The number of pupils with autism, dyslexia and other additional support needs has increased dramatically, figures show.
Autism spectrum disorder has more than doubled since 2012, the Scottish Children’s Services Coalition (SCSC) said.
Mental health issues have risen by 252 per cent, communication support needs by 293 per cent and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties by 86 per cent.
The Scottish Government’s pupil census showed the overall number of pupils with additional support needs (ASN) increased by 68.7 per cent between 2012 and last year – from 118,034 to 199,065.
The latter figure represents 28.7 per cent of all pupils.
The SCSC said the rise is partly due to increased recognition and diagnosis of these conditions. The alliance of leading independent and third sector service providers repeated its call for greater resourcing by local authorities and the Government to support children with ASN.
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An SCSC spokesman said: “Greater clarity in these figures allows resourcing to be targeted in a more appropriate manner.”
The number of specialist teachers supporting those with ASN has decreased from 3840 to 3437 between 2012 and 2018, representing a new low.
A spokesman for the Scottish Government highlighted recently revised guidance on the presumption to mainstreaming.
He said: “Education authorities are responsible for identifying and meeting the additional support needs of their pupils.”
