Some parents of children in autism classes have already received refusal letters.
The lack of places in autism classes could have a huge impact on children's future development, according to a Westmeath parent.
A Westmeath primary school principal is highlighting the struggle parents are currently facing to get their children a place in an autism class at secondary level next year.
Refusal letters are already being sent out to parents and more are expected after Christmas.
Catriona Kelly has a son in an autism class in St Joseph's National School Rathwire Killucan, she says she her son would not do well in a mainstream school setting:
The Education Department says its strategy when it comes to autism classes, is "bearing fruit".
The State is coming in for sustained criticism from teachers and parents in Westmeath, with a number of families being already told there will be no space for them in an autism class when they graduate to secondary school next year.
In a statement to Midlands 103, a department spokesperson says over 400 new special classes have been sanctioned nationwide for this school year.
They added that 10 of these new special class are in Westmeath.
Bringing the total number of special classes in Westmeath for the 2024/25 school year to 69, 46 at primary school level and 23 at post-primary school level.
Justice Minister Wants People To Come Forward Over Offaly Arson Attack
New Report Warns Of “Poor Liquidity” As Ireland’s Housing Market Stalls
Laois TD Renews Calls For Updated Wind Farm Guidelines
Midlands Man To Be Laid To Rest Today
Anti-Racism Funding Granted For Offaly And Westmeath Groups
Gardaí Begin Murder Investigation After Child And Woman Dies In Offaly House Fire
Ashling Murphy Murder "Wrongly Accused" Granted Bail Over Theft Charge
Young Boy And Woman Killed In Offaly House Fire
Laois Makeup Artist Warns Of Expired Suncream Dangers
Lynx and Wolves In Ireland Pose Minimal Threat - Offaly Biodiversity
€4.5m Going To Midlands Suckler Farmers
Westmeath Writer Nominated Posthumously For Award
Seven Midlands Hotels Nominated For Gold Medal Hotel Awards
Cabinet Approves Major Expansion Of Midlands Garda HQ And Prison
Memorial Day Honouring Ashling Murphy Takes Place In Offaly
Midlands Town Left Shocked After Death Of Young Woman
Concerns Highlighted On Drones Spotted Ahead Of Zelenskyy Visit
€6m Westmeath Lotto Jackpot Winner Comes Forward
Israel’s Participation Sparks Eurovision Withdrawals From Ireland And Others
Teachers Union Calls For More Permanent Posts Amid Recruitment Challenges