June 7, 2019, Irish Times: Limerick school extension wins RIAI architecture award—Building designed for students with autism named top in people’s choice category https://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/limerick-school-extension-wins-riai-architecture-award-1.3918053 A Limerick primary school extension for students with autism has won the annual Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) people’s choice design award…. The winning design was an extension of the school, built to provide two Autism Syndrome Disorder (ASD) classrooms, and included a sensory garden and activity space for students. The all-boys primary school building was designed by Limerick-based firm Drake Hourigan Architects. Buildings and projects eligible to enter the awards were all completed in 2018. The purpose of the designated autism classrooms was to assist the pupils moving into the adjoining mainstream classes over time, through efforts to encourage socialising between the classes. … The awards will be handed out at a dinner ceremony on Friday evening at the Mansion House. Carole Pollard former RIAI president and chair of the judging panel, described the winning Limerick school design as a “spectacular” project. “The shortlist was made up of 41 exceptional projects including residential homes, commercial spaces, schools, heritage locations and public spaces,” she said.

Childhood Lost
Children today are noticeably different from previous generations, and the proof is in the news coverage we see every day. This site shows you what’s happening in schools around the world. Children are increasingly disabled and chronically ill, and the education system has to accommodate them. Things we've long associated with autism, like sensory issues, repetitive behaviors, anxiety and lack of social skills, are now problems affecting mainstream students. Blame is predictably placed on bad parenting (otherwise known as trauma from home).
Addressing mental health needs is as important as academics for modern educators. This is an unrecognized disaster. The stories here are about children who can’t learn or behave like children have always been expected to. What childhood has become is a chilling portent for the future of mankind.
Loss of Brain Trust features over 9,000 news stories published worldwide since January, 2017
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