Latest statistics from the Department for Education show that there are 166,041 autistic pupils in schools in England. This is an 8% increase since 2020. and more than 70% of these pupils are educated in mainstream schools. 

In their announcement, NAS said:

'Parents are facing exhausting and sometimes years-long battles to get support for their autistic children in school.'

In Spring 2026, the Government published its Schools White Paper, which lays out plans to reform the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.

This ambitious paper includes lots of proposals that could make a positive difference for young autistic people at school, including the roll-out of more ‘inclusion bases’ in mainstream schools. However, we will need more detail and clarity from the Government to make sure these proposals work for all autistic pupils.

In response to the proposals, the National Autistic Society is calling for:

• Families to be meaningfully involved throughout any assessment of children’s needs and in the development of support plans.  
• All school staff to have mandatory autism training so they understand autistic children’s needs and can provide the right support to ensure they thrive at school.
• Families’ rights to ensure autistic children get the education they need in the most suitable environment and with the right support.

How can you help?

Take a look at our SEND Reform Toolkit for Teachers and Professionals.