The facility will be built by the Rehab Group, which has decided to take on the educational crisis facing autistic children in Limerick.

Initially, the school will cater for six pre-school children and a further 24 primary school children, aged between three and 12, but it is hoped the figure will rise to 60 over the next four years. The places will go to children who are, at present, unable to access mainstream education due the learning and behavioural challenges posed by autism.

“We’re hoping to take relevant aspects from different schools of teaching so the specific needs of each child will be met. Teaching will be one-to-one but will also embrace group work so social skills are developed,” a Rehab spokesman said.

“Methods of education will include PECS, ABA, MEBS, Scheduled Supervised Exercise, Life Skills and Individual Educational Plan. The aim of the school will be to provide a specialised education programme to prepare children with autism for mainstream educational settings where possible”.

Rehab is working in partnership with the Department of Education, the HSE and the Children with Autism organisation in Limerick.

Initially, 19 staff will be employed - a principal, five teachers, 12 special needs assistants and one administrative staff member. Additional supports will be sought for children who need more individualised attention.

The school and its curriculum will be subject to an assessment by a psychologist and approval by the Department of Education special needs officer.

Rehab is to set about establishing a board of management for the school and begin recruitment of staff. (Source: Irish Examiner)