On 27 June 2011, we launched our new campaign on special educational needs, Great Expectations. Based on research with over 1,000 parents and young people with autism, it aims to inform the Government's proposals for changing the system for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Too many parents have to fight to get the support their child with autism needs. We want families to have confidence that they will be listened to by professionals and that they can get the right education for their child. This means clear rights and helpful information, and schools which have the necessary training and support to work with children with autism.
Our You Need To Know campaign aims to improve the support for children with autism who have mental health problems. We also work to improve support for children with autism and their families in the social care system, and through diagnosis. You can read more about our work below. To get regular updates about our education policy work, please sign up to receive our 'Education update' emails here.
Take action
Our research for Great Expectations found that half of all children with autism wait over a year for appropriate educational support, and over a quarter have waited more than two years. Tell your MP that this is unacceptable.