Concerns expressed in Tipperary regarding new Autism class model announced by department

There have been serious concerns expressed in Tipperary over proposed changes to the Autism class model, which were announced by the Department of Education this week.

Minister for Education and Youth, Hildegarde Naughton, and Minister of State for Special Education, Michael Moynihan, yesterday announced the sanctioning of 40 new special classes and five inclusive special classes for the 2026/2027 school year starting in September.

The government has said that the new class model will further expand provision for children and young people with special educational needs.

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Independent Tipperary councillor John O’Heney has expressed serious concerns regarding the Department of Education and Youth’s proposed pilot of a revised “Inclusive Autism Class” model in a small number of secondary schools.

“The proposal to increase enrolment in autism classes to up to 12 students, without any corresponding commitment to additional classroom space or increased Special Needs Assistant (SNA) or teacher allocation, is deeply worrying,” Cllr O’Heney said.

“While additional funding, capitation and NCSE supports are referenced, these measures alone cannot substitute for the practical, on-the-ground resources required to meet students’ needs.”

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Cllr O’Heney noted that these proposals come at a time when many families are already struggling to secure an appropriate school place for September.

“We must be clear, access to education is not just about having a place available, but about ensuring that place is appropriate, supportive and responsive to the needs of the child. This proposal risks undermining that principle.”

Echoing concerns raised by advocacy organisations, he questioned the framing of the pilot. “Describing this as an ‘Inclusive Autism Class’ suggests a distinction that should not exist.

"All autism classes should already be inclusive, enabling students to participate meaningfully in mainstream school life alongside their peers. Rebranding without resourcing does not deliver real inclusion.”

He also criticised the lack of prior consultation with families, educators and the autism community.

“It is unacceptable that changes of this magnitude would be announced without meaningful engagement with those most affected. Schools, parents and students deserve clarity on how such a model would be operationalised and what safeguards will be in place.”

Cllr O’Heney warned that the pilot risks setting a dangerous precedent.

“If class sizes can be increased without maintaining appropriate teacher-pupil ratios, adequate regulation spaces, and supports tailored to the diverse needs of students, we risk diluting the very purpose of autism classes.”

He called for immediate reassurances from the Department, including:

• The protection of existing teacher-to-pupil ratios
• Recognition of the varied profiles and support needs of students in autism classes
• Provision of appropriate regulation and sensory spaces
• An opt-out option for families, with full protection of their right to access a suitable autism class placement

“Poor planning must not come at the expense of vulnerable students,” he concluded.

“This pilot must be paused until there is full transparency, proper consultation, and a clear commitment that any changes will enhance, not compromise, the quality of education and support available to autistic young people.”

Autism charity AsIAm yesterday released a statement expressing concerns about the new model saying that the organisation is concerned that the recent announcement has come without advanced consultation with themselves or the community and asked that the government urgently provide clarity on how schools will be supported to operationalise such a model and the impact it will have on students.