Also called a public school or state school depending on your state.
- Your local government school.
- Under the Disability Standards for Education 2005, schools must make reasonable adjustments so your child can learn on the same basis as peers. Federal Register of Legislation ↗, Australian Government Department of Education ↗
- Adjustments can include visual schedules, extra time, a quiet space, sensory supports, teacher aide time and modified work.
- Schools are not required to make an adjustment that causes unjustifiable hardship, so support still varies between schools. Federal Register of Legislation ↗
- Schools should consult you about the adjustments your child needs. NCCD ↗
Good for your child if...
- Mild to moderate support needs, with adjustments.
- Benefits from social interaction with neurotypical peers.
- Lives within the school's local enrolment area.
Before you decide, know this:
- Support quality varies enormously. Visit and ask specific questions.
- Ask: 'What adjustments are in place on day one?' 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. SA Department for Education ↗
- Ask to see a blank template of the school's learning plan for students with disability. The name of this plan varies by state.
- Speak to other autism families at the school.
