§ Sir Richard BodyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what representations he has received from parents of autistic children relating to the provision of special education; and what response he has made. [38925]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisIt is for schools and local education authorities to arrange suitable special educational provision for children with autistic spectrum disorders, whether in specialist autism schools, other special schools, autism units at mainstream schools or in mainstream classes with support. The Department receives representations from parents about individual cases and from autism organisations about autism provision in general. There was broad support for the proposal in the special educational needs Green Paper for regional planning to develop specialist provision and research to establish best practice. In the light of a review commissioned by the Department and work to be undertaken for the Local Government Association, we660W Will consider what further guidance to offer on how best to meet the needs of children with a broad range of autistic disorders.