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What to do if nothing's working
The educational system can present unique challenges for autistic students.
The school that seemed a perfect fit initially might not always meet the student's changing needs.
Recognising when change is needed
It's important to understand that the decision to start at a particular school is not final. As children grow and their needs change, so do their educational and learning requirements. Recognising when your child's current school is no longer suitable is the first step towards making informed decisions about their education. Key factors that a change might be necessary include:
- Persistent dissatisfaction with how the school addresses your child's needs.
- Your child's feeling of discomfort or unhappiness at school.
- Noticeable regression or lack of progress in educational or social skills.
- Frequent conflicts remain unresolved despite efforts to engage with school staff.
- School refusal or lack of attendance and motivation.
- Bullying.
- Change in your child's mental health.
Open communication and documentation
Before considering a change of schools, engaging openly with your child’s current school is beneficial. Documenting concerns objectively and discussing them can often resolve issues without changing schools.
Effective communication strategies include:
- Holding regular meetings with teachers and support staff to discuss concerns and progress.
- Being transparent and specific about your concerns and the support your child needs.
- Discussing the consistency of support across different settings and teachers.
- Keep communication constructive and aim to find solutions.
Understanding your rights and available support
Each state and territory has different mechanisms for lodging complaints, and it is important for families to understand their rights under both state and federal education standards for students with disabilities. These standards are designed to ensure that all students receive an education that meets their specific needs. Families should consider the following:
- Consulting with the child’s therapy team to align strategies used at home and school
- Exploring state-specific education rights and complaint processes
- Engaging with disability advocacy groups for support and guidance
Considering a school change
Changing schools is a significant decision that should be considered carefully. It might be the best path for some students if the current school cannot meet their needs. Factors to consider when choosing a new school include:
- The school’s experience and resources for supporting autistic students.
- The flexibility of the school’s policies and its willingness to adapt to individual needs.
- The school's overall environment and how well it aligns with your child’s sensory input and social interaction needs.
Strategies for school adjustment
If changing schools is not an immediate option, or even as a measure to improve the current situation, several strategies can be implemented to make school a more supportive environment for an autistic student. Key strategies include:
- Lowering demands and expectations to meet your child where they are, focusing on building a positive relationship.
- Regularly reviewing and adjusting educational and support strategies.
- Ensuring that all school staff involved with the child are consistent in their approaches and understand the child’s needs.
Exploring other flexible schooling options
Autistic children may face challenges in traditional schooling environments due to their unique learning needs and sensory sensitivities. As a parent or carer, it is important to recognise when a school isn't meeting these needs, and exploring alternative schooling options can be a wise decision.
Understanding the need for flexibility in schooling
Autistic children often face sensory sensitivities, social integration challenges, and difficulties in coping with the typical school environment's structured and sometimes inflexible nature. These challenges can impact their ability to focus, learn, and interact effectively within a traditional classroom setting. Recognising these difficulties is the first step in identifying the need for a more adaptable education approach tailored to their needs.
Benefits of flexible schooling options
- Customised learning environment: Flexible schooling options allow the learning environment to be customised to suit the sensory and educational needs of autistic children. This can include controlling sensory stimuli, structuring the learning space safely and comfortably, and using tools and technologies that enhance learning.
- Pacing and scheduling: Children can learn at their own pace without feeling rushed or pressured to keep up with peers. This is particularly beneficial for autistic children who may process information at a different rate than their neurotypical peers.
- Reduced social pressure: Traditional schools can be socially overwhelming. Flexible schooling options can minimise social stress by providing more controlled and manageable interactions, which can be tailored to the child's social capabilities and needs.
- Increased parental involvement: These schooling alternatives often require more active parental involvement, which can lead to a better understanding of their child's educational needs and progress.
Specialised schools
There are schools designed specifically for students on the autism spectrum. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, specialised training for teachers, and a curriculum tailored to enhance learning and coping skills in students with autism. The environment in these schools is structured to reduce sensory overload and provide a calm and controlled atmosphere that can help students thrive.
Below are some alternative education options and their advantages and considerations:
Remote learning involves attending school virtually through online platforms that offer access to educational materials, live classes, and interactive sessions with teachers and peers. This option has become more accessible and widespread, proving beneficial for children who thrive in a quieter, more personal learning space.
Advantages:
- Access to tailored educational resources.
- Ability to attend classes in a familiar, comfortable environment.
- Flexibility in scheduling is beneficial for managing other therapeutic sessions or activities.
Considerations:
- Requires reliable internet access and technological resources.
- Parents need to ensure that children remain engaged and manage their time effectively.
Homeschooling is another viable option. This approach manages and delivers education by parents or private tutors at home, allowing for a highly personalised education plan.
Advantages:
- Tailored curriculum that can be aligned precisely with the child’s interests and learning style.
- Greater control over the learning environment and schedule.
- Opportunity to integrate practical life skills into the curriculum.
Considerations:
- Significant time commitment from parents.
- There is a need for parents to either be well-equipped to teach or to hire tutors.
Distance education offers structured courses through correspondence, often facilitated by dedicated institutions. Materials are provided, and students can complete the coursework independently.
Advantages:
- Structured learning with more flexibility than traditional schooling.
- Access to specialised educators and resources.
- Recognition and accreditation that can be equivalent to traditional schooling.
Considerations:
- It is less interactive than remote learning or homeschooling.
- Requires self-discipline and motivation to stay on track with studies.
Vocational training and apprenticeships
Vocational training and apprenticeships represent a practical alternative to traditional high school education for students interested in specific trades or careers. These programmes focus more on practical skills and less on academic subjects that might be less relevant to the student's interests and career goals. They also provide hands on experience, which can be extremely beneficial.