Rural and regional education options

Every child has the fundamental right to education, and this includes those living in rural and regional areas of Australia.

While it's true that resources and support for autistic children in these areas can be limited, there are options available. It's important for families to know that finding a suitable school for an autistic child in rural or regional areas is definitely possible. Here are some options available to rural and regional families. 

Rural and regional options

Traditional school settings

School options may be limited in rural and regional areas of Australia. Families should begin their search as early as possible, as this gives families plenty of time to ask questions and work with the school to arrange the support their child will need well in advance. 

When looking for a school, asking whether the school has previous experience educating autistic children is a good first step. If school staff already know how to support autistic children, this can make your child’s transition to school much easier. If a school doesn’t have experience supporting autistic children, this doesn’t mean your child can’t attend; it may take more effort and communication with the school to secure the support your child requires. 

Developing a positive relationship with school staff is very important. A collaborative relationship can greatly improve your child's overall school experience. Consistent communication and meetings can ensure your child's needs are acknowledged and accommodated. Remember that you and the school staff are a team working towards the same objective: giving your child the best education and support possible.

Being informed about your child's rights under the Disability Discrimination Act can empower you to advocate for the accommodations your child is entitled to. While school staff members may change, your child's rights remain unchanged. Awareness of these rights allows you to confidently advocate for your child and family.

Homeschooling and distance education

For some families in rural and regional Australia, homeschooling or distance education might be their only option or a better option than traditional schooling.

Homeschooling allows for an educational approach created by the child’s family, focusing on the child's strengths and interests. Distance education provides a structured learning environment coordinated by educators but completed from home. Both options offer flexibility and can be adapted to the child's unique learning pace and style.

Some parents and carers become concerned that their autistic child will miss out on opportunities to socialise with other children if they receive distance education or are homeschooled. Families might wish to try dual enrollment (a combination of partial school attendance and homeschooling/distance learning) to help their child interact with other children. Making time for your child to interact with other children outside of school, informally or as part of groups, clubs or activities, is another great alternative. 

Remote learning 

Children in rural or regional areas sometimes cannot travel to school and complete face-to-face learning. This is where remote learning comes in. Unlike distance education or homeschooling, where a child is not expected to attend school in person, remote learning is a temporary option that ensures children who cannot physically attend school can continue their education and avoid falling behind. 

Remote learning is coordinated by a child’s regular classroom teacher/s and may involve the contribution of support staff, such as the learning support team. Students may be required to join live video links (e.g., on Zoom or Skype) to complete lessons or discuss their progress with their teacher/s. There may also be pre-recorded lessons for the child to watch and complete independently. Homework, activities and assignments are usually sent to the child’s family in the mail or via email, with the option to contact their teacher or support staff for assistance. Children learning remotely may be able to ask their parents/carers for support with their school work. 

Tips for remote and distance learning

Communicate with the school

Effective communication with the school is key to the success of remote or distance learning. Regular meetings with teachers and support staff can help families stay informed about their child's progress, address any concerns proactively, and better adapt learning plans to suit their child’s needs. These discussions can allow educators to make suggestions or provide resources to help parents/carers support their child. 

Create a positive learning environment

Creating a positive learning environment is key. Having a clear routine for your child to follow, with plenty of breaks to rest and regulate, can help with motivation and reduce anxiety. Adjusting learning activities to reflect a child’s interests and abilities is also helpful. For example, encouraging a child to write about their special interests can help develop their literacy skills.

The physical setup of the learning space is also important. A designated workspace, free from distractions with the necessary tools and supports, will help your child focus and avoid distractions. Consider your child’s sensory needs when creating this space; for example, moving their workspace away from loud areas of the house is important if they are triggered by loud noises.

Use visual supports and social stories

For children with autism or other additional needs, visual supports, social stories, and video modelling can be an engaging way to learn at home. It is also important to use these supports as part of a child’s daily routine (e.g., creating a visual schedule that the child can refer to each day). 

Recognise emotional and social needs

Acknowledging and addressing the emotional and social aspects of remote learning is equally important. Regular check-ins can help parents gauge their child's feelings towards remote learning and provide necessary support. Encouraging open communication about their experiences and challenges can help children feel understood and supported.

Take advantage of everyday learning opportunities

It's important to recognise that learning extends beyond structured lessons and assignments. Everyday activities such as cooking, playing games, and spending time outdoors can offer valuable learning opportunities, reinforcing concepts and skills in real-world contexts. These experiences can also serve as a break from traditional learning, keeping the child engaged and motivated.

Use positive reinforcement

Praising and encouraging the child's efforts is crucial in establishing a positive attitude towards learning. Specific, positive feedback can boost their confidence and motivation, encouraging them to embrace challenges and persevere through difficulties. Setting up reward systems for completing tasks or progressing with a complex skill can also create a more enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience.

Rural and regional school transport options

Finding a safe and reliable way for your child to travel to and from school is important, particularly if your child has to travel long distances. Although many children are driven to school by their families or take public transport, this might not be an option for families in rural and regional areas.

When public transport is not appropriate for young children or children with significant support needs, parents and carers can apply for government-assisted school transport options. This might involve a carer driving your child to and from school, or a bus picking up your child from your home, which other children with disabilities might use as well.

Where government-assisted transport isn’t available, families should apply through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for funding to support their child's travel to and from school. 

The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme

The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme (AIC) provides financial support for families whose children, including those with autism, are unable to attend local schools due to distance or special needs. This assistance helps with education-related expenses for students in distance education or boarding schools. For more details and to check eligibility requirements, visit the official AIC page.