Teachers struggle with rising autism numbers

By Miranda Wood, Education Reporter
July 21 2002
The Sun-Herald
 

More Sydney schoolchildren have been diagnosed with autism this year than ever before with teachers demanding extra training to cope with the condition.

The NSW Education Department has created 13 special classes, including four in the past two years, to cope with the increase.

The Autism Association of NSW has 300 children waiting to get into its six special schools and 30 satellite classes at public and private schools.

The association's director of education, training and research, Dr Jacqueline Roberts, said a greater awareness of the condition has led to more children being diagnosed with autism.

"We're seeing more children than ever," she said. "Our waiting lists are increasing faster than we can provide places in classes."