Blog School Autism Schools and Programs in Canada

Autism Schools and Programs in Canada

December 7, 2023

Enrolling your autistic child in school can be fraught with doubt, whether they’re attending for the first time or transitioning to a new learning environment. Should I choose public inclusive education? An autism-specific school? What type of environment will best support my child’s development and wellbeing?

There isn’t a single right answer to any of these questions. Different parents have different ideas of what is best for their child, even within the same family. The choice ultimately depends on converging factors including where you live, your child’s specific needs and preferences, as well as the quality, availability, and accessibility of educational services.

Canada generally promotes inclusive education, and efforts are made to accommodate students with autism within mainstream public schools. In an inclusive setting, students with autism learn alongside their neurotypical peers with support from special education teachers and aides. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) are commonly used to tailor education strategies and goals.

Outside of public inclusive education, there are special education schools and/or programs designed for various learning disabilities, as well as schools that are exclusively focused on educating students with autism. They often have smaller class sizes, specialized teaching methods, therapeutic interventions, and support services to address the unique requirements of autistic students.

While not specifically designed for autism, some Montessori schools have been successful in accommodating children with autism. The Montessori method emphasizes individualized learning, self-directed activity, and a structured yet flexible environment. For older students, there are transitional programs that focus on developing life skills and preparing for independent living and work. These programs may be offered in collaboration with vocational training centers.

Regardless of the school you select, the process of assessing whether it is a good fit for your child is a continuous one. Needs and suitability can change, so it’s important to maintain ongoing communication with school staff.

Autism Schools in Canada

Below you will find a list of some of the top schools and programs for children with autism across Canada. As part of our commitment to promoting safety and independence for those in the autism community, we hope you find this list helpful, and encourage you to explore our additional resources on education as well as our award-winning assistive technology. If you’d like to recommend an autism school that is not included on this list, please reach out to let us know!