The number of children with autism in England’s state schools has risen by more than 20% in the past three years, according to new research by the charity Let’s Talk Well.
The study revealed that in 2025 there were 103,067 more primary school pupils with autism in state schools – a 23% increase since 2022. What’s more, from reception to Year 6 the rise increased to 31.5%.
However, the research records the biggest fall in autism rates among pupils in Year 1 and below – it dropped from 6.7% in 2022/23 to 5.75% in 2024/25.
The charity, who analysed existing Department of Education figures, also found that absence rates remain higher in secondary schools. There was a 0.75% increase in Year 12 and above.
The research has been published after the government announced a £200m SEND programme to train teachers to support pupils with speech, language and other classroom needs.
To highlight how support can really help people, Logan, 17, was diagnosed with ADHD at 14 and he said professional help saved his life.
‘Before my mum sought help life felt overwhelming,’ Logan said. ‘School was hard, fitting in felt impossible, and I didn’t see a future for myself. I was struggling with my mental health and I’d been suicidal.
‘Things felt really dark. Professional support from the Neurodiversity Hub genuinely saved my life. I still struggle with my mental health but now I have purpose, support and hope.’
Let’s Talk Well is set to host its Children and Young People’s Mental Health Conference on 27th March at Cheltenham Racecourse. Some of the key topics that will be discussed include anxiety, school avoidance, self-harm, eating difficulties and gender identity.
Logan, a founding member of the Gloucestershire Neurodivergent Youth Council, will be leading a panel at the conference.
Judith Bell, chief clinical officer at Let’s Talk Well, said: ‘Our analysis of the most recent Department of Education data demonstrates that the rate at which the number of children in the state-funded education system, diagnosed with autism, continues to grow at pace.’
Keynote speaker Dr Pooky Knightsmith added: ‘Behind every one of the statistics identified by Let’s Talk Well is a young person trying to navigate a world that wasn’t designed for how their brain works. These young people don’t need more labels. They need adults around them who understand, who can create safety, and who know what actually helps.’
Image: Sam Balye/UnSplash
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