This is obviously a hot topic. I have first-hand experience from both perspectives. I feel the ASD failed my children. One has severe learning disabilities, although a high IQ; the other has genius level IQ and was bored stiff with school. Because neither fit the median they did not receive the appropriate education they needed and were entitled to. 
On the other hand, having worked as a school counselor and mental health therapist with families I have seen the problems Charles described all too often. Doing home visits to parents whose children had frequent absences where at 9AM the parents were too out of it on alcohol or drugs to even care. Sometimes they wouldn't even know if their kids were at home or at school. So I see both commentaries as having valid points. Bottomline is that we as a community need to do better, both in providing children outside the norms with the education they need and with helping some parents understand the importance of their kid's education.