Research shows that students with disabilities who are suspended or expelled are more likely to drop out of school, experience mental health problems, and become involved in the juvenile justice system. Additionally, students with disabilities who are suspended or expelled are less likely to receive the educational services they need to succeed in school.
For students with autism, suspensions and expulsions can be particularly damaging. Students with autism may have difficulty understanding social cues, and they may be more likely to engage in behaviors that are disruptive or challenging. However, these behaviors are often a result of the student's disability and not a willful attempt to misbehave.
Rather than suspending or expelling students with autism, schools should focus on developing and implementing positive behavior supports. Positive behavior supports are strategies that help students learn appropriate behaviors and reduce challenging behaviors. These supports can include things like providing clear expectations, teaching social skills, and modifying the environment to meet the student's needs.
With the right support, students with autism can succeed in school and learn the skills they need to be productive members of society. Suspending or expelling these students is counterproductive and does more harm than good.