Autism and School Suspensions

Many students struggle with behavioral issues in school that sometimes end up in suspensions. Researchers have found that many of these suspensions are linked to undiagnosed autism.

According to Shaun Heasley “As many as one third of children suspended from British schools for displaying disruptive or aggressive behaviors could actually be exhibiting signs of undiagnosed autism, new research indicates.

In a study of 26 British elementary school students at risk for suspension or who were suspended from school, scientists found that one in three qualified for a diagnosis of autism.

The findings are surprising, researchers say, because none of the students — who attended 16 different schools — were previously suspected of having the developmental disorder. Instead school staff pegged the students as unruly and disruptive.”

With my background as a father with three teenagers that have autism and an advocate in my community, I have noticed that here in the United States suspensions are increasing in alarming rates. Some of the parents have chosen to have their children tested and found that their child has some form of autism. For more information see:
Undiagnosed Autism Could Be To Blame In Many School Suspensions at Disability Scoop