School & Education Supports
School can be a place of learning, growth, and social connection — but children with autism may face unique challenges. This page provides guidance, strategies, and resources to help families navigate academic, behavioural, and social aspects of school life.
Why School Can Be Challenging
Children with autism may experience differences in communication, sensory processing, social interaction, and learning style. Understanding these challenges helps parents and educators create a supportive environment that meets each child’s unique needs.
School & Educational Support
Schools can provide structured supports that help children access learning in ways that match their individual needs. Collaboration between families, educators, and support staff is key to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC)
An IEP is a written plan developed collaboratively by educators and families. It outlines learning goals, accommodations, and support strategies tailored to the child’s unique profile. Accommodations change how a student learns without changing grade-level expectations, while modifications change what the student is expected to learn. IEPs are reviewed regularly and adjusted as needs evolve. An IPRC is a school board committee that may formally identify a student as exceptional and determine the most appropriate educational placement. Parents are involved in the process and can provide information to their child's school, attend school meetings and ask questions about the school's decisions made. The IPRC works alongside the student's IEP to help ensure appropriate support is in place for your child.
Classroom Accommodations and Modifications
Accommodations change how a student learns or demonstrates their learning without changing grade-level expectations. Examples may include extra time, visual supports, assistive technology, frequent breaks, or a quieter work space. Modifications change what a student is expected to learn and may involve expectations from a different grade level or a reduced level of complexity. Both accommodations and modifications may be included in a student's IEP based on their individual learning needs.
Educational Assistants (EAs)
Some students may receive additional support from an EA to help them access the classroom environment and participate in learning. Support includes assistance with communication, assistive technology, organization,, transitions, self-regulation, personal care, emotional support, and participation in class. An EA supports students with a variety of strategies, to help support and implement for the best interests' of the child's educational needs. Every student's support is tailored to their needs.
Behaviour Plans
Positive behaviour support plans are designed to understand the reasons behind a student's behaviour and identify strategies that can help prevent challenges before they occur. Plans may include clear routines, visual supports, sensory or emotional regulation strategies, communication supports, positive reinforcement, and agreed-upon responses from school staff. They are usually developed collaboratively by the student's school team and should be tailored to the student's individual strengths, needs, triggers, and goals.
Supporting Social & Emotional Development
School isn’t just academics — it’s a place for social growth. Children with autism may need additional support in social communication, friendship building, and managing emotions.
Social Skills Programs
Buddy Systems
Emotional Support / Counseling
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Supports peer interaction and communication.
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Helps children feel included and supported socially.
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School counsellors, psychologists, or in-class support for emotional regulation.
Transitioning Between Grades & Schools
Grade to Grade Transition
School to school Transition
Post-Secondary Preparation
Meet new teacher
Visit classroom
Update IEP if needed
Orientation visits
Sharing student portfolio
Connecting with support staff
Early Planning
Vocational options
Plan for Future
transition
Working Together With Teachers
Families and educators share the goal of helping children succeed. Regular communication, shared strategies, and progress tracking help ensure consistency between home and school.
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Regular Meetings
Schedule check-ins and attend your child's case conference meetings to discuss their IEP & IPRC.
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Sharing Strategies
Discuss what works at home and school. Take advice and strategies from your child's Educator and implement those strategies at home to help support your child.
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Tracking Progress
Monitor academic, social, behavioral and emotional development.
Take the Next Step for Your Child
Understanding and accessing school supports is the first step. Together with your child’s educators, you can create a plan that makes learning and social growth achievable and positive. When your child is approaching their teen years, it’s also important to start thinking about transition and independence.