Discovering Ireland’s Top Autism Schools: A Guide for Parents

Discovering Ireland's Top Autism Schools: A Guide for Parents

Autism is a spectrum condition that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. However, one thing is sure: with the proper support and education, individuals with autism can thrive and lead fulfilling lives. In Ireland, several schools specialize in providing this support and education. Here are the top 10 autism schools in Ireland.

1. Scoil Mochua

Scoil Mochua is a particular school located in Clondalkin, Dublin. It caters to students aged 3 to 18 with special needs, including autism. The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum tailored to the individual needs of each student.

School Address: St. John’s Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland
School telephone: +353 1 457 4804
Website: scoilmochua.com
Email: [email protected]

2. St. Michael’s House Special National School

St. Michael’s House Special National School, located in Dublin, educates children with intellectual disabilities. The school offers a range of educational programs, including the Primary School Curriculum, the Junior Certificate School Programme, and the Leaving Certificate Applied.

School Address: Ballymun Road, Ballymun, Dublin 9, Ireland
School telephone: +353 1 884 0200
Website: smh. ie
Email: [email protected]

3. Abalta Special School

Abalta Special School, located in Galway, caters to students with autism and complex needs. The school provides a student-centered, multi-disciplinary approach to education, ensuring each student’s needs are met.

School Address: Bóthar Stiofáin, Galway, Ireland
School telephone: +353 91 768 600
Website: abaltaschool.ie
Email: [email protected]

4. Scoil Mhuire, Navan

Scoil Mhuire, located in Navan, County Meath, is a co-educational, vertical primary school. The school has a dedicated Autism Unit, which provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment for students with autism.

School Address: Abbey Road, Navan, Co. Meath, Ireland
School telephone: +353 46 902 1830
Website: scoilmhuirenavan.ie
Email: [email protected]

5. Shine Ireland

Shine Ireland, located in Cork, is dedicated to providing services and support for individuals with autism. The organization runs an Autism Specific Early Intervention Preschool and offers various other services, including social skills groups, parent training, and sibling support.

School Address: Unit 8, St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas, Cork, Ireland
School telephone: +353 21 437 6998
Website: shineireland.com
Email: [email protected]

6. Douglas Rochestown Educate Together National School

Douglas Rochestown Educate Together National School, located in Cork, is a center for excellence and innovation. The school believes a child learns best in a supportive environment and emphasizes discovery-based learning. The school recently received a new 24-classroom building with three additional classes for children with autism, a sports hall, a library, and play areas for the children.

School Address: Carr’s Hill, Douglas, Cork. T12 A78N
School telephone: +353 21 489 0122
Website: dretns.ie
Email: [email protected]

7. Scoil Chiarain

Scoil Chiarain, located in Glasnevin, Dublin, is a school that offers specialist education to boys and girls of primary and post-primary age from the area of North Dublin, city, and county. The school aims to assist children with a mild general learning disability to develop socially and educationally to the maximum of their potential in a stimulating and friendly atmosphere. The school provides a wide range of learning experiences at every stage of development for all students.

School Address: St. Canice’s Rd, Glasnevin, Dublin 11, D11 VK64
School telephone: (01) 8370622
Website: scoilchiarain.ie
Email: [email protected]

8. Middletown Centre for Autism

Middletown Centre for Autism, located in Middletown, Co. Armagh, Northern Ireland, is a service that provides training, research, and learning support for parents and educational professionals. The centre offers various services, including online training, research bulletins, and resources for parents and professionals.

School Address: 35 Church St, Middletown, Co. Armagh, BT60 4HZ, Northern Ireland
School telephone: +44 28 3751 5750
Website: middletownautism.com
Email: [email protected]

9. Ballinteer Educate Together National School

Ballinteer Educate Together National School, located in Dublin, is a co-educational, child-centered, and democratically run primary school. The school is committed to providing an education that respects all cultural, religious, and social differences and promotes equality and justice.

School Address: Broadford Rd, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, Ireland
School telephone: +353 1 216 6131
Website: ballinteeretns.ie
Email: [email protected]

10. Holy Family School for the Deaf

Holy Family School for the Deaf, located in Dublin, is a co-educational school that caters to the educational, personal, and social development needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The school provides a range of programs, including the Junior Certificate, Leaving Certificate, and Leaving Certificate Applied.

School Address: Navan Rd, Cabra, Dublin 7, Ireland
School telephone: +353 1 838 0058
Website: hfsc.ie
Email: [email protected]


Pros and Cons of Each School

SchoolProsCons
Scoil MochuaOffers a range of educational programsLimited to students aged 3 to 18 years
St. Michael’s House Special National SchoolRestricted to students with autism and complex needsLimited to children with intellectual disabilities
Abalta Special SchoolStudent-centered, multi-disciplinary approachEmphasizes discovery-based learning, and new facilities, including classes for children with autism
Scoil Mhuire, NavanCo-educational, vertical primary school with a dedicated Autism UnitLimited to primary school students
Shine IrelandProvides a range of services, including social skills groups and parent trainingLimited to preschool students
Douglas Rochestown Educate Together National SchoolNot a school but a serviceNot specified
Scoil ChiarainOffers specialist education to boys and girls of primary and post-primary ageLimited to children with a mild general learning disability
Middletown Centre for AutismProvides training, research, and learning support for parents and educational professionalsNot a school, but a service
Ballinteer Educate Together National SchoolCo-educational, child-centred, and democratically run primary schoolNot specified
Holy Family School for the DeafCaters to the educational, personal, and social development needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing studentsLimited to deaf and hard-of-hearing students

Summary

In this blog post, we explored the top 10 autism schools in Ireland. These schools, each with unique approaches and strengths, provide specialized education for children with autism and other special needs. They offer services from broad and balanced curriculums to student-centered, multi-disciplinary practices and discovery-based learning. These schools aim to create a supportive environment where children with autism can thrive and reach their full potential. However, it’s important to note that each school has its limitations and may not be suitable for every child. Therefore, parents should carefully consider their child’s needs when choosing a school.

References

  1. Scoil Mochua. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://scoilmochua.com/
  2. St. Michael’s House Special National School. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.smh.ie/
  3. Abalta Special School. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.abaltaschool.ie/
  4. Scoil Mhuire, Navan. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.scoilmhuirenavan.ie/
  5. Shine Ireland. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://shineireland.com/
  6. Douglas Rochestown Educate Together National School. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dretns.ie/
  7. Scoil Chiarain. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.scoilchiarain.ie/
  8. Middletown Centre for Autism. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.middletownautism.com/
  9. Ballinteer Educate Together National School. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ballinteeretns.ie/
  10. Holy Family School for the Deaf. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://hfsc.ie/

DrorAr101

My name is Adi, and I am the proud parent of Saar, a lively 17-year-old who happens to have autism. I have created a blog, 101Autism.com, with the aim to share our family's journey and offer guidance to those who may be going through similar experiences.Saar, much like any other teenager, has a passion for football, cycling, and music. He is also a budding pianist and enjoys painting. However, his world is somewhat distinct. Loud sounds can be overwhelming, sudden changes can be unsettling, and understanding emotions can be challenging. Nevertheless, Saar is constantly learning and growing, and his unwavering resilience is truly remarkable.

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