Boarding schools for autism can be a beneficial option for those who may require specialized education and support.
The decision to send a child, whether neurotypical or autistic, to a boarding school is a personal one that depends on various factors considering the specific needs and preferences of the child. As with any child, considering the specific needs and knowing each school as much as possible before making a decision, is of great importance.
Some brief bullet points to consider when looking for a boarding school for your chilc with autism:
Specialized programs:
Even within the specialty of ASD, there are more specialities of which to consider. Specific interests, learning differences, social skills support and the level of individual educational tailoring are important in considering a good boarding school fit.
Experienced staff:
As in any educational institution, the staff and teachers are what makes the quality of the education. The added ASD layer means that this quality extends and includes therapists and support personnel. The specific knowledge and training of all things autism, is vital for creating an environment that is conducive to the growth and development of autistic students.
Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) management:
Before making a school choice, understand the details of how they will manage your child’s IEP. Know what responsibilities will fall on you, how much they are willing to manage and how “individualized” they are willing to be. The individualized part of an IEP is crucial is your child’s progress. Choose a school that takes this seriously and treats your child as the individual he or she is.
Therapeutic support:
Consider the availability of therapeutic support services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills training, behavioral therapy and psychological therapy. All are important for a thriving student. Know the different modalities used such as ABA, CBT, DBT and occupational therapy.
Structured environment:
As we know, a structured environment is beneficial, even necessary for individuals with ASD. Predictability and routine gives a sense of security and without this, no learning can even start to happen. Know what the school practices for this and how they handle situations that that don’t fall into their “normal” routines and procedures.
Communication and Collaboration:
Look for schools that encourage open communication and collaboration between teachers, therapists and parents. Regular updates and feedback can help ensure that the individual’s needs are being met.
Positive Behavioral Support:
Check if the school employs positive behavioral support strategies to address challenging behaviors and promote social skills development. Some well known therapeutic approaches are Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), among others.
Safety and Security:
Ensure that the school has appropriate safety measures in place. This may include a secure campus, trained staff for crisis intervention, as well as the daily supportive environment. Staff members and teachers should be experienced and trained to handle emergencies and crises effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of students while maintaining a calm and supportive environment.
There are so many benefits to providing this structured support for your child. It’s almost impossible for our homes to provide the teacher, staff and therapeutic support of which a boarding school for autism can.
For help in deciphering through your options for boarding schools for autism, contact Therapeutic Educational Consulting here.
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Photo credit, Jacob Lund
