The state reports that more than 7,000 Oregon students have autism, triple the count a decade ago -- and 11 percent higher than just a year ago.

In many cases, educators say, schools lack the training, staffing and specialized programs to serve this group of students. The children are being identified in growing numbers in every part of the state and across the nation.

The state report overall shows the count of Oregon students with disabilities was virtually unchanged from a year ago.

But the exception is autism, where the numbers have risen sharply.

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The brain-based disability is different for each child because the type and degree of impairment varies widely.

Researchers say there is no definitive test to show whether a child has it -- or what causes it.