COLUMBIA --- South Carolina education officials say the growing number of students with autism is creating a heavy demand for school services.

The number of students listed with autism as their leading disorder has more than doubled in five years, from 1,283 in 2003 to 2,685 in 2007, according to the state Education Department. Figures for 2008 were incomplete.

The State newspaper reported Friday that dealing with more students with such a wide range of abilities means more specialists are needed to create individualized plans.

"I think it's just such a difference of where students are on the spectrum that it can be a challenge to make sure that all their needs are met," said Alisha Carey, an autism specialist for Lexington District 1. "What I worry about is if I can't figure out why a child is doing something."

Autistic students require districts to have specialists in several areas, including behavior, speech, psychology and physical therapy.

Some school districts have added more self-contained classrooms for children with autism as parents, armed with the knowledge of what their children need, demand more services.

If they don't get those services, says Craig Stoxen, president and chief operating officer for the South Carolina Autism Society, they go to other school districts that might have them.

"I think one of the things that school districts and parents all need to be aware of is that collaborating together and listening is where the kid is going to get the best education," Mr. Stoxen said. "Mom and Dad are the experts on their child."

Mr. Stoxen said the numbers the state collects likely understate the number of children with autism-related issues because it counts only those students with autism as their primary disorder.