Special needs were ignored after pupil left school, experts said

Disability organisation Capability Scotland said school-leavers were falling through the net because of a lack of health and support services.

They said that some young people with special needs ended up sitting at home watching television every day.

The Scottish Executive insisted ministers were doing more than ever to support people with special needs.

Health and education needs, such as daily physiotherapy for cerebral palsy sufferers or help for those with learning difficulties, are provided while children are at school.

Careers plan

But after leaving some found it difficult to cope because services were removed.

Capability Scotland is worried that the young people did not know how to get a job, or had dropped out of unsuitable college courses.

The executive said ministers had successfully tested several careers services for special needs students.

A spokesman said they were now considering introducing the system nationally.