The number of children with autism in England’s state schools has increased significantly in recent years, according to new research highlighting growing demand for support in classrooms.
A study by Let’s Talk Well found that autism diagnoses among primary school pupils have risen by more than 20% in the past three years.
The charity’s analysis of figures from the Department for Education shows that by 2025 there were 103,067 more primary school pupils diagnosed with autism in England’s state-funded schools than in 2022.
This represents a 23% increase overall, with an even sharper rise of 31.5% among children from Reception to Year 6.
However, the study also found a decline in autism rates among the youngest pupils. Among children in Year 1 and below, diagnoses fell from 6.7% in the 2022–23 academic year to 5.75% in 2024–25.
The research also examined attendance patterns and found that absence rates remain higher in secondary education.
Among pupils in Year 12 and above, absence levels rose by 0.75%, suggesting additional pressures facing older students.
The report was released shortly after the UK Government announced a £200 million programme to improve Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support, including training teachers to help pupils with speech, language and other classroom needs.
To highlight the importance of specialist support, the charity shared the story of Logan, a 17-year-old who was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 14.
He said professional support transformed 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.”
Logan is now a founding member of the Gloucestershire Neurodivergent Youth Council and will take part in a panel discussion at the upcoming Children and Young People’s Mental Health Conference hosted by Let’s Talk Well.
The conference, scheduled for 27 March at Cheltenham Racecourse, will explore issues including anxiety, school avoidance, self-harm, eating difficulties and gender identity among young people.
Judith Bell, chief clinical officer at Let’s Talk Well, said the latest data shows autism diagnoses are continuing to grow rapidly.
“Our analysis of the most recent Department for 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.”
Dr Pooky Knightsmith, who will speak at the event, said the figures represent real young people who need understanding and support.
“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.”
The research highlights the increasing importance of specialist resources and training in England’s schools as the number of neurodivergent pupils continues to rise.