§ 13. Mr. Alec Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many autistic children there are in Glamorgan and Wales, respectively.
§ Mrs. WhiteAutism is not a defined handicap, and I am sorry that this information is not available in the form requested.
§ Mr. JonesWould my hon. Friend not agree that, in view of the tragic plight of these unfortunate children, the greatest possible efforts should be made to improve diagnostic testing of them and the treatment of their condition? Is she aware that this is a serious matter in many parts of Wales?
§ Mrs. WhiteWe are very concerned about this. My hon. Friend may know that the Welsh Joint Education Committee is undertaking a study of non-communicating children, which would 9 include autistic children. If he would like to discuss the matter with me later I would be happy to talk to him about it.