Knowledge of autism and attitudes towards inclusive education for autistic pupils: A representative survey of school communities in Ireland.

Autistic pupils have the right to access a quality education and be fully included in mainstream educational settings. This study aimed to measure knowledge of autism and attitudes towards the inclusion of autistic pupils in school communities across Ireland. An online survey was completed by parents and staff (N = 661) from a representative sample of primary, post-primary, and special schools in Ireland, selected using stratified random sampling. The survey included validated autism knowledge and attitude measures, and a series of closed- and open-ended questions exploring the inclusion of autistic pupils in individual schools. Knowledge of autism was high and attitudes towards inclusion were generally positive. However, when asked about inclusion in their own schools, respondents indicated a disconnect between a school’s commitment to inclusivity in principle and the provision of inclusive education in practice. Findings indicate that systemic issues continue to hinder fully inclusive education for autistic pupils.