Autism Association declares crisis in education for children with autism in Reykjavík

The Autism Association has declared a crisis in the schooling of children with autism. Many of these children are denied placement in specialized programs and instead attend mainstream schools, where necessary support is often inadequate.

Despite the school year having started over a month ago, many autistic children still experience shortened school days and insufficient services, according to the Association. They stress that reforms are urgently needed.

Stefanía Marteinsdóttir, a board member of the Association and mother of a six-year-old child receiving limited support, highlighted the ongoing rejections of children seeking specialized placements in Reykjavík. In recent years, between 30 and 38 children have been denied admission to autism departments. Those unable to access these departments are placed in general schools.

“The support for these children is often lacking,” Stefanía observed. “Sometimes there’s no specific help intended for autistic children. They are simply shuffled between school personnel based on what suits the school at any given time.” This situation adversely affects the children and increases stress levels for their families.

“Autistic children require predictability, supervision, and safety,” she emphasized. “They cannot thrive if they are moved around haphazardly within the school.”

Stefanía called for a reevaluation of the educational framework for autistic children to ensure their needs are met, and they receive appropriate support and learning environments. She expressed frustration that her child, who is assessed as needing a specialized placement, had been assigned to a community school with a reduced school day, being allowed to arrive later than other students.