Private Asperger’s schools

The best private schools for children with Asperger's syndrome

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There are many great private Asperger’s schools in Canada. These schools offer specialized programs to support children with Asperger’s syndrome (or high-functioning autism).

What an Asperger’s school has to offer

A private Asperger’s school can ensure your child receives a first-rate education, and isn’t left behind. It can provide individualized instruction tailored to your child’s unique learning style, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.

Asperger’s schools focus on more than education, though. They also address your child’s unique social and emotional needs, and other challenges. Many Asperger’s schools also offer additional services, such as social skills training, occupational and behavioural therapy, speech and language therapy, academic and personal counselling, tutoring, and more.

If you have a child with Asperger’s syndrome, you might choose a public or private school to address your child’s special needs. Either option can be a good fit. Private Asperger’s schools do, though, have some special benefits. Some of these are similar to the benefits you'll find at other special needs schools.

• Small class sizes
• Individualized learning
• Specialized support for Asperger’s syndrome
• Flexibility in budgeting for Asperger’s support
• Strong financial resources
• Extensive extracurriculars

Choosing the right Asperger’s school for your child

There are different types of learning environments for children with Asperger’s syndrome. For instance, there are dedicated schools, dedicated classes, integrated classes, withdrawal classes, regular classes with direct support, and regular classes with indirect support.

Moreover, Asperger’s schools vary in the type of support they offer. Different schools offer different accommodations, modifications, and services for kids with Asperger’s.

For parents of children with Asperger’s, you should take a close look at different schools and programs. You should also visit schools frequently as part of your research. As you do, make sure you consider some key questions. (To learn more, read our choosing a special needs school guide.)

• How much experience does the school have in dealing with Asperger’s syndrome students?
• What is their track record with previous Asperger’s students? Have they had lots of success stories?
• How do they deal with bullying, and more generally, the social integration of students with asperger’s?
• How well do they understand your child’s personality, needs, and particular form of Asperger's syndrome?
• How do they deal with other developmental, learning, physical, and behavioural challenges?
• Does the school seem like an overall good fit for your child?

Asperger’s syndrome and special education

Asperger’s syndrome is often considered one of several disorders on the autism spectrum. In the USA, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are often called "Pervasive Developmental Disorders" (PDD).

On the autism spectrum, Asperger’s is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

Asperger’s children have special educational needs. And the appropriateness of their educational situation is a critical part of their academic and personal success from preschool through college.

It’s important to have an educational plan in place to help your asperger’s child excel. This can help them succeed in school, build social skills, and improve their confidence and independence.

Keep in mind, though, each stage of development brings new challenges for asperger’s kids, as it does for other kids. A school that was able to provide a wonderful environment in the third grade may not be able to address the new challenges that middle school brings. It’s thus crucial to reassess your child’s maturity and development every year.

It also helps to find a professional with expertise in the field of autism and asperger’s. This person can help assess your child's specific needs and how they are currently being addressed, at school and at home.

Below, we list the best private Asperger’s schools in Canada. This includes schools exclusively devoted to supporting children with Asperger’s syndrome, as well as those that support kids with other special needs or conditions (such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia,  Down syndrome, and Williams syndrome). Find an Asperger’s school near you.