Understanding increased enrolments of autism and mental health needs in NSW government schools

The Department of Education NSW, commissioned researchers from the Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, to complete a report into the reasons for increased numbers of children with autism and mental health needs in NSW government schools over the period from 2013 to 2017. Internal factors under the influence of the Department of Education NSW were explored. These were derived from information provided by the Department of Education NSW through consultation with staff members and the provision of existing relevant reports and documentation. This report also provides an overview of autism and mental health prevalence in Australia and internationally to understand external factors outside of those influenced by the Department of Education NSW. This was performed via literature search and examination of other available relevant prevalence data. The report also includes the method and results of statistically modelling the influence of both internal and external factors, where possible, on the rise in autism and mental health needs prevalence in NSW government schools. The autism and mental health needs prevalence for 2018 is estimated. Autism and mental health needs in the next 5 to 10 years are forecast.