Education Settings and Supports
Please find information below regarding the various education settings and supports available for Autistic people.
Early Years Settings
Find out more about Early Years settings and supports.
Primary & Secondary School
Learn more about Primary and Secondary School settings.
Primary & Secondary School Supports
Find out about the supports that may be available for Autistic students in Primary and Secondary School settings.
Post School Options
Read about the options available for those leaving a school setting.
Early Years Settings
Preschool setting with AIM Supports
If your child is in a pre-school setting, AIM Supports (Access and Inclusion Model) may be of assistance. AIM Supports aspire to help all children, regardless of ability to access quality early learning and care through the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, and create a more inclusive culture in pre-schools. Children and pre-school staff benefit from AIM through universal supports for the sector, and targeted supports for individual children. For further information, please see – https://aim.gov.ie/. You can also view the ‘Introductory Guidelines to Support the Meaningful Inclusion of Autistic Children in Early Learning and Care & School Age Childcare’ published by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth here.
Early Intervention Classes
Early intervention classes for Autistic children are pre-school classes situated in mainstream primary schools or in special schools. They are established by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) in response to an identified need in an area and following engagement between the NCSE, the school, families of pre-school children with autism and the Department of Education.
To be eligible for a place in an early intervention class, a child must have a report from a relevant professional or team of professionals stating that they are autistic. Early intervention classes are designed to provide a range of appropriate educational experiences and interventions to children with autism prior to commencing school.
The details of existing Early Intervention Classes can be viewed on the NCSE list of special classes, which is published each school year. You can view this list at – https://ncse.ie/special-classes. For further information, please see – https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/64c66-the-inspectorate-of-the-department-of-education-publishes-thematic-report-on-early-intervention-classes-for-children-with-autism/
Home Tuition Grant for Early Years
If you have been unable to find or maintain a suitable pre-school or Early Intervention placement, you may be eligible to apply for the Home Tuition Grant. The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service. Category (a) of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme covers early educational intervention for children with autism (of pre-school age). The below criteria apply:
- Children aged between 2 ½ and 3 years of age with an ASD diagnosis.
- Children between 3 and 4 years of age with an ASD diagnosis and for whom an early intervention placement is not currently available, as confirmed by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
- Children over 4 years of age with ASD diagnosis and a recommendation for an early intervention placement (who will not reach the age of 6 during the upcoming school year) and for whom an early intervention placement is not currently available, as confirmed by the NCSE.
- Children aged between 2 ½ and 3 years of age with a diagnosis of Autism are eligible to apply for the Home Tuition Grant for an allocation of 10 hours per week.
- Children with a diagnosis of Autism over the age of 3 and who meet the above criteria, can avail of the Home Tuition Grant for an allocation of up to 20 hours per week. For detailed information and current application forms, please see – https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d15f58-home-tuition/.
You will need to contact your local SENO for assistance in applying for the Home Tuition Grant Scheme as they will need to complete part of the form for you.
City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs)
Your local County Childcare Committee may be of assistance. There are 30 City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs) which coordinate the implementation of national early learning and childcare policy and programmes at a local level on behalf of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth.
CCCs support parents and guardians to understand their early learning and childcare options and keep an updated directory of Early Learning Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services in their local areas as well as maintaining and publishing a list of local Parent & Toddler Groups.
CCCs support the implementation of a range of policies and programmes and are available to assist parents in applying for such schemes as the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme (ECCE) and the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM).
For further information and to view the contact details for your local CCC, please see – https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/
Primary & Secondary School Settings
The below information has been taken directly from the National Council for Special Education’s Website, please see – https://ncse.ie/choosing-a-school
There are three types of provision to meet the range of educational needs found among students in primary and post-primary schools.
- These are mainstream classes in a mainstream school,
- special classes in a mainstream school, and
- special schools.
According to the National Council for Special Education, this range of provision is sometimes described as a continuum (of provision), from fully inclusive mainstream classes at one end of the continuum, to placement in a special school at the other. Wherever a child is placed, educational placements should be flexible. Educational placements should be reviewed periodically as a student’s needs change.
Mainstream class in a mainstream school
A mainstream class in a mainstream primary or post-primary school where the class or subject teacher has primary responsibility for the progress of all students in the class, including students with special educational needs.
Additional teaching support from a special education teacher may be provided to a child based on their needs. Special needs assistants (SNAs) are allocated to schools to work with children who have specific care needs. They provide non-teaching care support. SNAs support pupils who have care needs resulting from a disability, behavioural difficulties or a significant medical issue.
Special classes in mainstream schools
Special classes in mainstream schools offer a supportive learning environment for students with more complex needs where mainstream classes would not, or have not been able to, meet their needs. If your child requires a place in an Autism class in a mainstream school, you must have a professional report stating that he/she has a special educational need and requires this type of placement, and that a full time mainstream placement would not be in the student’s best interest.
Special classes have a lower student-teacher ratio specified according to category of disability. This means that classes have small numbers of students, for example, a special class for children with moderate general learning disabilities will have one teacher for every eight children. Placement in a special class is a flexible arrangement that may change as a student’s learning develops. Where possible, students in special classes should be educated alongside mainstream peers for some part of the day or week, or for some activities or subjects, in line with their needs and abilities.
For further information, please see – https://ncse.ie/choosing-a-school.
If you require advice to determine what educational supports may best suit your child your local SENO can help.
Special Schools
Special schools provide education to children and young people from age 4 to 18, employ both primary and post-primary teachers and support students through the delivery of primary and post-primary programmes. Most special schools have both primary and post-primary students enrolled.
Special schools are resourced by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) on the basis of an annual review of their enrolment and the profile of the children and young people enrolled in them. Special schools support students with more severe and/or complex special educational needs in cases where a full time mainstream placement would not be in the student’s best interest. These students may find the demands of mainstream schools very difficult. In order to be placed in a special school a child must have a professional report stating that he/she has a special educational need and that this need is of such complexity that a special school placement could be considered – https://ncse.ie/special-schools.
Ireland’s policy framework for the education of students with special educational needs is based on the continuum of educational provision. The continuum ranges across mainstream classes, special classes and special schools. Placement decisions for students are generally based on the resources available in these settings, and the complexity of a student’s needs. The priority for special schools is to ensure that sufficient and appropriate placements are provided for students who have the most complex needs and the highest support requirements.
PLEASE NOTE that if you require a place for your child in an autism class in a mainstream school, or in a special school, the Department of Education Circular 0039/2025 – Approach and key measures to support the Forward Planning for Special Education Provision for the 2026/2027 school year and beyond – indicates that parents must make contact with the NCSE.
According to circular 0039/2025, children and young people are eligible for enrolment in a special class for autism when the following is provided in support of such an application:
Professional report(s) outlining:
- Diagnosis of Autism: DSM IV/V or ICD 10/11 (psychologist, psychiatrist, multidisciplinary report) AND
- A demonstration of the understanding of complexity of the child’s overall level of need/s evidenced in the professional reports AND
- Given the severity or complexity of the child’s support needs, a clear professional recommendation as to what educational placement type would be most appropriate to best meet the child’s needs, along with the rationale for same AND
- A letter from the NCSE confirming that the child is known to them and that the child has the required diagnosis and recommendation for a special class for autism.
The new eligibility requirement for a NCSE letter is also a prerequisite for enrolment in other types of special classes and in special schools. For further information, please see – https://ncse.ie/notify-ncse-special-class-special-school, you can also view the Department of Education Circular 0039/2025 here.
Home Tuition Grant for Primary and Secondary School
If you have been unable to find a suitable school place for your child, you may be eligible to apply for the Home Tuition Grant. Children with Special Educational Needs who are aged 4 years and over may avail of home tuition where a school placement is not available as confirmed by the NCSE, through the local SENO. This is an interim measure to provide for education until an educational placement becomes available. For further information, please see – https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d15f58-home-tuition/.
Supports in Primary & Secondary School Settings
It is important to note that a child does not need a formal diagnosis of Autism to access extra support in school. If you feel your child needs extra assistance, speak with their teacher/school as early as possible. If your child requires educational supports, there are various schemes available, depending on their current education setting, which may be of assistance.
Your Special Educational Needs Organiser (SENO)
A good place to start is to familiarize yourself with your local SENO (Special Educational Needs Organiser) and what they do. SENOs deliver services provided by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE), which was set up to improve the delivery of education services to persons with special educational needs arising from disabilities. SENOs work within specific geographical areas and each school has an assigned SENO. To find the contact details of your local SENO, you can contact the NCSE headquarters at 01-6033200, or go to https://ncse.ie/seno-contact-information.
How the SENO can help:
- SENOs plan, co-ordinate and review the provision of additional education supports to schools that enrol students with special educational needs in line with Department of Education policy.
- SENOs support parents and guardians by providing information, establishing special classes and engaging with other professionals working with your child.
- SENOs advise and support parents around the availability of special classes, special schools and other educational supports.
- SENOs process Transport, Home Tuition, and Assistive Technology applications and forward to the Department of Education for sanction.
- SENOs provide parents with advice and useful tips on transition from preschool to school from primary school to post primary school and onto adult services.
Please see – https://www.ncse.ie/parents/support-network/seno/
Supports from the National Council for Special Education (NCSE)
The NCSE provide a number of supports throughout Primary and Secondary school that may be of assistance. Such as:
- Special Education Teaching (SET). Schools get a single allocation of Special Education Teacher (SET) hours. The number of special education teachers allocated to a school is determined by the size of the school and its educational profile. The school deploys supports through SET by taking into account a student’s learning needs. Access to SET is no longer based on a diagnosis of a particular disability. The additional teaching may be provided in the classroom or in small separate groups. Some pupils may need additional one-to-one teaching for a specified period.
- Access to Special Needs Assistants (SNA). Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) are school-based additional adult support staff who can assist children with special educational needs who also have additional and significant care needs. Such support is provided in order to facilitate the attendance of those pupils at school and also to minimise disruption to class or teaching time for the pupils concerned, or for their peers, and with a view to developing their independent living skills. SNAs are provided to schools on the basis of the overall profile of need. Schools recruit SNAs and are responsible for the deployment of SNA support to individual students.
- Assistive Technology. The NCSE processes applications for Assistive Technology for students with special educational needs.
- The provision of Transport for eligible students. The Department of Education provides school transport services for children with special educational needs. The School Transport Scheme applies to children with a special educational needs recognised by the Department of Education.
- The provision of transport Escorts for eligible students.
For more information about these provisions, please see – https://ncse.ie/faqs-parents
School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs Arising from a Diagnosed Disability
The school transport scheme supports the transport to and from school of children with special educational needs that come from a diagnosed disability. Eligibility is determined following consultation with the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) through its network of Special Education Needs Organisers (SENO). Application forms should be completed and signed by the parent, school principal and the SENO.
School transport services are operated by Bus Éireann on behalf of the Department of Education & Skills – please see – https://www.buseireann.ie/schooltransport
Children are eligible for transport where they:
- have special educational needs arising from a diagnosed disability in accordance with the designation of high and low incidence disability set out in Department of Education and Skill’s (DES) Circular 02/05
AND
- are attending the nearest recognised: mainstream school, special class/special school or a unit, that is or can be resourced, to meet their special educational needs.
For further information, please see – https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-education/services/school-transport/#children-with-special-educational-needs or view the ‘School Transport Scheme for Children with Special Educational Needs Arising from a Diagnosed Disability’ Department of Education pdf.
The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS)
NEPS is the psychological service of the Department of Education and provides educational psychological support to primary, post-primary and special schools in Ireland.
NEPS psychologists work with both primary and post-primary schools and are concerned with learning, behaviour, and social and emotional development. Each psychologist is assigned to a group of schools.
NEPS psychologists work in partnership with teachers, parents, and children in identifying educational needs. They offer a range of services aimed at meeting these needs, for example, supporting individual students (through consultation and assessment), special projects and research. For further information, please see – https://www.gov.ie/en/service/5ef45c-neps/.
Scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE)
If your child is a secondary school student with additional needs, you can access special arrangements for sitting State examinations such as the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate through the Scheme of Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE).
Students with disabilities can apply through their school for Reasonable Accommodations at Certificate Examinations (RACE). Reasonable accommodations are designed to remove, as far as possible, the impact of a disability on a student’s performance and enable the student to access the state examinations on an equal basis with other students.
For further information, please see – https://www.examinations.ie/?l=en&mc=ca&sc=ra or contact the State Examinations Commission Reasonable Accommodations section on 090-6442782 or email: race@examinations.ie.
Post School Options
For those leaving secondary school, the below may be of interest.
DARE – Direct Access Route to Education
DARE is a third level alternative admissions scheme for school leavers whose disabilities have had an impact on their second level education. DARE offers reduced points places to school leavers who, as a result of having a disability, have experienced additional educational challenges in second level education. For further information on DARE, and participating colleges, please see their website – https://accesscollege.ie/dare/what-is-dare/.
AHEAD – Association for Higher Education Access and Disability
AHEAD is an independent non-profit organisation working to promote full access to and participation in further and higher education for students with disabilities and to enhance their employment prospects on graduation. AHEAD provides information to students and graduates with disabilities, teachers, guidance counsellors and parents on disability issues in education. For further information, please see their https://www.ahead.ie/aboutus.
The Higher Education Authority – Fund for Students with Disabilities
The Fund for Students with Disabilities allocates funding to further and higher education colleges for the provision of services and supports to full-time students with disabilities (including Autism). The Fund aims to ensure that students can participate fully in their academic programmes and are not disadvantaged by reason of a disability. For more information, and to check your eligibility, please go to their website https://hea.ie/funding-governance-performance/funding/student-finance/fund-for-students-with-disabilities/.
Third Level Disability Support Services
Many colleges and universities have dedicated Disability Support Services, who can assist Autistic students with their studies. For other educational institutions not listed below, please contact them directly to enquire about services they may offer;
- Trinity College Disability Service
- University College Dublin Disability Support
- National College of Ireland Disability Support
Education and Training Boards (ETBs)
Education and Training Boards are statutory education authorities with responsibility for education and training, youth work and a range of other statutory functions. Education and Training Boards manage and operate Community National Schools, Post-Primary Schools, Further Education (FE) colleges, and a range of adult and further education centres delivering education and training programmes.
Education and Training Boards provide education and training in the local community, with pathways for every learner across Early Education, Community National Schools, Post primary Education, Further Education and Training, Apprenticeships and Traineeships, Youth Services, Outdoor Education Services and Community Education Services. For further information, please see – https://www.etbi.ie/.
All ETBs offer a Guidance Service, which helps people to make informed educational, career and life choices. Further Education and Training Information and Guidance Services are provided to adults aged 18 years and over, and those over 16 who have left school early who are interested in or participating in programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications Levels 1 – 6. Please see https://www.etbi.ie/fet-guidance/ for further information. To find information regarding your local guidance service, please see – https://www.etbi.ie/fet-guidance/contact-a-local-fet-guidance-service/.
The National Learning Network
National Learning Network provides a range of flexible training programmes and support services for people who require specialist support (job seekers, unemployed, people with an illness or disability) in 50 centres around the country. For more information, and to see details about their centres nationwide, please find their website – https://rehab.ie/national-learning-network/.
AONTAS – The National Adult Learning Organisation
The National Adult Learning Organisation advocates for the right of all adults in Ireland to quality learning throughout their lives. For further information, please see their website – https://www.aontas.com/.
The National Adult Literacy Agency
The National Adult Literacy Agency is an independent charity committed to making sure people with literacy and numeracy difficulties can fully take part in society and have access to learning opportunities that meet their needs. If you would like information on how they may be able to assist you, please view their website – https://www.nala.ie/.
HSE Services after School
For information on moving from children’s to adult’s disability services, please see – https://www2.hse.ie/babies-children/disabilities/services/moving-from-child-to-adult-care/
HSE Occupational Guidance Service
The HSE Occupational Guidance Service can help you find a training course that is suited to your needs. They will meet you and your family or advocate and look at your options. The type of training and support may differ from centre to centre.
Contact your local HSE Disability Office or service provider for specific information on the programmes they run and to check if you are eligible to attend. – https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/health-services/health-services-for-people-with-disabilities/rehabilitation-and-training-services-for-people-with-disabilities/
See NCSE leaflet “Leaving School? Information on some Post-School Options for Rehabilitative Training and Adult Day Services” https://ncse.ie/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/NCSE-Post-School-Options.pdf
Day Services
New Directions is the HSE’s approach to supporting adults with disabilities who use day services in Ireland. New Directions sets out twelve supports that should be available to people with disabilities using ‘day services’. It proposes that ‘day services’ should take the form of individualised outcome-focused supports to allow adults using those services to live a life of their choosing in accordance with their own wishes, needs and aspirations. For further information on New Directions in your area, please contact your local Primary Care Centre.
Adult day services are HSE funded programmes to provide day services supports to people age 18 and over, with intellectual disabilities, autism, or people with complex physical disabilities. The programmes assist people to make choices and plans and to be an active, independent member of the community. Referrals for adult day services should be sent to the local HSE disability day service office.
In June 2024, Minister of State for Disabilities, Anne Rabbitte, announced that the option for young people leaving school to defer a specialist disability day service has been extended by the HSE from 3 years to 5 years. The deferral process allows school leavers an opportunity to access mainstream options, such as further education and training or employment, with the knowledge that they can still avail of a HSE funded place in a disability day service within a five year period of leaving school or Rehabilitative Training. This extended deferral is available to all young people due to leave school or rehabilitative training in 2024, and people who are currently deferred. For more information, see https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/cc427-minister-rabbitte-announces-extension-to-deferral-process-for-school-leavers-entering-a-disability-day-service/.
