The survey was established after a review of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) recommended states and territories increase their support of young people with disabilities. It seeks to understand what the barriers faced by autistic students and their families are and how policymakers can best support their needs.

The results highlight an education system that under-delivers for the needs of autistic students. The authors of the report call on decision makers within the education system to work in partnership with advocacy groups to deliver truly inclusive educational outcomes. 

Key findings

• 35% of families experienced being discouraged or refused enrolment for their child.
• 50% of those parents experienced this in the public school system.
• 45% of families report that their child’s school is either reluctant to use accommodations or are unwelcoming.
• 16% of autistic children are reportedly ‘very unhappy’ at school.
• 89% of parents believe they should be able to choose the most appropriate schooling option for their child.
• 59% of parents have considered or used alternatives to school (homeschooling and/or online distance learning).
• Only 16% of parents are happy with how their schools manage the funding to support their child at school.
• 83% of children included in this report received some kind of support from the NDIS.