More Oregon Students Diagnosed With Autism

EDUCATION 

By Andrew Theen

Portland, OR  March 12, 2008 3:52 p.m.

Special education students make up about 13 percent of Oregon's public school enrollment.  Andrew Theen reports on the new state numbers.

That percentage is in line with the national average.  In Oregon, the largest group of special education students have "specific learning disabilities" like dyslexia.  But state officials notice a steady rise in the number of students with autism.

Nancy Latini is the Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Student Learning and Partnerships.  She said experts are getting better at diagnosing kids with autism.  But Latini admits the state is still learning what works for those students.

Nancy Latini: "It's so new to us.  10 years ago i think we looked at those kids very different than we do today, so we're still learning in that area.  So that's what the struggle becomes with autism"

Latini said the state has some nice systems in place, but not enough funding goes toward special needs kids in general.  The state will release its annual report on special needs graduation rates next month.   

Share this article: del.icio.us digg newsvine

© 2008 OPB