§ Mr. Lathamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what plans are in hand for the provision of specialised training courses for teachers of autistic children.
§ Mrs. ThatcherMost teachers in their initial courses are made aware of these children and those colleges which provide initial courses specifically designed for teachers of mentally handicapped children almost all give considerable attention to the needs of autistic children.
There are 41 courses for teachers of handicapped children arranged for 1972–73. These courses last for one year or in a few instances one term. On some of these it is possible for a student to make a specialist study of autism and some consideration of the subject is given on most.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she is taking to improve nursery school provision for severely handicapped children; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherPlans for the education of severely handicapped children 217W take account of the needs of those who are of nursery school age. I am authorising the provision of facilities for them in new schools for children aged 2 or 3 upwards or in purpose-built units attached to existing special schools. Children of compulsory school age, however, continue to receive first priority in the use of resources.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action has so far been taken to help deaf-blind, autistic and dyslexic children under the provisions of Sections 25–27 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherSince I replied to the hon. Member's Questions on this subject on 8th February, 1972, my Department has analysed the information received from local education authorities about autistic children and consultation with the Department of Health and Social Security on the position is in progress. As regards dyslexia the views of local authority and teacher associations have been sought on the report of the Advisory Committee on Handicapped Children and they are now being considered. The reactions to the report which I have so far received from those I have consulted have been on the whole favourable, but points have been raised which will require detailed consideration. As regards the deaf-blind the measures I referred to in my previous answer have established the size of the problem and authorities are making progress in their provision for these severely disabled children.