# Local tutor highlights lack of services for children with additional needs
Kayley Hardiman, 14 Aug


   LIMERICK resident and primary school teacher Sharon Hourihane has
   raised concern for the lack of support for these children.

   Ms Hourihane, who owns a private tuition centre for all children with a
   focus on those with additional needs, in Croom, says the lack of
   support for children and families is “frightening and also nothing
   short of discrimination.”

   She believes the education system is failing children with additional
   needs as are other HSE bodies. “What I want to highlight is the fact
   that every second school now in the country is setting up ASD classes
   but ASD is only one diagnosis and if you don't have that diagnosis in
   the school system, you may forget about it,” remarked Sharon.

   “If you don't have autism you don't get any home tuition, you don't
   qualify for so many things. They're just discriminating really with
   kids.” She said people don't realise the pressure on teachers in
   special ed to help the kids progress when they've got so many high
   level of needs and not enough staff or resources.”

   Earlier this year, Sharon opened Hill View School House and has since
   listed respite care as part of the services offered.
   “Since I opened in January I have been overwhelmed with the response,”
   she explained.

   “Children have travelled from as far as Galway for 1:1 tuition and our
   current inclusive summer camps have seen families travelling from
   Dublin and all over Ireland just so their children have the opportunity
   to attend a summer camp like their neurotypical peers and parents get
   the support and the break they so badly need and deserve.”

   Sharon says children with additional needs are on waiting lists for
   assessments for years. “My own son has additional needs but he was
   referred for an OT (Occupational Therapy) assessment and we waited two
   years before he was seen publicly.”

   Sharon believes that Hill View School House is the only facility that
   provides a summer camp for neurotypical and neurodivergent children
   side by side and they do not have to tick any box to be offered a
   place.

   The tuition centre in Croom will be officially opened by Minister of
   State Kieran O'Donnell on August 17 at 3pm. Sharon is a teacher at
   Ballyagran National School.