"One in six autistic pupils have not been to school at all since the start of this academic year, according to a new survey which found that mental health issues were often behind high levels of school absence. Nearly half (45%) of the parents and children who responded to the UK-wide survey by the Ambitious About Autism charity said they felt blamed by the government for the absences."
"Of those who missed school, 62% said it was due to mental health issues and 30% said they were too physically unwell to go to school. A fifth said their school place was not suitable. The poll of nearly 1,000 autistic young people and their families comes as the government prepares to publish long-awaited plans to overhaul the special educational needs and disabilities (Send) system in England."
One in six autistic pupils have not attended school at all since the start of the academic year. Nearly 1,000 autistic young people and their families contributed responses, and nearly half said they felt blamed by the government for absences. Of those who missed school, 62% cited mental health issues and 30% cited physical illness; a fifth said their school place was unsuitable. About 70% of autistic pupils are educated in mainstream schools, but many face high absence rates driven by anxiety, sensory overload and inadequate support. Parents worry that planned Send reforms and investment may not make mainstream environments suitable for many pupils.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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