Autism schools in Ontario

Find private schools in Ontario supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Find a list of schools  

For parents searching for a school that supports kids with autism or any other disorders commonly called Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), private Ontario 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, Ontario schools may include education assistance, direct instruction, occupational and behavioural therapy, training in social skills and more, to help children deal with autism.

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.

What to look for

When it comes to finding the right private school or preschool in Ontario for a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder it's important to ask the right questions about the school's programs. When doing your research you'll want to make sure you consider these 5 features in any autism program for your child.

We urge you to closely investigate each school you research in order to find out programs success rates, expertise, 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?

Some of these approaches are experimental; others may be potentially harmful. You want to find the ones that are "tried and true"! Here's a sure-fire way to navigate through the maze of options. Seek out the answers to the following critical program features:

1. Program Focus

What is the main focus of the program? Is it behavioural management, language development, socialization, sensory/motor integration, literacy-based learning, or activities of daily living? All are important but once you know the priorities of your child, the school/program you chose must focus on that area.

2. Role of the Parent in the Program

Will the school/program respect and support you? What will be expected of you? A positive relationship between you and the professionals is critical for success.

3. Experience

How much experience and know-how do the teachers and/or therapists have? A minimum of 4 years experience is a good rule of thumb. The last thing you need is someone 'cutting their teeth' on your child.

4. Methods

What teaching methods and approaches are used to deliver the program? What happens if a program/approach doesn't work? Will you be informed? Will changes be made? Never accept the explanation that your child is the reason for the failure.

5. Evaluation

What evaluation tools are used to assess whether or not the program is working and that your child is learning? Will the findings be shared with you? Will the program shift/change to better meet the needs of your child?

The answers to these questions will give you the power to advocate for your child and to make good decisions.

Understanding Autism

In recent years, the phrase Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) has become a popular tern and 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 schools you investigate should be aware of these, it is most important that they specialize in understanding and dealing with your child's autism.

Below, find a list of Ontario private schools supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).