That's a three-fold increase in under a decade, according to figures from the Department of Education.
Around one in 20 schoolchildren are being diagnosed with autism.
That's a three-fold increase in under a decade, according to figures from the Department of Education.
It means around 400 new special classes would be needed every year for the next three years to keep up with demand.
Kfm recently highlighted the struggles of local parents trying to secure a school place for their children diagnosed with autism.
One mother had to apply to seven schools in North Kildare and two schools outside the county.
An additional 292 special classes have been sanctioned for the coming school year 2025/2026 across the country, including four in Kildare.
This includes a further five SEN classes that were announced for the county last week bringing to fourteen the total number of additional special education needs classes in Kildare North.
You can read more on that here.
Education Editor with the Irish Times, Karl O'Brien says the rise is down to greater awareness about autism.
Petrol Bomb Thrown Into Newbridge Home As Family Escapes Blaze
Overnight Burglary In Leixlip: Masked Intruders Steal Car And Valuables
Vital Community Services Under Threat, Say Postmasters In Call for State Funding
Revealed: Locals Can’t Buy "Affordable" Homes As Prices Outpace Local Authority Loan Limits In Kildare
Council Given 10K To Tackle Dinner Plate-Sized Turtles Dumped In Kildare As ‘Cute’ Pets Outgrow Owners
Kfm Has Learnt Sensational Kids Will Submit €5M Bid To HSE For Long-Delayed Child Development Centre
Disability Minister Plans To Limit Assessment Of Need Referrals, Saying They Are Too Long And Unnecessary
Taoiseach Responds To Kfm Report On Athy Midwife Service Suspension, Commits To Intervene
