The number of children with autism in schools has jumped by 50 per cent in the past five years, a study has revealed.

The research, which looks at children in Welsh schools, shows that the number rose from 3,450 in 2011 to 5,325 in 2016.

The largest increase was found in primary school education, with numbers rising from 1,290 in 2011 to 2,055 in 2016.

But numbers in nursery and middle schools changed “marginally”, said the report.

The National Autistic Society (NAS) Cymru said ongoing special educational needs reforms must be used “to make sure the needs of autistic children are always understood”.

“Four in every five parents who responded to an NAS Cymru survey said their child received additional support at school because of their autism through school action, school action plus or a statement,” said Meleri Thomas of NAS Cymru.

“However, only two children in five whose parents responded said they were receiving all the support and provisions outlined in their statement or education plan.”

She added that special educational needs reforms needed to ensure autistic children “get the support they need to fulfil their potential”.

There are approximately 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK, or roughly one in every 100 people.