Current data shows that autistic pupils are twice as likely to be excluded from school as those who do not have SEND. This data does not tell the whole story though, the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) conducted research on exclusion and found that at least 25% of parents reported unofficial or illegal exclusions of their children1.
Why is this happening?
Department for Education datastates that the reasons for fixed term exclusions primarily centre on pupil’s behaviour. Our research found that exclusion of autistic pupils is as a result of:
- A failure of staff to make reasonable adjustments
- Inadequate systems and policies
- Budgets being cut in the areas of essential support
What are the impacts of exclusion?
Economic
- 76% of parents took time off work and 47% had financial issues.
- A large portion of the annual UK economic costs (£3.1 billion per year in childhood)2 is down to loss of parental productivity.
- Eligibility for free school meals is 11% higher for autistic pupils than the general population.
Lifelong and Profound
- For pupils, exclusion impacts on self-esteem,leads to isolation from friends, and leaves them feeling let down by education.
- 97% of parents experienced significant impact on their stress levels.
- The mental health toll on pupils and families throughout this period is clear.
A Call for Action
The SEND Review needs to address many of the concerns raised in this report.
- Schools need to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with autism to prevent exclusions and schools need to reduce informal and illegal exclusions.
- Government and schools need to ensure adjustments are made to ensure parental employment is not impacted.
- Schools must improve communication with families at every stage of the exclusion process.
References
1. Guldberg, K., Wallace, S., Bradley,R., Perepa, P., Ellis, L and MacLeod, A.(2021) Investigation into the causes and implications of exclusion for autistic children and young people.
2. Buescher, A.V.S., Cidav, Z., Knapp, M.,Mandell, D.S. (2014) Costs of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the United Kingdom and the United States . JAMA Pediatr.2014;168(8):721–728.
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The Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) contributes to improving the quality of life for autistic people by conducting meaningful research and educational provision. Find out more about our research: birmingham.ac.uk/acer