Swedish researchers suggest that outside factors, from diagnosis to socioeconomics, may have inflated reports that suggest rates of autism are spiking.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s March 2014 report showing a 30 percent rise in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) over the span of a few years triggered widespread concern over one simple question: what is the cause?

Schools are struggling with a threefold rise in the number of stud­ents with autism spectrum disorders, sparking state demands for extra federal funding.

The number of autistic children in West Australian public schools has more than trebled in eight years, to 4000 stud­ents. In NSW, the nation’s biggest public schooling system, teachers are dealing with 14,000 students diagnosed on the autism spectrum — a 160 per cent increase since 2008.

ROSIE KING, MOSMAN DAILY

Jenny and Seamus Willims were told via email that The Kids Cottage, where there autistic son Clancy had attended for two years, were expelling their son. Picture: Elenor Tedenborg

A mother is demanding an apology from a Sydney hospital over the mistreatment and misdiagnosis of her autistic 9-year-old son.

A Canberra child psychologist has warned cuts to support for special needs students could force children to leave schools. 

And the $100-million federal savings have already had some parents in tears, when early intervention pre-schools were abolished, Dr Eryn Davies said.  

"If they keep cutting funding, for the schools and mental health as a whole, it's going to be a point where it would just be a mess," she said.

"They're going to have to completely push back in funding because people in this situation just won't function," she said. 

Nicky Phillips Science Editor

A study has found children with autism face up to a 4-year delay in their diagnosis. Photo: Supplied

By Sacha Payne

Disability advocates say revelations of a cage built for an autistic child at a Canberra school are just the tip of the iceberg.

The Principal of the school, which cannot be named due to privacy reasons, has been stood down as an investigation is launched.

The cage at the Canberra school was exposed following a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission.

Images obtained by SBS show what some schools use as so-called withdrawal areas for autistic children.