Schools’ admission policies placing barriers to children with autism, study finds

Almost all schools inspected for a sample study had clauses in their admissions policies which could restrict the enrolment of children with autism and other learning difficulties.

The findings have prompted Minister for Education Helen McEntee to write to all school patron bodies requesting them to review their schools’ admission policies to ensure they adhere to legal requirements.

It follows the publication on Wednesday of a review of admission policies for special classes at 30 schools – 15 primary and 15 post-primary – carried out by the Department of Education’s inspectorate between September and December 2024.

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Published in The Irish Times, 7th May 2025