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The Autism Diagnosis: How Can Schools Help Families Cope?

The long process of receiving a diagnosis of autism leads to enormous stress for families and individuals. A new ground-breaking report addresses the support families need, and calls for five recommendations to be implemented for schools to ease their burdens. Dr Michael White, one of the authors, explains its findings.
Families face real stress before and after diagnosis

Autism prevalence: key data

A recent study of more than seven million children in the UK[1], showed:

  • About one in 57 (1.76%) children in the UK are on the autistic spectrum
  • Male 2.81% 
  • Female 0.65%
  • Highest in Black pupils 2.11%
  • Lowest in Roma/Irish Travelers 0.85%

Autism can also co-occur with other conditions such as:

  • Intellectual Disability (with an IQ of less than 70) 33% in the USA[2]
  • Learning Difficulties 18% in the UK[3]
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 28% in the UK[4]
  • Mental health conditions, such as anxiety 20% in the UK11

Introduction: The Westminster Commission on Autism

Increased funding over recent years has led to an increase in the number of people able to access autism diagnostic services. However, it can take up to 20 months to decide if an autism assessment is appropriate and, if it is deemed appropriate, a further year to have the assessment. During this time, and allowing for regional variations, individuals and their families have little support.

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