Petition to the Tasmanian Government: Establish Autism- and ADHD-Specific Schools
We, the undersigned, urgently call on the Tasmanian Government to take immediate action in addressing the critical lack of educational options for neurodivergent children—specifically those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
There is a growing and deeply underserved population of children across Tasmania who are being forced into public and private school systems that simply are not suited to their neurological and sensory needs. These environments often cause heightened anxiety, emotional distress, behavioural challenges, school refusal, and exclusion, with many children ultimately facing suspension or withdrawal. This not only leads to further decline in their mental health and development but also places an immense burden on their families, many of whom are left without any viable alternatives.
Currently, the Southern Support School is the only option available in Tasmania for students with higher support needs, but the majority of autistic and ADHD children do not meet the eligibility criteria—often because they are verbal or do not have intellectual disabilities. However, they remain deeply incompatible with standard school environments. These children are being left behind, despite having every right to an education that meets their needs and allows them to feel safe, understood, and respected.
In other parts of the world—such as the UK—the introduction of Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools has created safe, structured, and neurodiversity-affirming environments where students can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Tasmania is significantly behind in providing such supports. Neurodivergent children deserve schools tailored to their sensory, cognitive, and social needs, where educators are trained in autism- and ADHD-specific approaches, and learning is designed around the child, not forced to fit a one-size-fits-all model.
We are calling for the creation of autism- and ADHD-specific schools across Tasmania—designed for students who are not suited to mainstream education but who do not qualify for existing special education placements.
These schools would:
• Provide neurodiversity-affirming environments that reduce sensory overload and emotional distress.
• Offer individualized learning plans that adapt to different communication, attention, and processing needs.
• Employ staff specifically trained in supporting autistic and ADHD students.
• Reduce the rates of school exclusion, suspension, and school refusal.
• Alleviate the pressure on caregivers, many of whom are left to homeschool without resources or are forced to watch their children deteriorate within inappropriate systems.
We urge the Tasmanian Government to act now. These children cannot wait any longer for a system that recognises, respects, and responds to their needs. Education is a right—not a privilege reserved only for those who fit the current model.