§ Mr. Win GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many children and adults have been recorded as autistic by each local education authority; what special provision is made by them; and what contribution is made by his Department and by charitable bodies.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThis information is not available. School pupils in Wales have not been classified in accordance with categories of handicap since 1983 and further education students have never been so classified. LEAs must make provision for all school children with special educational needs in accordance with the Education Act 1981. This provision may include placement in one of the schools in the maintained sector in Wales which caters specifically for autistic children or, if appropriate, in one of the independent schools in England which are run by the National Autistic Society or local autistic societies. In securing adequate facilities for further education in their areas LEAs must have regard to the requirements of persons with learning difficulties.