​How to Find a School That’s Right for My Autistic Child

Choosing a school for your autistic child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent or carer. You want a place where your child feels safe, included, and supported to learn—not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.

This guide will help you understand the different types of school options available in Australia, and how to decide what’s right for your child.

1. Mainstream (Public or Private) Schools

Mainstream schools are the same schools that most children in your local community attend. Under Australian law, your child has the right to attend their local public school, regardless of disability.

Supports available in mainstream schools include:

• Learning support staff (e.g. a teacher’s aide or support officer)
• Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) to set personalised goals
• Adjustments in the classroom such as visual supports, quiet spaces, or extra time for tasks
• Allied health support such as speech or occupational therapy (depending on the state/territory and school resources)

Some parents choose mainstream schooling because it encourages inclusion, peer learning, and allows their child to grow up in their local community. However, the level of support can vary significantly between schools.

2. Autism or Special Education Units within Mainstream Schools

Some mainstream schools have specialised units or support classes designed for children with autism and other disabilities.

These units provide:

• Smaller class sizes
• Teachers with specialist training in autism and disability education
• Tailored programs while still allowing access to the wider school community

This can be a “best of both worlds” option—giving your child targeted support while keeping them connected to peers in the mainstream environment.

3. Specialist Schools

Specialist schools (sometimes called “schools for specific purposes” or “SSPs”) cater exclusively for students with disability.

Parents may select this option if their child's needs can’t be met in a mainstream setting, even with adjustments.

Specialist schools usually offer:

• High staff-to-student ratios
• Specialist teachers and therapists on site
• Focus on life skills, communication, and behaviour support alongside academics
• Access to structured routines and environments that reduce anxiety

For some families, specialist schools provide the structure and expertise their child needs to thrive. For others, they may feel too separate from the community.

4. How to find a school in Australia

We can’t provide a comprehensive, up-to-date list of every school in Australia that provides support for children with disability, because it’s too large, constantly changing, and each state/territory manages its own education system.

It's best to contact your local school/s to enquire about the level of support they provide. Here is a little info to help:

Where to Search for Public Schools in Your Area

Here are the official directories for up-to-date listings:

• NSW: School Finder
• VIC: Find a School
• QLD: School Directory
• SA: Department for Education School Directory
• WA: Schools Online
• TAS: Department of Education Schools
• ACT: Education Directorate Schools
• NT: Education NT Schools

Public Schools with Disability Units

We've collected information about schools that spcifically have support here. This is not exclusive and may change (as explained above).

• National Education Directory - Specialist Schools in NSW
• Private and Independent schools that specifically cater for students with special needs.
• Public schools in Victoria with disability support units
• Public schools in South Australia with disability support units
• Find out more + how to find and enrol in an SSP in NSW

Specialist Schools

• List of Specialist Schools in QLD
• List of Specialist Schools in NSW
• List of Specialist Schools in VIC
• List of Specialist Schools in WA
• List of Specialist Schools in TAS
• List of Specialist Schools in ACT
• List of Specialist Schools in SA
• List of Specialist Schools in NT

How to Decide What’s Best for Your Child

Every autistic child is unique. What works beautifully for one child may not suit another. Here are some steps to guide your decision:

1. Understand your child’s needs and strengths
   • Does your child cope well with larger groups, or do they need smaller, structured settings?
   • Do they thrive on routine, or can they manage flexibility?
   • What support do they need with communication, sensory regulation, or social skills?
      
2. Visit schools in person
   • Observe how teachers interact with students.
   • Ask about autism-specific supports and adjustments.
   • Check if they can provide an Individual Learning Plan.
   • Look at the sensory environment and check for quiet spaces, predictable routines, and understanding staff.
      
3. Talk to other parents
   • Parent communities can give real insights into how supportive a school is in practice, not just on paper.
      
4. Work with your child’s support team
   • Allied health professionals (like your OT, psychologist, or speech pathologist) can advise what type of school setting may best support your child’s development.
      
5. Keep the decision flexible
   • Remember, choosing a school isn’t forever. Some children start in mainstream and later move to a support class or specialist school, and others move the other way as they grow in skills and confidence.

Questions to ask when choosing a school

We have created a checklist for you of questions to ask when choosing the right school for your child.

Download Checklist

Support for Parents

Raising Children Network have a wide range of good quality resources to support parents.

Raising Children Network - School for Children with Disability

Where does the NDIS Fits In?

The NDIS doesn’t fund school education itself, however, the NDIS can fund supports that help your child succeed at school, such as:

• Speech therapy to build communication skills
• Occupational therapy to support sensory regulation and fine motor skills
• Behaviour support to manage challenges in the classroom
• Social skills programs to help with peer relationships

These therapies are delivered outside school hours but can make a big difference to your child’s success at school.

Choosing the right school is about finding the environment where your child feels safe, supported, and valued. There’s no single “right” answer because it’s about what’s right for your child and your family.

At MyCareSpace, we know how important these decisions are. We provide practical information, connect you with services, and share experiences from other families so you feel supported on this journey.