceful’ delays
Latest figures show 21,782 children waiting beyond the six-month statutory deadline for Assessment of Need
Austin, season two on BBC One: A well-judged and charming comic take on neurodivergence
Television: In real life, Michael Theo, who portrays Austin, is neurodivergent. There are loads of laughs, though never at the character’s expense
HSE to examine whether money provided to any funded organisation was sent abroad
Health service tells Oireachtas committee of review of governance and financial records at autism charity
Mother takes High Court challenge over potential years-long delay to autistic son’s care
Health Service Executive not in a position to provide certain services for four-year-old boy until 2033, says parent
Einstein’s childhood suggests a little naughtiness nurtures big ideas
A rebellious and often angry child, known for intense temper tantrums, grew up and blew our minds
Boy with autism detained in windowless hospital room for 12 weeks due to lack of placement
Mother in ‘chasm of despair’ that there is no prospect of her son’s situation being remedied, court hears
Case highlights a contradiction in private education
If fee-paying schools can afford facilities for one cohort of students, why not equipment for another?
More time, extra points: parents of dyslexic children sitting Leaving Cert have their say
Parents suggest extra marks could help level the playing field for dyslexic students
‘Masterclass in inclusive design’: Ireland’s favourite building in RIAI public choice award revealed
Little Angels School, the new facade at Royal College of Surgeons, and Shackleton Experience among people’s top picks in RIAI Architecture Awards 2026
Children with autism denied special class places due to ‘inappropriate’ admission policies
Half of schools reviewed had clauses that could prevent those with greatest need getting a place
Omniplex employee awarded €29,000 over lack of disability accommodation
Conditions sought included avoiding late shifts, rostering two days off at a time and access to quiet room
Cara Darmody (15) to sit ‘real’ Junior Cert exam – four years after getting 97% in maths paper
Teenager who inspired the creation of ‘Cara’s Fund’ says ‘I will just go in there and do my best’
Will a new autism diagnosis system speed up service delivery?
In the News podcast: Approach will ‘streamline’ access to autism diagnoses, HSE says
New HSE autism assessments may ‘harm children’ and lengthen wait lists, groups say
Updated protocol, which will introduce three-tiered approach, likely to come into force mid-2027
Psychiatrists’ body ‘cannot endorse’ new State autism protocol
Approach will ‘streamline’ access to autism diagnoses, HSE says
Long-delayed Occupied Territories Bill to be brought to Cabinet but will exclude services
Legislation proposes to ban the import and sale of goods produced in illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine
Growing up in care: ‘I remember a lot of people not being allowed to be friends with me in school’
Four young adults who have spent time in Ireland’s care system tell Patrick Freyne about their lives
Mother of autistic child challenges circular over special school eligibility requirements
Circular states children seeking a special school placement must provide a letter from NCSE confirming autism diagnosis
Mothers’ exposure to stress and chemicals at work linked to autism in offspring – study
Observational study noted increased incidence of ASD in children whose mothers were employed in particular fields
Stressful, torturous and a scramble: report highlights issues around access to special school places
Mother recounts one of ‘worst times in my life’ in her bid to secure placment for autistic son
‘My daughter gets anxious and overwhelmed, and it can escalate into angry outbursts’
Ask the Expert: When the meltdown is over, she doesn’t understand why she was so angry
Autism charity under review told HSE it was ‘transitioning away’ from UK parent
Autism a Chara, alleged to have moved €1.5m out of State, says it ‘fully complied’ with reporting requirements
Pregnant rough sleepers, autism charity controversy and a seagull screeching competition
Early Edition with Aideen Finnegan
Alleged transfer of €1.5m by autism body to UK parent charity ‘possibly criminal’
Alleged transfer of €1.5m by autism charity to UK parent charity ‘possibly criminal’
‘Although I understand why my sibling received more attention . . . issues remain strong in my life’
Having to take on adult responsibilities at an early age can have negative effects that last into adulthood
Doubling size of special classes is troubling
Society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable people
Plan for new ‘inclusive special classes’ is anything but inclusive
Department of Education announcement did not consult a single autistic child, parent or representative organisation
Preparing to move from primary school to secondary starts now, not in September
A new school can feel like an alien experience. Everything is different
Casual use of term ‘autistic’ demeans those with condition, charity says
Report from charity AsIAm finds perceptions are changing but there is still a lot of misinformation around autism
Diocese apologises over priest’s sermon claiming autism is caused by ‘evil demons’
Diocese says comment was not appropriate and that apology was issued for any hurt or offence
Senator’s comments on education supports ‘insulting’, say autism campaigners
Senator Joe Conway ‘anxious to record that the school ethos and culture has a definite role to play in ... additional support’
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