Concerns have been raised that there may be a lack of appropriate school places for children with autism.

The Irish Times reports that families are worried young people with the condition are failing to reach their full potential due to spending cuts.

Autism charity Shine claimed parents are being given little option when it comes to school places, with a child's assessed needs failing to be met in many instances.

Kieran Kennedy, chief executive of the group, explained placements are not working out because they are not always suitable to the individual children, adding: "I'm dealing with kids with autism who have been thrown out of primary schools and on to the scrapheap because their behavioural problems aren't being dealt with."

The news comes after a recent report published in the Irish Times revealed Luca Boucher-Murphy, an 11-year-old autistic boy, has been waiting for therapy and education from the state for more than half a year.

Written by Donal Walsh

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