The statistics speak for themselves - 10 years ago: 1 in 10,000; 5 years ago: 1 in 1,000; today: 1 in 150.  Nearly everyone knows someone who has a family member affected by autism. A conservative estimate puts the number at 35 million worldwide.

Diagnosis is increasing - and at an alarming pace.  Yet, finding good treatment, knowledgeable paediatricians and good education provision is appalling. 

Specialist schools are few, but they generally cater for the severe end of the spectrum - often having a wider remit for more complex needs.  The individual parent may be relieved - even proud - to know that their child has 'High Functioning' ASD - until they start the fruitless search for regional schools.  Depressingly, 'postcode lottery' is the cliche du jour - again.

Inclusion is a laudable aim in education practice, but schools are administratively unable to respond to these kind of crises effectively.  In my opinion, it is unfair to ask them to do so.  We have academies specialising in 'regular' kids - why not put a positive spin on ASD (and other impairments) academies? 

Currently the gaps are plugged by charities, but the gaps are getting wider and into these chasms vulnerable children are falling.  My daughter is one of them.