§ Dr. J. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many children are diagnosed as autistic in Scotland.
§ Mr. William Ross:Autism is not a clearly differentiated handicap and is not one of the nine handicaps statutorily defined as requiring special educational treatment. No comprehensive information is available about the number of children with autistic symptoms, though provision is made for children with severe communication difficulties in special schools, junior occupational centres and other special units.