Enhance Services for Children with Disabilities

Parents are alarmed to hear of the proposed adjustments, under Progressing Disability Services, to the nature of the Waterford ASD (Autism) Team. When children with autism turn 6 years old they will no longer have access to a HSE Psychologist. They will also no longer be under the care of other specialised ASD specific therapists.

To say that parents are devastated is an understatement. The proposed alterations to the ASD Team have far-reaching consequences for our children.

In 2013 it was estimated that 1 in 100 people in Ireland has autism. A recently published policy paper from the National Council for Special Education now places that figure at 1 in every 65 school children. There are long waiting lists for assessment for ASD, so no doubt that figure is higher still.

How then can it make sense to take away specific targeted interventions, which are already in place, to help our children?

We need access to therapists and psychologists who understand our children’s complex needs and our family situations. We need access to therapists and psychologists who can work with us to help us deal with the pressure, strain, stress and challenges that we, as families of children with autism, encounter on a daily basis. Please sign our petition. We fear that Progressing Disability Services is being pushed ahead without being properly resourced, funded and staffed, and without adequate communication with parents.

By signing this petition you are saying that you want to help reverse this decision and improve services in Waterford for children with autism and disabilities by providing more therapists.

Thank you.