Around one in three autistic pupils have missed more than a month of school so far this academic year, with families citing poor mental health, physical illness and unsuitable placements as key reasons. The findings come from a new survey by the charity Ambitious about Autism.

The charity said many parents and young people feel they are being unfairly judged for non-attendance. Half of those who responded reported feeling blamed by the Government when school is missed, despite the barriers they face in accessing education.

The survey lands as ministers prepare to publish a long-awaited plan to overhaul the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. Expected reforms are likely to put greater emphasis on improving mainstream provision, where more than 70% of autistic pupils are currently educated. Ambitious about Autism argues that without properly funded support, mainstream schools will continue to struggle to meet needs, pushing more children out of learning.

The charity said its findings reflect Department for Education figures showing more than 60,000 autistic pupils in England are persistently absent, typically missing around a month or more across the school year. It is calling for better training, resources and consistent specialist support. Alongside this, it has launched its “Absence Notes” campaign, inviting autistic young people and families to share their experiences and sign a collective message urging the Government to ensure SEND reforms work in practice.