§ Mr. LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many children of school age in West Sussex are currently statemented on account of problems relating to autism. [43283]
§ Ms Estelle MorrisThe national figures which the Department collects on the number of children with special educational needs are not disaggregated by type of special need; it is for West Sussex—as for other individual local education authorities—to identify children with autism and other types of special educational needs in their areas and to make appropriate provision. West Sussex LEA estimates that approximately 150 children with autism, including Asperger's Syndrome, currently have statements in the county. There may be other children with autistic spectrum disorders whose statements relate primarily to other types of special education needs.