For parents searching for a school that supports kids with autism or any other disorders commonly called autism spectrum disorders (ASD), private schools offer a variety of advantages, with smaller class sizes and ability to flexibly budget for education assistance and other support. In some cases, schools may specialize in dealing with and even treating autism and related disorders.
To support autism, schools may include education assistance, direct instruction, occupational and behavioural therapy, training in social skills and more, to help children deal with autism. In all of the cases below, schools understand autistic children well and have tailored the environment and structure to facilitate the integration of students with autism. This specialized understanding should extend into their communications with parents.
Investigating schools' autism support programs
We urge you to closely investigate each of the schools listed below in order to find out the success rate of their programs, their expertise, the particulars of their facilities and more. Parents of autistic children should consider the following questions, as they look for the right school for their child:
- How does the school address your autistic child's need for structure and routine?
- Do they notify parents about changes in the classroom environment or routine? How are such changes planned and implemented?
- What specialized teaching strategies does the school employ and how well do these strategies fit with the particular needs of your autistic child?
- What unique characteristics of you child – autism-related or other – does the school need to know about?
- What are your gut feelings and intuitions as you investigate and talk to the different schools on your list?
Understanding Autism
In recent years, the phrase autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has come into vogue, and it includes everything from the potentially life-threatening Rett's Syndrome to autism to Asperger's Syndrome (which some argue is indistinct from high-functioning autism [HFA]). A report published in Nature in June of 2010 posited that autism sufferers are all genetically unique from each other. There are several controversies surrounding the diagnoses and causes of autism, of course.
While "autism schools" you investigate should be aware of these, it is most important that they specialize in understanding and dealing with your child's autism.
