If you have a child who’s been diagnosed with autism, you may be wondering if they can go to a regular school. The short answer is yes, and many do. However, it’s important to consider your options and get the right support and accommodations in place to make sure the school and its teachers can support your child’s specific needs. This guide explains everything you need to know about autism and schooling, including advice on different schooling options, accommodations to consider, and how to set them up.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism spectrum disorder refers to a neurological condition that affects learning and development. A child with autism may interact, communicate, behave, or even learn differently than other children. This is particularly important when considering educational settings, as autistic children may require different learning tools, such as visual aids or a tailored learning plan, to help them absorb information better. Teachers will also need to be trained to handle the needs of autistic children.
Overview of Schooling Options: Public, Private, and Homeschooling
When considering a school for your child, you typically have three main options to choose from: public schools, private schools, or homeschooling. Each provides its own benefits for children with autism.
Public Schools
Public schools can be a good option for children with autism because they’re legally required to offer individualized educational plans (IEPs) that offer tailored support and accommodations for children with special needs. There are many schools in Illinois that offer IEPs, providing peace of mind for parents. If you need help setting one up, you can work with our team at NeuroHealth Arlington Heights in Chicago to advocate for school assistance.
Private Schools
While private schools are not required to provide IEPs and don’t necessarily have to accept children with special needs, many offer specialized programs that can be beneficial for autistic children. These programs can include specific teaching for autistic children, smaller classes, and specialized support for kids who need it. Many private schools have highly trained staff with a special interest in autism, so they can adapt the curriculum to meet your child’s needs. If your school doesn’t have an IEP in place, we can help you to advocate for school assistance.
Homeschooling
If you don’t feel that a mainstream school is right for your child, you can also consider homeschooling. Homeschooling offers more flexibility and control over the schedule and curriculum. You can tailor the teaching plans to meet your child’s learning style and times when your child is more receptive to learning. This can be particularly helpful if your child often faces sensory overload.
Benefits and Challenges of Mainstream Schools for Autistic Children
Sending your child to a mainstream school comes with its pros and cons.
Pros
There are many benefits of sending your child to a regular school, both academically and socially. Mainstream schools expose your child to the standard curriculum and a more diverse learning environment than, say, homeschooling can. It’s also an opportunity for your child to be taught by highly skilled teachers and learn more about the world around them.
Spending time in a classroom around other children can also be beneficial, helping your child make friends and build better social skills. Attending regular school can help a child feel a sense of inclusion, belonging, and normalcy, whereas homeschooling or special schools could make them feel more isolated or stigmatized.
Cons
On the other hand, there may also be challenges around sending your child to a regular school. Not every school has teachers who are trained to teach children with autism, so they may not understand issues such as sensory overload or difficulties interacting with other children.
This can make it challenging for these schools to meet your child’s needs and provide the ideal learning environment. Mainstream schools can also be overstimulating for some children, and those with executive functioning issues can struggle to keep up. What’s more, the rigid schedule of a mainstream school may not suit the learning style of a child with autism.
Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans
If you have a child with autism, it’s important to ensure that whatever school you choose implements IEPs or 504 plans.
What Is an IEP?
An IEP outlines the special learning plan your child will receive in a public school, including the exact services and support they need to help them learn. This plan is created specifically around your child’s needs with input from parents, teachers, other advocates, and sometimes even the student themselves. It sets realistic and measurable goals and is regularly updated at least once a year to ensure it continues to meet your child’s needs.
What Is a 504 Plan?
A 504 plan is designed for students who have a disability. Unlike IEP plans, 504 plans are for children who need support but don’t necessarily need special education. It may include special accommodations, such as more time for completing tests, using assistive technology, or taking regular breaks to avoid overstimulation.
Contact Us for School Advocacy Assistance
If you need help getting your child an autism diagnosis, choosing the right school for your child, setting up an IEP or 504 plan, or advocating for these in an existing school setting, our team at NeuroHealth Arlington Heights can help. We can work with you and your child’s teachers to create a plan that helps them succeed at school and avoid overstimulation. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Image by Anna Kolosyuk is licensed with Unsplash License