If they need it, your child with autism can get extra support at school to help their learning and development.
The law says schools should make reasonable adjustments so students with disability have the same opportunities as their peers.
How schools support children with autism
Best practice is a ‘whole school approach’ for autism. This means the school community should work together to support autistic children.
To achieve this, schools make sure:
- the school has an inclusive culture
- staff have up-to-date knowledge about autism
- teachers use student strengths and interests to plan the curriculum
- everyone who works with a child communicates and collaborates with each other
- autistic children can take part in and contribute to their local community.
Learning
No 2 children are the same. If needed, teachers can make reasonable adjustments to support your child's participation. For example, the teacher could:
- use visual timetables so your child knows what work is coming up
- break big tasks into manageable chunks
- use the Abilities Based Learning and Education Support (ABLES) tool to support learning.
Support is also available if your child has learning difficulties.
Student support groups
A student support group can help make sure your child gets the right support at school. It gives you the opportunity to work with your child’s teachers to make decisions about their education.
Student support services
Your child’s school has access to student support services who can work with your child. For example, psychologists and social workers.
Autism specialist schools
All children have the right to enrol in their designated neighbourhood government school.
Students with high needs, who are eligible for the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD), may also be able to go to a specialist school.
Some specialist schools are for children with autism:
- Bulleen Heights School
- Eastern Ranges School
- Jacana School for Autism
- Jennings Street School
- Northern School for Autism
- Southern Autistic School
- Western Autistic School.
Support for schools
Support materials for teachers
Teachers have access to autism support materials, which include:
- information about autism
- ways teachers can support the learning and development of autistic children.
Professional development for teachers
Schools provide regular professional development opportunities for teachers and other school staff. This includes the Supporting Students with Autism course.
We offer subsidies for the Graduate Diploma of Teaching Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is run by the Autism Teaching Institute.
Accessible buildings
Your child’s school can get support to make their buildings more accessible for children with additional needs. This includes the Accessible Buildings Program.
Language and learning disabilities support
The Language and Learning Disabilities Support Program gives schools resources to help them teach students with autism. Support includes teaching staff, equipment and professional development.
Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD)
The Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) gives extra resources to schools to help them support eligible children with disability or high needs.
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