Mainstream school can be a genuinely overwhelming environment for autistic young people – sensory overload, unpredictable social demands, rigid timetables, and a lack of understanding from peers and staff can all compound each other.

Alternatives that often work better include: specialist autism-specific schools; small therapeutic providers with sensory-aware environments; home education with structured online programmes; and supported further education settings designed for neurodiverse learners.

An EHCP is the usual route to funded specialist provision. If your child does not have one and mainstream is not working, requesting an assessment from your local authority is the right first step. The National Autistic Society has a helpline and detailed guidance for parents.