Based on live action research conducted over a five year period, the author seeks to critically explore the links between autism and mental illness in a Local Education Authority in Northern England. Through observations of young people with autism and interviews with their teachers and carers, he asks questions such as why they are statistically more likely to suffer from Based on live action research conducted over a five year period, the author seeks to critically explore the links between autism and mental illness in a Local Education Authority in Northern England. Through observations of young people with autism and interviews with their teachers and carers, he asks questions such as why they are statistically more likely to suffer from mental ill health, how this ill health presents itself and what infrastructure and professional support is available for youngsters on the autism spectrum and their families.