To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how many people under 25 years with autism or Asperger’s syndrome are currently studying in universities. (180093)

In the 2006/07 academic year, 650 students under the age of 25 at Higher Education Institutions in England reported that they had Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Autistic Spectrum Disorder includes Asperger’s syndrome. Information separating Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome is not held centrally. Figures for the 2007/08 academic year will be available in January 2009.