Choosing the right school for your child

School is not for just one year, it's seven years for kinder and primary and another six at high school.

The journey through school is a significant period in any child's life, spanning years of learning and personal growth. For children with autism, the path to finding a suitable school can be more complex due to their unique learning needs and developmental changes over time. So what are some of the important considerations for parents and carers when selecting a school that not only meets their child's current needs but also supports their potential future transitions?

Understanding the importance of a suitable school environment

Education is not a static experience but a dynamic one that changes as a child grows and develops. At first, a school may seem like a great fit, but as needs change, adjustments or even a different educational environment may be necessary. It’s important for parents to remember that the school chosen at the start of a child's educational journey may not be where they graduate. This adaptability is especially important for children with autism, whose developmental trajectory may vary significantly.

The transition into school life

Starting school is a big milestone for all children. By law, children must be enrolled in school by their sixth birthday. While most children attend their local schools, whether public, religious or private, parents of children with autism face additional challenges and considerations. These include understanding the school's culture, inclusiveness and the quality of education provided. It is also important to assess whether the school environment will contribute to their child's happiness and sense of security.

Considerations when contacting schools

The journey begins with identifying potential schools that might fit your child well. A positive school environment is one where you and your child feel welcome and accepted. It's a place where your concerns are addressed promptly, and the staff demonstrates a keen interest in understanding autism and how best to support your child's learning.

Make a list of preferred schools and contact them to get a feel for each one. It’s better to call them rather than send an email or just download information from the website.

Key areas to consider

• Welcoming atmosphere: Did you feel welcomed by the administrative or enrolment staff when you first contacted the school? The initial interaction can be quite telling of the school’s overall approach to inclusivity.
• Respecting your rights: Is the school open and agreeable to your child’s right to attend? It’s essential that the school recognises and respects the rights of all its students, including the rights of students with disability or additional needs.
• Diversity among students: Are other students with additional needs attending the school? A diverse student body often indicates an environment more accustomed to addressing varied learning requirements.
• Awareness and willingness to learn: Does the school understand autism, or do they indicate a willingness to learn? The staff’s awareness and readiness to adapt are crucial in providing the necessary support for your child.
• Funding and resources: Is the school receiving additional government funding to support learning needs? If not, are they knowledgeable about applying for extra resources? Adequate resources are essential for providing tailored educational support.
• Individualised approach: Did you understand that the school embraces an attitude of treating all students as individuals with unique needs? A one-size-fits-all approach is rarely effective in education, particularly for children with autism.

Key questions for parents

When exploring potential schools, parents should consider:

• What is the school environment and community like?
• Will my child receive a quality, all-round and inclusive education at this school?
• Will my child be happy at this school?

Many children receive an autism diagnosis before beginning primary school, but for others, the diagnosis may come later when learning, communication, and behavioural differences start to become noticeable. This makes the choice of an initially supportive environment even more important.

Steps to finding the right school

• ‍Research and preparation: Begin the search early, allowing plenty of time to gather information and visit schools. Being organised can significantly ease this process.‍
• School visits and interactions: Before visiting a school, contact them to understand their openness to inclusivity and their experience with autism. During visits, observe the school's operations and the behaviour of staff and students. Initial impressions from administrative or enrolment staff can be telling.‍
• Understanding policies and support structures: Inquire about the school's policies regarding inclusivity and support for children with autism. Understanding whether a school is proactive about learning new methods to support diverse learning needs is crucial.‍
• Engagement with staff: Meeting with key staff members, including the principal and teachers, provides insights into the school's approach to inclusivity and individualised student care. These discussions can also reveal the school's commitment to adapting teaching methods to support a child with autism.

Visiting schools

Deciding which schools to visit is an important step. When you make appointments for school visits, it's advisable not to take your child on these preliminary visits. This allows you to focus on observing and assessing the school environment without the added concern of how your child copes with the new surroundings.

What to look for during school visits

• Classroom environment: Observe the classrooms. Are they sensory-friendly? Is there evidence of differentiated teaching methods?
• Interaction between staff and students: Pay attention to how the staff interacts with the students. Are they patient and understanding? Do they use positive reinforcement?
• Facilities and resources: Evaluate the facilities and resources available. Are there adequate spaces for therapy or quiet time if needed?
• Communication with parents: Inquire about the school's policy on communication with parents. Regular and open communication is key to supporting your child’s educational journey.
• Support services: Ask about available support services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or counselling services.

Evaluating the school’s educational approach and culture

Once you’ve gained a sense of the physical environment and resources available, the next step is to understand the school’s educational approach and culture. This is particularly important for children with autism, who may require a more tailored approach to their education.

Considerations for educational approach

• Tailored learning plans: Inquire about how the school develops and implements Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or personalised learning strategies. These plans should cater to your child's unique needs and strengths.
• Autism awareness and training: Assess the level of autism awareness and understanding among staff. Does the school provide ongoing training for teachers on autism and inclusive teaching practices?
• Social-emotional learning: Explore the school's approach to social-emotional learning, especially how they support children in developing social skills and emotional regulation.
• Collaboration with specialists: Find out if the school collaborates with external specialists like speech therapists, occupational therapists, or psychologists and how these services are integrated into the school day.

The importance of inclusion and peer interaction

Inclusion in the school setting is about more than just physical presence in a classroom; it’s about meaningful participation and interaction. 

• Peer interaction: How does the school facilitate interaction between students with autism and their peers? Look for programs or strategies that promote inclusion in the classroom and during recreational times.
• Awareness and anti-bullying policies: Understand the school's policies on bullying, particularly how they handle issues that may affect children with autism. A safe and supportive environment is crucial for all students.
• Celebrating diversity: Does the school celebrate diversity in its curriculum and events? An inclusive school environment recognises and values the differences in all students.

The role of educators

Educators play an important role in the outcomes for children with autism. Educators want the best outcomes for your child almost as much as you do, so be optimistic about what might be possible. A positive and effective relationship between parents and educators can lead to significant progress in a child's development. Regular communication is essential, especially after the child transitions into a new school environment. Discussing behaviours that need attention and celebrating successes helps fine-tune the educational approach to best suit the child's needs.