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One in 110 people in Ireland affected by ‘silent’ condition Hidden disability exposed Supporting our kids . . . Mark and Sharon with tots Reece and Tyler By AOIFE FINNERAN http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepage/news/5001756/Hidden-disability-exposed-One-in-110-people-in-Ireland-affected-by-silent-condition.html IT is known as the “hidden disability”, but autism is a condition so common that it is now believed to affect one in 110 people in Ireland. It has no physical signs, and is only evident in behaviour — which may explain why it often goes undiagnosed. And while huge improvements have been made in services for people with autism, the current system means many children are being denied the help they need to achieve their potential. Children with autism have difficulty communicating, and forming relationships, developing language and using abstract concepts. Yet there are numerous methods, including the American model of Applied Behavioural Analysis — which can help kids to make great progress. Unfortunately, education costs money, and shortages in state coffers means children are falling through the cracks. The Government spends €1.3billion annually on special education needs, but it is not enough to cater for the individual and complex needs of every child. For some children, the severity of their condition means they will always be better off in a specialised setting. But for those who are capable of mainstream schooling, the lack of adequate support means they soon fall behind and are re-routed to special schools. This means that failure to spend enough money now will result in a much larger care bill for the Government if these children reach adulthood without the ability to function in society. And added to this problem is the fact that there is currently no set policy for educating children with autism. The National Council for Special Education is working to rectify this after it finishes its research into international evidence and explores models of good educational practice. The policy advice should be finalised in early 2015, which should pave the way for a new system of catering for children with autism. But until then, parents of children with autism will have to fight a constant battle to ensure their children get the educational assistance they need before it is too late. Read more: http://www.thesun.ie/irishsol/homepage/news/5001756/Hidden-disability-exposed-One-in-110-people-in-Ireland-affected-by-silent-condition.html#ixzz2Z6LgJHNG