DEIRDRE SHORTEN,
Madam, - I was deeply saddened by two items on Tuesday's Letters page: the "Englishwoman's Diary" by Heather Ingman and the letter from Maura Joyce on the treatment of autistic children. Both pieces highlighted the lack of learning resources for young people with special needs.
I read them with sympathy, as I am a recently retired primary school teacher, at the ripe old age of 44. My very early retirement is due to my growing concern and disillusionment with an education system that does not adequately provide the learning support and services for such children.
After 20-odd years of doing a job I loved, in a school I loved, with a great staff, I felt it was time to quit. Without adequate resources, the daily situation had become increasingly frustrating and dissatisfying for both teacher and special needs pupils.
I now work as a full-time mother and I find this very rewarding and satisfying. - Yours, etc.,
DEIRDRE SHORTEN,
Countybrook Lawns,
Enniskerry,
Co Wicklow.