Where to start
These prompts help you narrow down which two or three pathways below are most relevant, so you can focus on those first rather than reading through all seven.
How much day to day support does your child need?
Think about whether your child manages with small adjustments in a regular class, needs more structured support part of the day, or needs a fully specialised environment to learn well.
Is your child currently in a mainstream class?
If yes, the question is whether the right adjustments are in place. If not, you may be comparing specialist settings or a mix of both.
Are you open to a specialist environment?
Some parents want their child alongside neurotypical peers. Others feel a specialist setting would suit their child better right now. There is no wrong answer; this simply narrows which pathways to look at first.
Also called a public school or state school depending on your state.
Most autistic children in Australia go to their local government school with adjustments in place.
Includes Catholic systemic schools and standalone independent or faith-based schools.
Independent and Catholic schools have the same legal duty to make adjustments, but enrolment, fees and support staffing work differently.
A small class inside a mainstream school, usually a government school.
A dedicated government school where every student has a disability.
Independent specialist schools, including autism-specific schools and faith-based special schools.
Home schooling is legal in every state and territory, but you have to register, and the requirements differ.
Compare government distance education for autistic students in every Australian state and territory, including eligibility, applications, costs and support.