Like most things, the answer to your question depends on who you ask. In my experience, there is quite a bit of support for parents of children who are on the more "severe" end of the Autism spectrum, whether it is from the school and special education services provided under Individual with Disabilities Education Act OR from state-funded organizations, such as local Regional Centers (California state-funded non-profits geared toward assisting children with developmental disabilities up to age 18). Children who meet criteria for special education or the Regional Center are, therefore, entitled to a number of wonderful services. However, children with Aspergers or PDD NOS often do not meet criteria and have less access to services. Sooooo, I personally feel that, as the definition of autism has expanded and evolved, there are a number of children who will be diagnosed and who will struggle with access to services.

So far, I have had excellent luck with my son's special ed programs...but I know more people who havenot been as fortunate.  Many of their children are in classes where they treat it as a daycare instead of a learning environment.  From observation, this is mainly in areas where funding is not available to properly teach autistic children.  It is very disheartening.

My son is in first grade and is now mostly mainstreamed with help of his sped team who are in the classroom, but helps everyone so my son doesn't feel different or isolated.  The OT comes in and does writing exercises with the entire class also, so that my son doesn't have to leave the class.  Everyone benefits.