Her son has nowhere to go this September.
The mother of a child with special educational needs is pleading with the Department of Education to open more autism units in Athlone, as her son has nowhere to go.
Michelle Dowling's 12 year old son Gareth, who has autism and type 1 diabetes, currently has no school place in his native Athlone, as the only school with an autism unit is full.
She says he's started to refuse to go to school now, as he asks "what's the point?".
Michelle says he badly needs it.
The next best option is in a school 50km away in Galway but Michelle says, because of his diabetes, she wouldn't be able to get to him in case there is an emergency.
The story of Michelle and Gareth follows remarks by the Children's Ombudsman, who says a shortage of school places is failing children like Gareth.
Dr Niall Muldoon says there is a significant gap between places in primary and post-primary schools:
With around a quarter of students with special educational needs, Dr Muldoon predicts the situation is only going to get worse.
Planning Permission Approved For New 800 Pupil Secondary School In Midlands
Annual Rose Of Tralee Tour Underway
Longford-Westmeath TD Urges Action On Vacant HSE-Owned Buildings
Taoiseach Backs Offaly Camino Proposal
Laois Pride Launch Writing Competition In Memory Of Joe Drennan
Laois Truck Driver Arrested For Driving Overweight Truck Under Influence
Offaly Business Closed Over Food Safety Breach
Gardai Continuing Laois Meadow Fire Investigation