Application processes vary by state and school type, and usually take longer than families expect, so start early to keep it calm. This tab gives state-specific guidance on how to apply and what you'll need.
Step 1: Decide which school type you want
- Different types have different processes. Mainstream goes direct to the school, while specialist and support units go via the state department.
- See the Options tab for what each type involves.
Step 2: Gather your documents first
- Formal autism diagnosis report.
- Speech pathologist and OT functional assessment reports.
- Paediatrician summary letter.
- Previous Individual Learning Plans or school reports.
- NDIS plan, if you have one.
Step 3: Visit schools and ask specific questions
- Request a meeting before lodging any form.
- Ask: 'What specialist support is in place?', 'Who leads learning and support here?' and 'What autism specific training or dedicated support roles do staff have?' In South Australian public primary schools, that dedicated role is the Autism Inclusion Teacher, so ask about it by name there.
- Ask: 'What does a typical day look like for an autistic student here?'
- Ask: 'How do you communicate with families?' and 'What happens during a meltdown?'
- Ask: 'Who is my main point of contact?'
Step 4: Enrol at a mainstream school as early as possible
- No department publishes a standard enrolment processing time, so contact the school as soon as you are considering it, well before the intended start date.
- Bring diagnosis paperwork.
- Ask the principal to start the Individual Learning Plan and disability funding process.
Step 5: Start specialist placement applications as early as possible
- Specialist and support unit applications go through the state department and involve an eligibility assessment.
- No department publishes a standard processing time, so the safest approach is to contact the relevant school or department as soon as the pathway is being considered, even a year or more before the intended start date.
Step 6: Apply to multiple schools at once
- You don't need to wait for one response before applying elsewhere.
- Submit to several options simultaneously, since places are limited and waiting lists can be long.
