A Co Cavan mother whose three children with special educational needs have not had access to vital therapies since February, due to a Covid-related pause on services, says “children with disabilities are being left behind” in the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Smith originally requested an “assessment of need” for Calvin in 2018 to determine what health or educational services were required. According to the HSE, the current average waiting time is 19 months but some children are forced to wait years. Ms Smith has two other children with autism Zara (4) and Jack (3). Ms Smith’s youngest child Jack was her third child to be diagnosed with autism.

Source: The Irish Times November 23, 2020 17:26 UTC