Supporting World Autism Acceptance Month this April
We are proud to support the National Autistic Society's World Autism Acceptance Month this April.
A 2024 report published by Kinship, England and Wales’ leading voice for kinship families, revealed compelling and astounding insights into the experiences of kinship children with special educational needs, including Autism. The findings showed:
• Nearly 50% of kinship children in England were reported to have a special educational need or disability (SEND).
• Over 33% of kinship children in Wales had an additional learning need (ALN).
• Children represented in the survey were five times more likely to be learning in a special school compared to their peers.
• Kinship children in England were over three times more likely to have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan than all pupils nationwide.
These national statistics mirror what we see in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programme in West Sussex - many of the children referred to us have diagnosed or emerging additional learning needs. This often leads to emotional dysregulation, social isolation, and challenges with school attendance or forming friendships.
As we mark World Autism Acceptance Month, we stand alongside kinship families, championing understanding, inclusion, and support for every child who needs it.
Download the full Kinship report, “Forgotten” here:
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