Autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by often severe social impairment, communication difficulties or blockages, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour. Read more
These are dedicated special needs schools which support autism. They provide full-time special needs support for all students in the school, through accommodations, modifications, and remediations.
Langley, British Columbia — 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! View School Profile.
Grades:
8 to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive
Tuition:
$8,900 to $19,500
Living:
Day/Homestay
Enrollment:
47
Avg. Class:
3 to 6
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Robert Land Academy, established in 1978, is a private military-inspired boarding school (Gr 5-12) helping boys to experience validation, realize their potential and gain admission to post-secondary programs.
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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
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Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School is a centre of excellence in developmentally informed instruction that empowers children with learning disabilities in a passionate, progressive and inspiring learning environment.
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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.
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Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with ADHD, learning challenges, underachieving, behavioural issues, and a variety of clinical diagnoses.
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Flexible, techy environment. Freedom of choice. ALL ABILITIES welcome and no ideals taught outside the scope of academia. We are a COMMUNITY of incredible future leaders with innate creative genius!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Collège Bourget is a day & boarding school situated between Montreal & Ottawa. The school offers Quebec's french program from Grade 7 till Grade 11 and english program from Grade 10 till Grade 12.
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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.
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Elevate Learning Centre is a micro-school focusing on identifying and meeting the needs of students with learning differences. We use evidence-based approaches like UFLI, Wilson, and O.G. to support our students.
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Providence Academy is the only Private French Catholic School offering a trilingual program of study in Ontario with classes from nursery to grade eight. Tuition: $8,800-10,300. Extracurricular activities: $600-$650.
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Team School offers programs from grades 1 to 12 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 8 to 12 students.
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Heritage Academy provides a multisensory learning environment and supports students with Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, and Anxiety in Grades 1 -12.
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A special needs education private school in Mississauga offering programs using the Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®) Model. Theme-based DIR® March/Summer Camps are also available.
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Students thrive in an inclusive, structured learning environment that provides academic accommodations for all learners. We help students become autonomous, resilient lifelong learners!
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Venture Academy is a therapeutic treatment and education program for students who may be struggling with mood disorders & anxiety disorders, behavioural challenges, substance misuses, ADHD, ADD and ODD
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Mississauga, Ontario — Lynn-Rose's philosophy is to create an environment that is challenging and rewarding; focusing on social, intellectual and emotional aspects of the students development through the International Baccalaureate program. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Tuition:
$16,950 to $21,550
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
600
Avg. Class:
16 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — Bond Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational independent school with students from Montessori Casa to Grade 12. Our educational process is Beyond the Books! Education as it should be. View School Profile.
Grades:
PS to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Liberal Arts
Tuition:
$13,500 to $16,800
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
350
Avg. Class:
15 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — 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. View School Profile.
Grades:
NS to 6 (Coed)
Type:
Montessori
Tuition:
$25,160
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
400
Avg. Class:
10 to 30
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Toronto, Ontario — Since 1982, Metro Prep has provided an accepting environment where students embrace their individuality and thrive academically. We are a non-uniform school that is now located at a brand new campus at 401 and Leslie. View School Profile.
Grades:
7 to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$25,560 to $33,250
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
200
Avg. Class:
12 to 18
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Toronto, Ontario — 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. View School Profile.
Grades:
7 to 12 (Coed)
Type:
Traditional
Tuition:
$29,450
Living:
Day
Enrollment:
430
Avg. Class:
14 to 16
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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.
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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.
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Located in the heart of Toronto, McDonald International Academy offers programs for grades 9 to 12 . Our average class size is 10 to 20 students.
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Blyth Academy The Glebe focuses on personalized education, small class sizes, and strong student support for Grades 7-12. Big experience in a small school! Part of community of nine Blyth Academy campuses in Ontario.
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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.
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Our mission is personalized student academic success in a friendly and caring school community, in which all students are emotionally supported and socially welcome.
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Blyth Academy Lawrence Park is one of nine Blyth Academy campuses in Ontario. Our campus located in midtown Toronto provides the warmth and community of a neighbourhood school.
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We are different! As a leading IB World School and university preparatory school with a focus on student life, SJA students are inspired to confidently make their mark in the world.
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We identify the experiences that facilitate education that empowers the individual and fosters a community of collaborative contributors through interdisciplinary, integrated integrated projects.
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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.
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Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program cater to children from 1.5 to 6 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville.
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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.
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Students receive an excellent education which prepares them well for university, college and a wide variety of workplaces.
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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.
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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 for students in K-8.
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The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' schools. Dedicated teachers offer a warm and stimulating bilingual mother-tongue environment from Kindergarten to Grade 11. The World Needs Great Women.
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Humberside Montessori School is internationally recognized and accredited by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Our AMI certified teachers provide an authentic Montessori experience for our students.
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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!
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After 20 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.
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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.
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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.
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We are proud to offer families Private elementary school education where God and His Word are central to the curriculum. Our faculty of qualified teachers is committed to loving and teaching each child.
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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
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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!
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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.
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LCH is the only full-service independent high school in London. Through a Christian worldview, we offer the OSSD, OFSAA sports, extracurriculars, travel opportunities, and authentic learning experiences.
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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.
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The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). Daily French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, STEM, and artistic achievement across Pre-K - Gr 6 (offered on site/ online)
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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.
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University of Toronto Schools (UTS) offers a transformative education to high-achieving students in Grades 7 to 12 from all backgrounds. UTS graduates take initiative and innovate as socially responsible global citizens.
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The Mabin School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 in Toronto. Its average class size is 20 students.
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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.
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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.
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Blyth Academy Downsview Park offers outstanding education coupled with unique opportunities for student-athletes to engage in sports-specific and fitness training throughout their regular school day.
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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.
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Don Valley Academy is a private high school whose primary aim is to prepare our students for post-secondary studies. We are dedicated to providing educational programs that meet the individual needs of each student.
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At SCELS we believe giving children an early education will build a solid foundation to prepare them for their next school setting.
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For more than 40 years, Kanata Montessori has been graduating students with self-confidence, critical thinking skills, respect, high academic achievement, and an international perspective.
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Sycamore School offers grades 8-12 personalized education in an alternative programs that address the needs of secondary school students who may thrive in a small community of learners working toward graduation.
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HDCH, founded in 1956, is imaginative, innovative learning environment. Our programs are designed to challenge a wide range of learners. We welcome local and international students into our Christ-Centred community!
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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.
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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.
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Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 7-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access.
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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.
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Kawartha Montessori School is the only CCMA-accredited school in the region. We offer an education that inspires academic excellence and develops socially responsible, independent, and confident individuals.
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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
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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
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At Blyth Academy Mississauga, we know each of our students and through our individualized approach, we can meet their needs and make school a great place to be. We're one of eight Blyth Academy campuses in Ontario.
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Glen Briar Academy provides hands on programs and student centered teaching strategies that shape life long learners.
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-Passionate Learning: learning should be joyful and for life, not just for tests. -Skills for a Modern World: building the confidence to be leaders and Changemakers. -Holistic Wellbeing: creating conditions to thrive.
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Grade 9-12 students are encouraged to be confident servant-leaders. Student diversity provides a global perspective of life and faith. Great Lakes' graduates are accepted by colleges and universities of their choice.
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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.
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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!
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Disorders in the autism spectrum range from classical autism (also called "autistic disorder") to the milder form diagnosed as Asperger's syndrome, to the rarer and sometimes fatal condition called Rett's Disorder, to Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD, aka Heller's Disease), which manifests later in a child's development, to pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).
For parents of children with autism, the disorder presents a variety of challenges. These challenges can vary based on the severity of the condition among many other factors. Many parents are sure that their child will fare very poorly in a non-specialized environment such as that of most public schools. Autistic children are likely to be aggravated by common elements of a regular school environment such as fluorescent lighting, excessive noise, and even textures like heavy carpeting.
Suzanne Lanthier, the executive director of Autism Speaks Canada, says few schools are well-prepared to address the diverse demands required to deal with autistic children, especially when the disease manifests differently or with varied severity from one autistic child to another. Many children with autism will be unable to function in any environment except one prepared especially for their special needs. There are, however, ASD schools that fully understand autism, and its variations, and have experience in dealing with autistic children.
When it comes to finding the right private school 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 five features in any autism program for your child.
Meeting the needs of your child with autism is a formidable challenge. Besides the complex problems in almost all areas of living, there are countless approaches, techniques, and therapies to promote learning and development.
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:
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 choose must focus on that area.
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.
How much experience and know-how do the teachers and/or therapists have? A minimum of four years of experience is a good rule of thumb. The last thing you need is someone "cutting their teeth" on your child.
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.
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.
Read our advice guide on choosing a school for a child with special needs (such as autism) and for kids with other traits. To get school-choice advice customized to your child's unique traits, create a child profile through your user account. |
Autism can often be diagnosed or detected at an early age. There are many possible early indicators of autism.
The above list is by no means comprehensive or authoritative. Since autism is a spectrum, these or other signs of autism may manifest in various degrees. Parents who witness the symptoms above manifest in their child are urged to consult the opinion of a health professional for diagnosis. To learn more, read our articles on special needs signs and diagnosis.
Autism treatment should ideally begin as early as possible. There is no cure for autism, so treatment is focused on therapy and behavioral training with medication in some cases, especially where the autistic disorder is severe.
Therapy has been shown to be the best way of dealing with autism. Sessions focus on skill acquisition and repeated therapies that break through manifestations of autistic catatonia to alter behaviours. The earlier in the child's life that intervention begins the more effective, say the majority of experts in the field. Family therapy may also help in training parents and siblings to deal with the child's autism.
Research in autism has increased exponentially in the last number of years but there is still much to be learned about autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
You can learn more about autism from the following sources:
On this page, we list schools with expertise in dealing with students with autism.
Read our advice guide on choosing a school for a child with special needs (such as ADHD and autism) and for kids with other traits. To get school-choice advice customized to your child's unique traits, create a child profile through your user account. |
ERA’s environmental and social mandate [Read more]
Well-being and belonging at Trinity College School [Read more]
Trinity College School’s financial assistance program [Read more]
The progressive Kindergarten program at Hudson College [Read more]
Special needs schools
Special needs schools for boys
For boys with special needs, a specialized education environment is even more beneficial. (August 19, 2019)
Special Needs Day Schools
Private special needs day schools are a tremendous chance for your child to receive an excellent education (June 11, 2019)
Maritimes special needs schools
Find special needs schools in the Maritimes provinces listed below. (June 11, 2019)
Coed Special Needs Schools
An environment most like real work or post-secondary education will help prepare them for the future. (May 15, 2019)
