Deputy head says late diagnosis hinders autistic pupils

July 04 2009

Pupils with autism are often disadvantaged as it takes so long for them to be correctly diagnosed, says deputy headteacher Gail Norrie.

In an interview with the Times Education Supplement, she said society is far better placed than it was to assist children with special needs but still struggles to help those with autism.

Because it takes so long to recognise the condition some children will have already faced real difficulties in school, says Ms Norrie.

"Society at large is more responsive to appreciating other learning difficulties, but it really isn't autism friendly," she told the publication.

As the deputy head of Inscape House in Cheadle, Cheshire Ms Norrie notes a real "buzz" when she walks through the school: "It's the sound of our pupils doing things that some people think they couldn't or wouldn't be able to do," she explained.

After teaching in the UK and establishing themselves, teachers can specialise in special needs education.

It is not always necessary to undergo additional training, as it is equally important to have the right personality to work with special needs classes, says advisory site senteachers.co.uk

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