27% Increase in Job Openings for Speech Pathologists between 2002 and 2012

According to the California Department of Education, the number of autistic children enrolled in public schools increased to 21,950 students during the 2003-2004 school year, compared with about 4,394 students in 1995. Autistic children account for more than one-third of the special education population. Public schools are required to provide special education services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted a 27% increase in job openings for speech pathologists between 2002 and 2012.

"Autism up; schools stressed Schools scrambling to fill special needs" By Sue Doyle, Staff Writer 1/9/06
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