Autism and Isolation Rooms in Irish Schools: How we must learn to use our ABCs
There is currently a controversy in the Republic of Ireland about the use of "Isolation Rooms" to manage pupils with Autism.
Please note, these are not "chill out zones" or sensory spaces. They are plain undecorated spaces where a pupil with ASD will be placed alone and prevented from leaving for a period. To learn more read this story on the Journal.ie
or listen to the RTE Radio 1 story here
Warning: both links could be extremely upsetting to any parent or person with ASD. I couldn't listen through to the end.
They are used in mainstream schools where Autistic pupils are 'included' and in special schools as punitive measure in response to perceived 'misbehaviour'
I use inverted commas because inclusion in these cases is recalcitrant at best and not supported by appropriate training or resources. And what is considered "misbehaviour" in these cases is very much a case of interpretation.
Let me explain: those of us who prescribe to the…
Please note, these are not "chill out zones" or sensory spaces. They are plain undecorated spaces where a pupil with ASD will be placed alone and prevented from leaving for a period. To learn more read this story on the Journal.ie
or listen to the RTE Radio 1 story here
Warning: both links could be extremely upsetting to any parent or person with ASD. I couldn't listen through to the end.
They are used in mainstream schools where Autistic pupils are 'included' and in special schools as punitive measure in response to perceived 'misbehaviour'
I use inverted commas because inclusion in these cases is recalcitrant at best and not supported by appropriate training or resources. And what is considered "misbehaviour" in these cases is very much a case of interpretation.
Let me explain: those of us who prescribe to the…
Comments