A unit for autistic children and others with speech and language problems will be set up at Falmer School in September.

Children at the unit will spend part of their time receiving one-to-one attention and teaching in small groups focusing on language, literacy and life skills.

They will also be integrated into mainstream classrooms depending on the level of their disability and be encouraged to take part in assemblies and extra-curricular activities.

The unit will take children from Falmer where appropriate but have a wider catchment area.

People with autism have difficulty communicating, interacting socially and using their imagination.

New research shows a tenfold increase in the number of cases diagnosed in the UK since 1990.

Amanda Brewis, who manages the Sussex Autistic Society's family support service, based in Hassocks, said: "With more cases of autism being diagnosed, it is important to have as wide a range of schools as possible for children at all levels of the autistic spectrum."

A Brighton and Hove Council spokeswoman said Falmer School, in Lewes Road, Brighton, had been chosen because it was not too large, had small classes and was willing to adapt to the needs of individual students.