What are the different classroom options?

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Finding the right classroom for autistic students can feel overwhelming, but understanding what each option offers can make the process easier.

By learning about the benefits and potential challenges of different educational settings, parents and carers can confidently make informed decisions that best support their child's unique needs. Every classroom is different, and understanding your child's strengths and support needs and how these would be supported in the classroom options available to you is an important first step.

Classroom options

Mainstream classrooms

Mainstream classes are classrooms in mainstream schools where students with autism learn alongside their neurotypical peers. Mainstream classrooms will have students from different backgrounds and with different abilities, including both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.

Mainstream classrooms allow children with autism to be taught the same curriculum as neurotypical children and can provide them with opportunities to interact with these children socially. Adjustments and accommodations should be made to ensure an autistic student can participate in a mainstream classroom to the best of their ability while having their unique learning and support needs met.

Some autistic children may spend their entire school day in a mainstream classroom. Others may spend part of their school day in a mainstream classroom, and other parts of the day working in smaller groups or one-to-one with learning support staff. Some autistic students may begin with partial attendance in a mainstream classroom and eventually work towards attending a mainstream classroom full-time.

Mainstream with support

In a supportive mainstream environment, students with autism may receive consistent additional resources and assistance tailored to their needs. This might include the aid of learning support staff or access to therapies such as speech or occupational therapy. This ensures a child’s individualised learning needs can continue to be met in a mainstream setting and that they are integrating with their peers where possible.

Support classes/units within mainstream schools

Some mainstream schools offer specialised support classes or units specifically for children with additional educational needs, such as autistic children. These units are staffed by educators with additional training and expertise, providing a more tailored educational experience within the larger mainstream school community. These settings offer the benefits of more individualised support with the advantage of access to mainstream school facilities and social integration opportunities (e.g., spending recess and lunchtime with children outside of the support unit).

Flexible/part-day schooling

Flexible schooling arrangements, such as part-day attendance or attendance on selected days, can accommodate children with autism who may need more time to transition to school, or might be struggling to attend regularly. This approach allows for a customised educational experience that acknowledges and supports the child's health, learning, and social needs outside the traditional full-day school model.

Dual enrolment

Dual enrolment allows for a hybrid educational experience, where a child can split their time between different educational settings, such as a special school and a mainstream school or a mainstream school and homeschooling. Dual enrolment can help autistic students participate in learning and social opportunities with children their age while receiving the specialised learning and developmental support they need, which a mainstream environment may not be able to offer on their own.

Remote learning

Remote learning occurs when a child who attends a traditional school (in-person schooling) is not able to do so for a certain period of time or for a certain reason. Different to distance education or homeschooling, which are more permanent measures, remote learning is a temporary option that ensures children who cannot physically attend school can continue their education at home to avoid falling behind.

Remote learning is coordinated by a child’s regular classroom teacher/s and may involve the contribution of learning support staff and other staff where relevant. Students may be required to join live video links (e.g., Zoom) to receive lessons or discuss their progress with their teacher/s. A child may also need to watch complete pre-prepared lessons in their own time where a teacher is not available to instruct them.

Homework, assessments and more complex activities are sent to the child’s family, either via post or electronically. Children can seek assistance from their families to complete this work or contact their teacher or support staff for assistance.

Distance education

Distance education transfers the traditional classroom to an online platform, enabling children to engage with the standard curriculum at their own pace and in their own homes. This option is particularly suited for children who can work independently under parental/carer supervision or for families in very remote areas. Students in distance education programs can seek support from teachers and subject coordinators or from their families where appropriate.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is an option where families take a more hands-on approach to their child's education. Parents/carers design a curriculum that interests and engages their child, offering the ultimate flexibility in teaching methods and pacing. While this option requires significant commitment from parents, it provides the opportunity to tailor the educational experience to the child's unique strengths and needs. Note that families must submit the curriculum they design to their state or territory education department for assessment before homeschooling can begin.

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Things to consider

Each classroom option will have advantages and disadvantages, which will vary greatly depending on your child's needs and the quality and availability of services at their school or in your local area. Here are some things families should consider:

Mainstream schools

Advantages

Social integration: Mainstream schools provide autistic children the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of peers. This can help them develop social skills and understand social cues through everyday interactions, as well as form friendships.
Curriculum variety: Mainstream schools offer a range of subjects and extracurricular activities, giving autistic children the chance to explore different interests, learn new skills and discover new passions.
Resource availability: Typically, mainstream schools have access to more resources, including advanced technology, a wider range of books and materials, and often more extracurricular and enrichment activities.
Inclusion practices: Being in a mainstream setting can promote inclusivity and reduce the stigma surrounding autism, as neurotypical peers learn to accept and understand one another's differences.‍
Role models: In mainstream schools, autistic children can learn from peers with a range of backgrounds, values and abilities, which can aid in their cognitive and social development.

Disadvantages

Overwhelming environments: Mainstream schools can be overwhelming due to larger class sizes, more noise in the classroom and playground, and more frequent social interactions, which can be particularly challenging for autistic children who may have sensory sensitivities.
Lack of specialised support: While mainstream schools do offer support services, they may not be as specialised or intensive as those in schools designed for children with autism or children with disabilities. This can make it difficult to address a child’s specific needs effectively.
Risk of bullying: Autistic children might be more vulnerable to bullying and exclusion in mainstream environments, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem.
Academic challenges: If the curriculum is not adapted to their learning style, autistic children may struggle to keep up academically, potentially leading to frustration and a negative attitude towards school.‍
Inadequate teacher training: Not all mainstream teachers are trained to understand autism or how to effectively teach children with different learning needs, which can impact the educational experience of an autistic child.

Support classes/units within mainstream schools

Advantages

Specialised instruction: Support units typically have staff trained in special education and understand the specific needs of autistic children. This means teaching methods and materials can be adapted to suit different learning styles and needs.
Smaller class sizes: These units often have fewer students per class compared to mainstream classrooms. Smaller class sizes allow for more individual attention and tailored instruction, which can benefit children who may struggle with larger, more chaotic environments.
Structured environments: Children with autism often benefit from more structured and predictable environments. Support classes/units can provide a routine that is consistent and clear, which helps reduce anxiety and manage behaviours of concern.
Peer support: Being around other students with similar challenges can help reduce feelings of isolation or difference that autistic children might experience in a mainstream classroom.‍
Integration opportunities: Many support units also provide opportunities for students to integrate with children in mainstream classes during certain parts of the school day, such as recess and lunch, promoting social skills and inclusion. This means that autistic children might still have the opportunity to participate in some mainstream education opportunities that won’t overwhelm them.

Disadvantages

Potential for separation: While support units aim to integrate children with autism into mainstream education, there are risks involved with removing them from a mainstream classroom. This can potentially limit their social interactions and reduce opportunities for developing social skills and friendships.
Resource availability: Specialised support units can be expensive to operate due to the need for trained staff, adapted materials, and specialised facilities. Not all schools have the resources to provide such units, meaning students may have to attend a school quite far away or miss out entirely.
Stigma: There can be a stigma attached to being part of a support unit or class which can affect a child’s self-esteem and how peers in the mainstream setting perceive them. Some schools will address this better than others.
Transition challenges: Students in support units may face challenges when transitioning to a mainstream classroom setting or to life post-school where the same structured support is not nearly as accessible.‍
Quality and consistency: The effectiveness of a support unit can greatly depend on the quality of the staff and the resources available. Inconsistencies in these areas can impact the education and support that children receive.

Remote/distance learning and homeschooling

Advantages

Structured and predictable environment: Many autistic children thrive in structured and predictable environments. Remote learning allows for a more controlled and heavily customised learning space that can be tailored to an individual’s preferences and needs.
Customised learning environment: Families can create a highly personalised approach to education that can be tailored to the learning style, pace, and interests of an autistic child.
Flexible schedule: The flexibility of remote or distance learning and homeschooling can accommodate the need for extra breaks, longer transitions between activities, and unconventional schooling hours that might better suit the child’s natural rhythms and attention spans.
Reduced sensory overload: Learning from home can provide a more controlled environment that minimises sensory stressors like loud noises, bright lights, and large groups of people, which an autistic student may struggle with.
Emotional and social safety: Autistic children might face challenges such as bullying, social isolation, anxiety and mental ill-health in a traditional school environment. Remote or distance learning and homeschooling can provide a safer emotional and social context where the child feels more secure and understood.‍
Consistent support: Families can provide continuous, consistent support with their deep understanding of their child's needs, leading to more effective learning and development.

Disadvantages

Limited social interaction: Remote or distance learning and homeschooling can also limit the child's opportunity to interact with peers. This can affect the development of social skills unless proactive steps are taken to engage the child in groups or activities outside the home.
Parent/carer pressure: Homeschooling in particular requires a significant time, effort, and resource commitment from parents or carers. Families might not always have the necessary skills, knowledge, time and resources to address their child’s educational needs or behavioural challenges, which can impact the child’s education.
Potential for isolation: Both the child and the parent/carer may experience isolation from the wider community and the support networks typically found in traditional school environments (e.g., school counsellor).
Difficulty with executive functioning: Autistic children can sometimes struggle with executive function skills such as organisation and time management. The less structured homeschooling environment might make it difficult for some to stay engaged and complete tasks without direct supervision.
Technology challenges: Not all families have equal access to the technology and internet connectivity required for effective online learning. Some autistic children may also find the sensory input from screens overwhelming or distracting.‍
Transition challenges: If you’re considering transitioning back to a traditional school environment or moving on to further education, your child may face challenges adjusting to different educational settings and expectations.

Choosing the right educational path for a child with autism is a personal decision that depends on the child's individual needs, strengths, and challenges. Each educational option offers its own set of benefits and challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to provide an educational environment where children with autism can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Parents/carers can create a supportive and effective educational pathway by understanding the available options and carefully considering the best fit for their child.

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Helpful links

School - Disability Gateway