Data show rise in the number of students with autism in the U.K.

The number of children in public schools in the United Kingdom who are classified as having autism has grown by 56% over the past five years, new data show. Some advocates say the numbers point to an increasing need for autism-specific training for educators. "It's very likely that all teachers and school staff will come into contact with children with autism at some stage during their teaching career, so it's vital that they receive quality training and strategies to support these children in the classroom," said Caroline Hattersley of The National Autistic Society. The Daily Mail (London) (3/23)