# How do autism classes and SNA support work in Irish schools?

> Mainstream support, special needs assistants, autism special classes and special schools, and how places are allocated.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/autism-class-sna-ireland
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** Most autistic children in Ireland attend mainstream classes, with extra teaching support and, where needed, a special needs assistant (SNA) for care needs. Some attend an autism special class in a mainstream school (a small class with its own teacher and SNAs) or a special school. The National Council for Special Education (NCSE) allocates SNAs and sanctions special classes.

**Key takeaways**
- Most autistic children attend **mainstream classes** with support.
- **SNAs** help with **care needs**, allocated by the **NCSE**.
- **Autism special classes** are **small classes** with a teacher and SNAs.
- Your local **SENO** can help with options.

## What are the options?

| Option | What it involves |
| --- | --- |
| Mainstream class | Extra teaching support, adjustments, SNA if care needs |
| Autism special class | Small class in a mainstream or special school, with its own teacher and SNAs |
| Special school | For children with more complex needs |

Citizens Information describes each option in more detail.[1]

## What does an SNA do?

SNAs support pupils with significant care needs, such as personal care, mobility or safety. They're allocated to schools by the NCSE, not to individual children.[2]

## How do we get a place?

1. **Talk to the school** about your child's needs.
2. **Share reports** from assessments.
3. **Contact your local SENO** at the NCSE if you need help finding a place.

**Same supports at home and school.** Using the same visual schedule and first-then pictures at home and school helps your child know what to expect.

Free printable: [Free printable: home-school communication sheet](https://theautismkit.com/printables/home-school-sheet.pdf)

## What can I do next?

- [ ] Talk to your child's school
- [ ] Find your local SENO
- [ ] Share a visual schedule with the teacher

Read first: [What is an Assessment of Need in Ireland?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/assessment-of-need-ireland)

## Common questions

### Does my child need a diagnosis for an autism class?

Generally, a professional report showing autism is needed for an autism special class place. Ask the school and your local NCSE team.

### Who decides on SNA support?

The NCSE allocates SNA support to schools based on pupils' care needs, and the school decides how to deploy it.

### What if there's no autism class place nearby?

Contact your local NCSE special educational needs organiser (SENO), who can help identify options.

## Sources

1. Citizens Information: Special needs education in primary schools. https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/education/special-education-needs/special-needs-education-primary-schools/
2. National Council for Special Education (NCSE). https://ncse.ie/

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.