§ Mr. Molyneauxasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many autistic children are in Northern Ireland; and what provision is being made for their education.
§ Mr. Peter MillsA special survey made in 1970 indicated that there were about 40 children between the ages of 7 and 16 years in Northern Ireland who showed some features of autism. About a quarter of these were considered capable of benefiting from education within the school system. At the present time the local education authorities make provision for approximately 10 such children in special schools in Belfast and Londonderry. The opening of a special unit attached to a primary school in County Armagh is under consideration. In appropriate cases home tuition is provided and it may be possible on occasions to place a child in a nursery school or in an ordinary class of a primary school where additional part-time teaching and welfare help have been provided.