Mother seeks more autism support

Scott Masson believes his autism was misunderstood at school

MSPs have heard concerns that children with autism are often excluded from school and fall behind because their behaviour is taken for insubordination.

An Aberdeen parent has sent a petition to Holyrood seeking a review of the education service for children with varying degrees of autism.

Annette Masson said too few school staff have enough time and training.

The Scottish Government said laws were in place requiring local authorities to support children with autism.

The Holyrood committee agreed to consider the matter further.

Ms Masson's 18-year-old son Scott often got into trouble and left school early with no exam passes.

She has appealed for autistic children to have more contact with staff trained in the condition, perhaps in specialist centres attached to local schools.

Aberdeen City Council has granted such a place to her 14-year-old son Michael.