Bill promises better education for autistic children
Tom Lloyd
Thursday, January 17, 2008
A Conservative MP is leading calls for local education authorities to be given ring fenced budgets to support children with autism.
Lee Scott, the MP for Ilford North, has introduced a private members bill to Parliament containing his proposals.
The Education (Children with Autism) Bill would also require schools to review their special needs provision before excluding a child with autism or Asperger's syndrome.
Scott said: "Existing legislation, guidance and codes of conduct are far from silent on what services and assistance should be made available to autistic children and their families.
"There is no lack of good will, but often we fail to follow through existing laws and good intentions, and in these circumstances many children are being left behind
