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A third of autistic pupils have missed over a month of school this year due to mental and physical health issues, as well as unsuitable school places.
The survey conducted by charity Ambitious about Autism also found that half of the respondents reported feeling blamed by the Government for missing school.
It comes as the Government is due to publish its long-awaited plan to reform the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. Reform is expected to include a focus on improving mainstream schools, where over 70% of autistic pupils receive their education.
The charity is calling on the Government to address this issue as the survey reflects the latest Department for Education data, which showed that over 60,000 autistic pupils in England are persistently absent from school, missing around a month or more in total school per year.
To end the lost learning crisis, it wants to see mainstream schools equipped to provide appropriately funded support to autistic pupils. It has also launched a new campaign inviting autistic young people and parents to share stories explaining the reasons for school absence.
Absence Notes campaign to address school absences from autistic students
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The Absence Notes campaign invites autistic young people and their families to share their experiences of being or feeling absent from school and the impact this has had on them.
Jolanta Lasota, Chief Executive of Ambitious about Autism, said: “For autistic young people school absence can take many different forms. It’s being in class but not included. It’s being sent home because autistic traits are misunderstood. It’s being denied a school that’s right for your needs.
“As the future of the SEND system is being decided, our campaign is giving a voice to those directly affected by these decisions, namely autistic young people and their families. Their experiences of lost learning should be a stark warning to decision-makers.
“We cannot allow another generation of young people to miss out on opportunities to learn, thrive and achieve. We must ensure mainstream schools have the knowledge and confidence to support autistic pupils and these young people remain able to access specialist support when they need it.”
The charity is encouraging supporters to turn absence into action by signing a collective ‘note’ to the Government to ensure SEND reform works for autistic young people.
