First Minister Alex Salmond yesterday announced an extra £300,000 for training staff working with autism sufferers.

The money has been awarded to the Scottish Society for Autism (SSA) and will allow the society's staff to benefit from specific training modules on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

A report found that more than half of adults with the condition do not have enough support to meet their needs.

SSA's chief executive John McDonald said: "This will enable us to improve the quality of services it delivers through its staff and is a major contribution to the evolution of improved services."

Mr Salmond said: "All children in Scotland, including those with special needs, deserve an equal opportunity to a quality education."