HC Deb 03 July 1979 vol 969 cc517-8W
17. Mr. David Price

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research work he is sponsoring into the earlier detection of autistic children and into improved methods of teaching them.

Mr. Macfarlane

My Department is not itself currently sponsoring research in this field but is aware of relevant studies taking place in universities and other research centres, and has contact with the National Society for Autistic Children. Detection of autistic children is primarily a matter for the health authorities and the provision of educational facilities is the responsibility of the local education authorities.