New findings show autistic children are three times more likely to be stood down or suspended from school, than other students.

These levels reverted back to the general population average, when autistic students received high-needs funding.

Principals' Federation President Cherie Taylor-Patel told Kate Hawkesby suspension can be a strategy for schools to push the Ministry of Education  to support students in need.

She says it's clear that when autistic children have the right levels of funding and support, they're more likely to experience success.

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