§ Ms Glenda JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) what recent research studies into the educational needs of autistic children his Department has funded; and if he will make a statement; [142028]
(2) what guidelines have been issued to local education authorities on the provision of specialist teaching aids for autistic children. [142029]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 11 December 2000]: In September 1998 we published "Educational Interventions for Children with Autism: A Literature Review of Recent and Current Research; Jordan, Jones and Murray". A copy is in the Library.
My Department has not issued such guidelines to local education authorities. The Department has established an Autism Working Group which aims to publish guidance, 81W including pointers to good practice, next year. The Group plans to include pointers on good practice in the use of Information and Communication Technology aids with autistic children.