A frustrated Co Galway mother told the Department of Education her son had not asked to be born with autism, she was not a "super-mum" and she just wanted him to have the education he was entitled to, the High Court heard yesterday.
Colm Ryan (4), Coole, Gort, was given leave by Mr Justice McCracken to seek an order directing the Ministers for Education and Health, Ireland and the Attorney General to provide education appropriate to his needs in a suitable education establishment. He was also given leave to seek a declaration that the respondents had deprived him of his constitutional rights in failing to provide for his educational needs.
Colm's mother, Mrs Sheila Ryan, said he was born on March 3rd, 1994. A speech therapist's report in February 1997 stated he suffered from autism and a psychological report in May 1997 confirmed he was moderately to severely autistic.
On July 8th, 1997, Dr Anne Crean, senior psychologist with the Brothers of Charity, Galway, assessed Colm and concluded he would find it very difficult to cope in ordinary pre-school. The programme offered by the Brothers of Charity Services, Child Developmental Centre, Renmore, Galway, would benefit him, Dr Crean said.
However, as there was a long waiting list, Colm was not offered a placement in September 1997.
Mrs Ryan said that in July 1997 and March 1998 she got letters from the Brothers of Charity. The urgency of the situation was acknowledged, but it was stated a placement could not be offered "within the resources available".
On March 2nd, 1998, Mr Paddy Greally, chairman of the board of management at Rosedale Special School, Brothers of Charity, wrote saying he had contacted the Department of Education requesting the allocation of a teacher. The Department's response was it "did not see it within their brief to provide for children under six" and it was for the "Department of Health to cater for such children in the special pre-school situation".
Mrs Ryan said she wrote to the Minister for Education last February, enclosing all reports on Colm and requesting resources and funding for the Brothers of Charity in Galway to have him placed as a matter of urgency.
She said she was totally frustrated and at the end of her tether". She added: "I further stated that my son did not ask to be born with autism and that I am not a super-mum but just want him to be given his entitlement without having to fight until I am mentally and physically drained from hitting a brick wall every time I try another door."
Mrs Ryan said parents should be given support and every possible help in dealing with the trauma of having an autistic child.
She said the Department of Education wrote last February acknowledging her letter and she had heard nothing further since.