High Absence Rates Among Autistic Pupils in the UK

A new survey by the charity Ambitious About Autism reveals that one in six (16.2%) autistic students in the UK have not attended school at all since the beginning of the current academic year. The data highlights a growing crisis as the government prepares to overhaul the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.

Key Findings from the Survey

The poll of nearly 1,000 young people and families identified the primary reasons for these absences:

• Mental Health: 62% of respondents cited mental health issues as the cause for missing school;

• Physical Health: 30% said they were too physically unwell to attend;

• Unsuitable Environment: 20% reported that their current school placement was not fit for their needs; and

• Stigma: 45% of parents and children felt "blamed" by the government for these absences.

Statistical Breakdown of Absences

The analysis shows varying levels of missed education among autistic students:

• No attendance since September: 16.2%;

• Missed 20 to 40 days: 7.4%;

• Missed 11 to 20 days: 12.2%;

• Missed 6 to 10 days: 11.3%; and

• Missed 1 to 5 days: 32.8%.

Government data from the 2024-25 school year further illustrates the gap: autistic pupils had a persistent absence rate of 28%, compared to just 14% for children without special needs. Additionally, 5.5% of autistic pupils missed more than half of their school time.

Barriers in Mainstream Education

While roughly 70% of autistic pupils are in mainstream schools, many struggle with sensory overload, "autistic burnout," and rigid school policies. Families highlighted that strict uniform codes and high-pressure rules often trigger anxiety and meltdowns, making attendance impossible for some students.

The Government’s SEND Overhaul In response to these challenges, the government is planning a major system reform aimed at:

• Boosting Mainstream Support: Increasing the capacity of regular schools to meet SEND needs locally;

• Investment: Committing £3 billion to create 50,000 new specialist places and £200 million for teacher training; and

• Mental Health Access: Expanding the reach of mental health support teams within schools.

Parental Concerns

Many families expressed fear that the reforms might weaken Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs)—the legal documents that guarantee specific support for a child. Parents have urged the government to maintain these "legal backstops" while pushing for a cultural shift toward greater flexibility in schools.