§ Mr. Staintonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will give details of the special schools for autistic children in England, including particulars of financial support from the Exchequer; and whether he will make a statement on their locations and physical capacity to meet the needs of children so handicapped.
§ Mr. CroslandThere are no special schools catering exclusively for children with autistic symptoms. The Invalid Children's Aid Association, assisted by a 75 per cent. Exchequer grant, have provided a boarding special school in Surrey for pupils with severe communication difficulties not arising from deafness. Deficits on initial running costs have been met in part by the Exchequer. A school for children with similar difficulties will be built by the Manchester Local Education Authority. A number of other authorities, mainly in the South and Midlands, have provided or are planning special educational facilities, in some cases in association with special schools for children with other handicaps. In addition education is provided at most of the hospital units to which autistic children may be admitted.