Information Sheet Schooling Options for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) From The Spectrum, Autumn 2007, reviewed and updated April 2011. Planning for the school year needs to commence as early as possible, especially if you are considering moving your child to a new school setting. This article by Psychologist Kirsty Kerr outlines some of the options and processes in the Victorian education system. Eligibility Requirements In choosing a school for your child, it is important to be aware of the different eligibility requirements at different schools. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a range of options, including: Special Developmental School (SDS) Special School (SS) Autism Specific School or unit in local school Mainstream School Government, Independent, or Catholic school Specialist Schools or Units for learning difficulties/emotional or behavioural difficulties Students with an ASD Special Developmental Schools (SDS) Students with an IQ of below 55 (as measured on an intelligence test by a psychologist), can attend an SDS. Such schools include students with a variety of different difficulties, including autism, chromosomal disorders like Down Syndrome, physical disabilities and high medical needs in addition to the IQ below 55. An advantage is the small class sizes, with usually a teacher and an assistant to each class of around 8 students. Students have access to professionals, such as physiotherapists and speech pathologists. SDS s cater for students between 4 years 8 months, and 18 years. Some also have early education programs for preschoolers aged 2 years, 8 months. For more information about Special Developmental School scontact the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) in your region. Special Schools (SS) Students with an IQ of between 55 and 70 (as measured on an intelligence test by a psychologist), can attend a Special School. Students diagnosed with autism and a mild intellectual disability attend, along with others who may have diagnoses such as Down Syndrome or mild intellectual disability alone. Class sizes are around 10 15 students for every 2 staff members. Students may have access to professionals such as Autism Victoria Trading as Amaze T: 1300 308 699 W: www.amaze.org.au 1
speech pathologists and occupational therapists as part of their weekly program. Special Schools can cater for primary aged students only, secondary aged students only, or students from 5 18 in the same school. For more information about Special Schools in your region contact DEECD in your region. Autism Specific Schools Students who meet the Autism Spectrum Disorder criteria detailed in the Department of Education s Program for Students with a Disability booklet are eligible to attend. This includes: Difficulties with adaptive behaviour the child s ability to do things for themselves, such as dressing, toileting and interacting with others. This is assessed by a parent interview called the Vineland Scale of Adaptive Behaviour. Language difficulties, as evidenced by a score on a formal language assessment lower than 70 (where the average score is 100). A diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. A history of ongoing difficulties, and expectation that these will continue throughout the school years. To read the criteria in more detail, go to http://www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwell being/wellbeing/disability/default.htm. Click on 2011 Program for Students with Disabilities Handbook (PDF 299Kb) and view page 35. A specialist autism school only has students with autism. Class sizes are small, and depending on the needs of the particular students in the class, may be between 1 3 students per staff member. Students usually have access to professionals such as speech pathologists and occupational therapists as part of their weekly program. Specialist Autism schools currently only cater for primary school aged children (Bulleen Heights school in north east Melbourne is an exception to this). Separate secondary schooling options will need to be considered. There are various specialist autism schools across the State. To find out the contact details of your nearest specialist autism school or unit, contact Autism Victoria on (03) 9657 1600. Mainstream Government Schools Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder can attend their local State School. Some students with ASD are eligible for funding for integration support through the Program for Students with a Disability. Students with ASD can qualify under either the (a) Intellectual Disability criteria, or (b) Autism Spectrum Disorder criteria, or on some occasions (c) Severe Behaviour Disorder criteria if they did not receive funding under (a) or (b), and their behaviour has become too challenging to manage in a traditional classroom. To read the criteria in more detail, go to: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwell being/wellbeing/disability/default.htm. Click on 2011 Program for Students with Disabilities Handbook (PDF 299Kb)and view pages 32 36. Levels of funding for the child are determined by completing the Educational Needs Questionnaire (ENQ). Level 1 funding is the lowest, and Level 6 funding is the highest. The 2010 levels of funding are as follows: Level Regular School Students with Disabilities Credit Level 1 $5,676 $5,676 Level 2 $13,127 $13,127 Level 3 $20,722 $20,722 Level 4 $28,281 $28,281 Level 5 $35,783 $35,783 Level 6 $43,326 $43,326 Specialist School Students with Disabilities Credit Autism Victoria Trading as Amaze T: 1300 308 699 W: www.amaze.org.au 2
The school determines how the funds will be spent to support the child in the school. This may be with an integration aide for the child s classroom, professional development for staff, therapy time (such as speech pathology), or equipment for the classroom. To read the items in the ENQ, go to www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwellbeing/ wellbeing/disability/default.htm or contact DEECD for a copy of the Program for Students with a Disability and Language Support Program Handbook. For some tips about selecting a mainstream school, refer to the article Choosing a school for the student with Autism Spectrum Disorder available from Autism Victoria. Base rooms in Government Schools Some government schools have a base room or specialised classroom within the school to cater for students with ASD. This is generally a smaller class size, with staff experienced in working with students with ASD. Members of Autism Victoria have indicated their children attend base rooms at the following schools: Bayswater West Primary School (Eastern metropolitan region) Niddrie Campus of Essendon Keilor College affiliated with Western Autistic School Werribee South Primary School (Western metropolitan region) Baringa Special School (Gippsland region) For more information about base rooms in government schools, contact DEECD in your region. Independent and Catholic Schools Students with ASD can also attend an Independent or Catholic School, with funding for integration support if certain criteria are met, as outlined in the next section. Students with High Functioning Autism (HFA), Asperger s Syndrome, and PDD NOS Government Schools Students with HFA, Asperger s Syndrome and PDD NOS can attend their local State School. The majority of children with these diagnoses do not meet the Intellectual Disability or Autism Spectrum Disorder criteria in order to access additional funding support for the school. On some occasions, the child may receive funding under Severe Behaviour Disorder criteria if their behaviour has become too challenging to be managed in a traditional classroom. To read the criteria in more detail, go to: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/healthwell being/wellbeing/disability/default.htm. Click on 2011 Program for Students with Disabilities Handbook (PDF 299Kb)and view pages 27 37. Alternative modes of study in Government Schools: Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) An alternative to the VCE which some students with ASD undertake is the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL). This is a hands on option for students in Years 11 and 12. The VCAL provides practical workrelated experience, as well as literacy and numeracy skills, and the opportunity to build personal skills that are important for life and work. Some students complete this over 3 years. For more information, visit http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/vcal/, or contact DEECD in your region. Access Yea Community Education (AYCE) The AYCE Program aims at providing education for students who, for a wide Autism Victoria Trading as Amaze T: 1300 308 699 W: www.amaze.org.au 3
variety of reasons, are not enrolled at a school. The program runs at Yea High School, and has eight off campus centres. Weekly attendance is required at the centre of choice, and compulsory attendance two days a term at Yea High School for a meeting from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more information, phone Mrs Annette Scales on (03) 9758 6604 or go to http://www.yeahs.vic.edu.au/home/ayce/ Independent Schools Students with ASD can also attend their local Independent School. The criteria for eligibility of funding is very similar to that used in government schools, however the amount of funding allocated may be significantly less than the allocation in Government Schools. For more information about supports available for students with ASD in Independent schools, contact the Association of Independent Schools, Victoria on (03) 9825 7200 or go to: http://www.ais.vic.edu.au/ An Independent School with a Difference: Alia School The Alia School has a more relaxed attitude than other traditional secondary schools. Students do not have to wear a uniform (this may be good for those with sensory issues around clothing), and students and teachers share a common room at recess and lunch (greater protection against bullying). Aspects of the school which may be difficult for a student with Asperger Syndrome are the lack of traditional structures like bells to signal end of classes and break times. It may suit some students. Visit http://www.alia.vic.edu.au/alternativeeducation high school.php Catholic Schools Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder can attend their local Catholic School. They may be eligible for integration support if they meet the Catholic Education Office criteria, which is slightly different to that for government schools. The criteria of Social and Emotional difficulties is one whereby some students with High Functioning Autism or Asperger Syndrome receive integration support funding. Information from the Catholic Education Office states Social/Emotional disorders are confirmed following consideration of a recent behavioural assessment/statement of the diagnosis from a registered psychiatrist or psychologist. Ongoing psychological or psychiatric intervention is required and an alternative educational placement is also considered to be a potential management option. For further information about supports for a student with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Catholic schools, call 03) 9267 0228, or go to: http://www.ceo.melb.catholic.edu.au/ What if my child is not allocated additional funding at their school? Often students with HFA, Asperger Syndrome and PDD NOS are not eligible for funding for integration support, as their difficulties are not considered severe enough to require additional support. In this case, individual teachers or the school as a whole are required to meet the student s needs, within the resources they already have. As more and more students with ASD enter the mainstream setting, the need for wellinformed and experienced staff becomes apparent. Sometimes this may be assisted by reading material recommended by Autism Victoria, or an in service presentation to school staff by a professional knowledgeable about ASD. In some areas this can be presented by a staff member from a specialist autism school. As part of the Federal Government s Helping Children with Autism initiative there is also a national program of professional development workshops available for school staff to help Autism Victoria Trading as Amaze T: 1300 308 699 W: www.amaze.org.au 4
build knowledge, skills and expertise in working with these children. Contact Autism Victoria on (03) 9657 1600 for options in your area. * NB: Regardless of whether the school receives additional funding for the child with HFA, Asperger Syndrome or PDD NOS, you are still entitled to have Student Support Group SSG meetings (previously known as Program Support Group PSG meetings) with school staff at least once per term to discuss your child s progress, and set goals for the following term. Specialist Schools or Units for learning difficulties, emotional or behavioural difficulties Specialist Schools or units are run through the Independent or Catholic Schooling system to teach students with these distinct needs. Sometimes students with ASD (particularly Asperger Syndrome) are amongst the students with these difficulties. Examples of schools are: Social and Emotional difficulties Berengarra School (Independent) Cheshire School (Independent) Currajong School (Independent) Larmenier Child and Family Centre (Catholic) Doxa School West Melbourne (formerly Marist Transition School) (Catholic) St. Augustine s Education (Catholic) St. Helen s (Mackillop Family Services) (Catholic) Learning difficulties Andale School (Independent) Bilanook College (Independent) Cheshire School (Independent) Rossbourne School for IQ between 60 80 (Independent) St. Helen s (Mackillop Family Services) (Catholic) For more information about the locations of these schools, the costs to attend, and the ages of children serviced, contact: Those schools marked Independent and additional units within other schools, contact the Association of Independent Schools Victoria, (03) 9825 7200 http://www.ais.vic.edu.au/parents/pubs/spe cial schools list.pdf Those schools marked Catholic, contact the Catholic Education Office on (03) 9267 0228, http://www.ceo.melb.catholic.edu.au/ Oasis Sunshine College is an alternative public school setting for 11 to 15 year olds who are not accommodated in mainstream schools. It offers an option for kids who face expulsion, are non attendees, who have academic difficulties, display anti social behaviour, have experienced physical and/or emotional abuse, and/or are casualties of family breakdown. Miscellaneous non ASD specific options Steiner schools. The Steiner system is based on the teachings of Austrian educationist Rudolf Steiner. Among its distinguishing features are that children do not start reading until age seven and have the same main teacher for the first eight years of school. This may suit children with Asperger Syndrome who need such consistency, and who are resistant to learning at another person s pace. Children who require a structured and systematic approach to teaching may find this environment is not suitable for their acquisition of literacy. There are at least six Steiner programs in state schools, including Footscray City Primary School and Castlemaine Secondary College. Montessori. This approach is based on "following the child", on recognising the developmental needs and characteristics of children of each age group and constructing the corresponding environment that best meets these needs. For more information about the approach, and schools offering this approach, visit: http://aaaa.net.au/ Autism Victoria Trading as Amaze T: 1300 308 699 W: www.amaze.org.au 5
Home schooling. This is often a last resort for parents when they feel that attendance at any kind of school has not been successful academically, or has been detrimental to their child s well being due to bullying, etc. Resources about home schooling are: http://www.home ed.vic.edu.au/. http://www.australianchristianacademy.org/ main.asp?cat=category&id=93 for lesson plans for Christian and other lessons. Check that these meet government curriculum standards. Also, see the following books in the Autism Victoria Library. #2386. Choosing Home Deciding to Homeschool with Asperger's Syndrome. HARNETT. # 2445. Homeschooling the child with Asperger Syndrome. PYLES. 2011 Autism Victoria trading as Amaze. Permission is granted for the content of this information sheet to be reproduced in its entirety, provided Autism Victoria is acknowledged as the source and the website address is given. Autism Victoria Trading as Amaze T: 1300 308 699 W: www.amaze.org.au 6