The organisation Rehab has been given the go ahead to open its first school for children with autism, making it a patron of primary school education for the first time.
The organisation announced today it has received recognition from the Department of Education to proceed with the school in Patrickswell, Limerick.
Initially, the school will provide 24 pre-school and primary school places for children with autism in the mid-west region, increasing to 60 within four years.
Rehab currently provides a range of autism services to over 170 children and adults throughout Ireland, including residential, day and respite care, home care and after school services.
The school will use innovative teaching methods such as ABA, TEACCH, Pecs and Mebs.
An individual education plan will be developed for each child.
Minister for Education Mary Hanafin said: "This will ensure a holistic approach, not only concentrating on the education of the child, but also on other areas such as independent living, social and leisure skills, play skills, communications skills and self-care."
Angela Kerins, chief executive of the Rehab Group, said the goal is to have facilities in place by the start of the new school year next September. Initially, the school will be based in temporary accommodation while a new purpose-built school is being built.