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Tue, Sep 17 2002 9:57 AM AEST

Autism surprise sparks call for greater funding

A new Australian study has found a surprising number of children are autistic.

The Autism Council study reveals about 17 children are diagnosed with autism every week in Australia.

It is the first major study into the incidence of autism in Australia, a condition affecting people's ability to relate to the world around them.

The president of Autism Victoria, Laurie Bartak, says the results are a surprise and reveal a need for greater services.

"The problem is that it's subtle," Dr Bartak said.

"It's not like kids who can't walk properly or, you know, are clearly mentally retarded, intellectually disabled, things like that where you can see the disability.

"This is a disability or a pattern of disability that really seriously impairs people's capacity to relate to the world.

"In the same way that a child who can't walk properly needs a wheelchair or an aid to help them up stairs or help them up ramps or things like that, these children will need people to support them so that they can attend in class and so that they can understand what's being asked of them."

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© 2002 Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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