Guidelines to help autistic pupils

New guidelines to help education and health professionals
identify children with autism and provide them with high quality
support in schools were published this week by the Autism Working
Group.

Schools minister Catherine Ashton said: “Most schools are likely
to have at least one pupil with an autistic spectrum disorder.”

Health minister Jacqui Smith added: “To meet the diversity of
needs of children with autistic spectrum disorders we need a range
of provision based on sound common principles. This is already
happening but is by no means universal.”

Meanwhile, a school for autistic children in London has claimed
there are not enough non-residential school places for children
with autism spectrum disorders to meet the capital’s rising number
of children with the condition.

Bill Goodyear, founder of the BBi school in Vauxhall, south
London, which is used by seven councils with a further four seeking
places, said all other schools offering places were apparently full
and he was looking to expand BBi’s premises.

– The guidance is available at: www.dfes.gov.uk/sen