Boys are far more likely to attend special schools or to be placed in special classes in mainstream schools compared to girls.
Department of Education data shows that in special schools, boys outnumber girls two to one.
In special classes in mainstream schools the differential is even greater, with three boys enrolled for every one girl.
The vast majority of special classes in mainstream schools – 92% – cater for autistic children.
The data has given rise to calls for more research in the area to understand the reasons behind the disparity as well as any potential impact.
“We have a huge lack of evidence here, a lack of research,” Selina McCoy, Associate…