Autism schools in Canada
Find the best private schools for autism
Do you have a child with autism or what’s sometimes called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? If so, there are plenty of school options for you. Read more
Do you have a child with autism or what’s sometimes called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)? If so, there are plenty of school options for you. Read more
It’s one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your child. Let our experts and school insiders guide you through your best options, red flags to watch out for, and tips to a successful application.
Private School Expo - Fall 2024 Yes, I want to attend
These are dedicated special needs schools which support autism. They provide full-time support for all students in the school, through accommodations, modifications, and remediations.
"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!
—From the school
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Belleville, Ontario "We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 3-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments" —From the school
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North York, Ontario Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue "Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence/Don Mills "Brighton is the leading private school in Toronto for students with academic and/or social challenges. We offer curriculum-based and remedial Elementary programs; and credit, pre-credit and non-credit Secondary streams." —From the school
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Wellandport, Ontario "Robert Land Academy, established in 1978, is a private military-inspired boarding school (Grades 5-12) that helps boys build self-confidence, achieve academic success, develop values, and realize their potential." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "TEAM School offers programs from Grades 1 to 8 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 5 to 9 students." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario "Our mission is to provide students with the support they deserve to enable them to reach their full academic potential. This solid foundation equips students to confidently pursue their desired post-secondary paths." —From the school
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Richmond Hill, Ontario Leslie/16th Ave "Morningside/ABA based curriculum and individualized approach targets not only academic success but also emotional, social, vocational and life skills that are the core skills of life-long success of each student." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Highway 1/Stony Trail East "Third Academy is a school with a heart. We are inclusive, supporting students with a variety of disabilities and disorders. Our sliding scale bursary program makes our services accessible to all families." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Turner Valley Road "Oakwood is a distinguished private school in Mississauga specializing in special needs education, featuring programs rooted in the innovative Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®)." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec Sherbrooke/Atwater "Students thrive in an inclusive, structured learning environment that provides academic accommodations for all learners. We help students become autonomous, resilient lifelong learners!" —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Carling Avenue/Broadview Avenue "Edelweiss Private Academy offers elementary education to students with ASD and other exceptionalities, maintaining small teacher to student ratios. We promote strong academic, physical and social-emotional development." —From the school
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Cambridge, Ontario Franklin Blvd/Myers Road "OAK BRIDGE ACADEMY is an alternative, not-for-profit school. Our highest priority is to provide financially accessible, highly specialized education to every child with learning exceptionalities and neurodiversities." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Ford Drive/Royal Windsor Drive "We believe every child can learn when presented with an environment and instructional practices that meet their needs. Our mission is to facilitate academic success and social emotional well-being for every student." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge St./Lawrence Ave. "The Dunblaine School empowers students with learning disabilities to reach their full potential. It offers programs for students from grade one to eight, with an average class size of 5-7 students." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Breadalbane St/St Luke Ln "The YMCA Academy is an alternative school for students in grades 6 to 12 with learning disabilities and learning style differences, offering individualized Special Education support." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Guelph Line/New Street "At ELEVATE, we are focusing on identifying and meeting the needs of students with learning differences. We use evidence-based approaches like UFLI, Wilson, and OG to support our students." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Dundas St. W/Erin Mills Pkwy "We will do whatever it takes to ensure every student has success. With our flexible support and guidance, our students overcome their challenges. They develop the confidence to make mistakes – and learn from them." —From the school
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North York, Ontario Bathurst/Wilson "Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to students whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing personal best through a balanced approach to education." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "We offer a specialized, student-paced program for children with diverse learning needs, so that they can thrive! With ample academic support and an inclusive school culture, you can Become Your Best!" —From the school
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These are regular schools supporting autism. Environments offered may include dedicated, integrated, and withdrawal special needs classes, as well as regular classes with resource support and in-class adaptations.
"Havergal has been preparing young women to make a difference since 1894 through its innovative curriculum and future-ready programming with a focus on wellbeing and student agency.
—From the school
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"Toronto Prep School starts later in order to maximize teen learning. The optimal time for teenagers to learn is late in the morning through to late afternoon. Our classes start at 10:00 am.
—From the school
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"Since 1982, Metro Prep has offered an accepting environment where students embrace their individuality and thrive academically. We are an ARTS/STEM SCHOOL that is now located at a brand new campus at 401 and Leslie.
—From the school
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"As a Cambridge School, we teach a curriculum that sets the global standard for education designed to help students develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning.
—From the school
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"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for students’ academic & personal growth, nurturing students' confidence & self-esteem and willingness to take risks through the classroom & organized activities.
—From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Sheppard Ave "Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 6-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Learning is not one to many. It's many to one. From the teachers to the principal to the coaches and beyond, learning at WillowWood is a team approach." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills Road/Bayview Avenue "Junior Academy offers programs for students from Toddler to Grade Eight, in midtown Toronto. The average class size is 10 to 14 students and it caters to many types of students with different learning profiles." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd "There’s a different energy at SJA. As a leading IB World School and university prep school, SJA creates an atmosphere of acceptance that allows us to challenge students to take ownership of their own success." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills/DVP "Crestwood Preparatory College offers a university preparatory program for students in grades 7 to 12. Crestwood always strive to Inspire Excellence and to Nurture the Individual." —From the school
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Scarborough, Ontario Kennedy Road/Progress Avenue "Enquiring Minds Montessori is a one-of-a-kind Montessori Art School. We have created a unique learning experience that fosters academic and artistic excellence in a nurturing environment while challenging young minds." —From the school
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Breslau, Ontario "Woodland combines academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. With a Christ-centered education, diverse curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive culture, it's an ideal choice for families." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Highway 417/Greenbank "Acadecap International School (Académie de la Capitale), an IB World School, offers bilingual and/or English programmes from JK to Grade 12. Students thrive in a growth mindset environment and a culture of excellence." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "MIA is proud to foster a family environment through our small class sizes and close knit academic community. Our support for students goes far beyond the classroom to best prepare them for life after graduation." —From the school
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Amaranth, Ontario "The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Danforth/Broadview "Passages is an alternative schooling approach in which the Learner creates the education they want while building a path towards post-secondary, career, or personal goals. There are no compulsory classes, tests or grades" —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario "Meadow Green Academy provides a strong Christian education in a nurturing environment. Strong academics combined with sports, enriched music, visual arts, and dramatic arts programs provide a well-rounded experience" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Wilson Avenue/Avenue Road "Glen Briar Academy provides hands on programs and student centered teaching strategies that shape life long learners." —From the school
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Bayfield, Ontario "After 22 years of teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in experience, credibility, and expertise. Our student-centred model provides a world-class educational experience for thousands of Ontario students each year." —From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia W 22nd/Phillip "As a Reggio Inspired School in North Vancouver, Sunflower engages daily in rigorous reflective practice - collaboratively designing curriculum and environment around the emerging interests and curiosities of the children" —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Denison/Warden "Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!" —From the school
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St Catharines, Ontario Ontario St./Welland Ave. "Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest" —From the school
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Oshawa, Ontario Wilson Road/Adelaide Ave "At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Davenport/Dupont "The Mabin School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 in Toronto. Its average class size is 20 students." —From the school
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Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 10-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school
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Rigaud, Quebec Rue Saint-Pierre/Rue Bourget "Collège Bourget is a day & boarding school located between Montreal and Ottawa. French and English high school programs are offered. Bourget aims to foster personal autonomy, academic development, and perseverance." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./St. Clair West "Canada’s only independent, Catholic school for boys in Grades 7-12, taught in the Basilian tradition of forming the mind, body, and soul. Since 1852, we have educated students in goodness, discipline, and knowledge." —From the school
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Westmount, Quebec The Boulevard/Place Braeside "The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' schools. Our bilingual mother-tongue program, experiential learning, and small classes help girls become leaders who are driven to make a difference." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Donald St/Frances St "Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Burnhamthorpe Rd. W/Neyagawa Blvd. "King’s Christian Collegiate is an independent Christian high school providing superb instruction in a safe, stimulating academic environment. Caring staff set the tone for a positive, up-beat culture." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge/St. Clair "The Linden School's transformative teaching and socially-progressive values inspire academic excellence, wellness, and civic engagement, empowering students to become changemakers ready to take on complex global issues." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence Ave./Bathurst St. "The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child." —From the school
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Milton, Ontario "At Oxford Learning Academy, our teachers will use the proven scientific approach of Cognitive Development to teach our students new ways of thinking and understanding what they are learning and how they are learning." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive "Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development." —From the school
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Foothills, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W "Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, continuum IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12, located just outside of Calgary, AB." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Tomken Rd./Eglinton Ave. E "Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference." —From the school
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Kitchener, Ontario "Incorporating academic excellence, service and peace-making, Rockway is a diverse learning community of students in Grades 7 to 12 including a dynamic international student exchange program." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairview Street "Fairview Glen Montessori offers academically stimulating education for children 18 mo.-14 yrs. Our collaborative and supportive community, also specializes in French, Music, Visual Arts and Phys-Ed programs." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Don Mills Rd/York Mills Rd "Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, scientific, coding, and entrepreneurial achievement across Pre-K - Gr 6." —From the school
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Etobicoke, Ontario Bloor/Shaver "Kingsley's small classes and personal approach help students reach their unique potential. Each child is seen, heard, and respected. French, music, and phys-ed round out a program which includes plenty of time outdoors." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave "Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program caters to children from 1.5 to 5 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville." —From the school
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Fredericton, New Brunswick "The main objective of FMA is to provide your child with a planned and stimulating environment in order for them to be able to reach their own individual and highest learning potential while honouring the whole child." —From the school
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North York / Scarborough, Ontario Victoria Park/Lawrence "Nurturing innate love for learning, we offer independent educational chances for young children to cultivate lifelong knowledge and self discovery." —From the school
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Kanata, Ontario Eagleson Road/Stonehaven Drive "For 50 years, Kanata Montessori has offered excellent learning environments for students to grow emotionally, socially and academically into a positive global citizen." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on Vancouver Island, BC, offering small class sizes, engaging teachers and a caring community to boarding and day students from grades 4 to 12." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario King Road/North Service Road "BCA provides a transformative JK-8 education, blending Christian faith, values, and academic excellence. Our nurturing environment, diverse programs, and dedicated faculty inspire each student’s passion and potential." —From the school
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Gretna, Manitoba "Faith is at the center of all we do at MCI- from the court, to the stage, to the classroom. We work to provide a safe space for students to ask questions, dig deeper, grow into who God is calling them to be." —From the school
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London, Ontario Wellington Street/Central Avenue "The Sycamore School assists grades 9-12 students to achieve the OSSD in ways that address the personal needs of secondary students who may thrive in a small community of learners working toward graduation." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Lakeshore Rd/Brant St "Blyth Academy Burlington, located in Village Square in the heart of downtown Burlington, offers not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle years program and facilities for students in Grades 5–8." —From the school
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Kitchener, Ontario "Scholars' Hall is a family-focused school that uses traditional teaching methods combined with a fully integrated Leadership program to raise strong, capable, independent, and intelligent young adults." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Dixie Road/South Service Road "The close-knit community at Star delivers on Learn to Love to Learn™ with project-based, cross-curricular and experiential learning. Our Five Pillars of Child Development guide learning experiences at all grade levels." —From the school
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Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!" —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario St. Laurent Blvd./Montreal Rd. "Our mission is personalized student academic success in a friendly and caring school community, in which all students are emotionally supported and socially welcome." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec Atwater/Docteur-Penfield "Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all-girls English Catholic high school, has been preparing girls to change the world. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding." —From the school
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Unionville, Ontario Kennedy Road/16th Avenue "UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 10. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Queen/Silver Birch "The Cole Academy welcomes students of all genders and orientations and their families. Using stories of under-represented communities, TCA prepares students socially, emotionally, and academically for future schooling." —From the school
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Vancouver, British Columbia "HongDe Elementary School, a BC Ministry of Education certified Not-For-Profit Kindergarten – Grade 5 Independent School, presents an immersive Mandarin / English bilingual program and vibrant Fine Arts curriculum." —From the school
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Woodbridge, Ontario Kipling/Highway 7 "Each student is unique. Why be just a number when you can be valued for who you are? We enfold, engage and empower every student in a safe, friendly, and supportive learning community. You belong here!" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bloor St. W/Spadina Ave. "UTS is a hub where the boldest and brightest young minds come together. Rigorous academics are complemented by vibrant co-curriculars including clubs, committees, publications, athletics, and performance groups." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Duplex Ave/St Clements Ave "At SCELS we believe giving children an early education will build a solid foundation to prepare them for their next school setting." —From the school
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There are autism schools (and even preschools) all across Canada. This includes schools in Toronto, London, Montreal, Vancouver, Mississauga, Edmonton, and Calgary.
Many private schools specialize in autism. ASD schools offer a wide range of programs to support children with autism and related disorders, such as Asperger's syndrome (which is considered a high-functioning form of autism). Some also provide support for neurodiverse children with other developmental, learning, physical, or behavioural disorders.
Private autism schools have specialized education programs. They offer individualized instruction and a tailored approach to meet the needs of autistic children.
Autism schools provide special education assistance, such as curricular and environmental accommodations and modifications. They may also offer additional services, such as behavioural therapy, training in social skills, academic counselling, and psychotherapy. This can help your autistic child thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Private schools provide support for children with autism through a wide range of placements. The main options are dedicated schools, dedicated classes, integrated classes, withdrawal classes, regular classes with direct support, and regular classes with indirect support.
In choosing the right private school for your autistic child, you’ll need to do some research. Take a close look at many ASD schools, visit each one, and ask many questions.
To gauge a school’s fit, focus on its unique features. Most importantly, take a close look at the school’s autism program, to make sure it’s right for your child. To begin, we suggest looking at five main features of the program.
What is the main focus of the program? Is it behavioural management, language development, socialization, sensory/motor integration, literacy-based learning, activities of daily living, or something else? All are crucial, of course. However, you should choose an autism program that addresses your child’s main areas of need, including their strengths and weaknesses.
Will the school support and openly communicate with you? What is expected of you? A positive relationship between you and school officials is a must for success.
What are the experience, training, and credentials of teachers and staff? Ideally, they should have a minimum of four years of experience working with autistic kids. The last thing you need is someone “cutting their teeth” on your child.
What teaching methods and approaches are used in the autism program? What happens if an 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.
What evaluation tools are used to assess whether or not the program is working and that your child is succeeding? Will the findings be shared with you? Will modifications be made, if needed, to better meet the needs of your child?
Child-specific advice on school choice
For child-specific insights on choosing a school, read our guide. We explore how school choices crucially depend on kids' unique traits, such as their mental and academic focus, social tendencies, activity level, academic interests (such as art and STEM), and other attributes (such as giftedness, special needs (such as autism), learning disabilities, and social issues).
To customize over 350 school profiles with insights unique to your child's traits, create a child profile through your user account.
Meeting the needs of an autistic child is no small task. There are countless approaches autism schools use to promote learning and development.
Some of these approaches are experimental. Others may be harmful.
You want to find the ones that are “tried and true.”
Here are some questions to consider when looking at the approach of a private autism school:
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability that refers to a range of conditions. These conditions involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger’s syndrome).
There are several controversies surrounding the diagnoses and causes of autism. It’s now believed that there’s no single cause of autism. Research seems to suggest that autism is normally the result of both genetic and environmental influences.
According to Autism Speaks Canada, here are some other facts about autism:
To learn more, visit Autism Canada, Health Canada, and the Mayo Clinic website.
Any private school you consider should understand the main traits, symptoms, and causes of autism. Most importantly, though, they should have a strong autism program, one that meets your child’s most crucial needs and helps them excel.
On this page, we list schools for children with autism in Canada. This includes schools exclusively devoted to supporting autistic kids, as well as those that support kids with other types of special needs or conditions as well. Find an autism school near you.
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