Coping with School with a Child on the Autism Spectrum – A Resource for Parents
Raising a child on the autism spectrum is full of ups and downs – just like every parenting journey! But it also brings challenges that most parents never have to worry about. These challenges include meltdowns after a long school day and your child’s overwhelming anxiety when it comes to navigating social situations. Most importantly, parents with children on the autism spectrum must cope with the frustration of trying to get teachers to truly see and understand their child, who has special requirements.
School should be a place where your child feels safe, understood, and supported. Sadly, instead of being a comfort, it becomes one of life’s biggest struggles. At Unity College, we know that autistic children don’t need to be ‘fixed’ or forced to fit into an inflexible system. Instead, the system needs to adapt to them. And that’s exactly what we do.
Why Mainstream Schools Often Fall Short
According to the World Health Organization, autism affects an estimated 1 in 100 children. In many mainstream schools, however, teachers mean well but simply don’t have the training or resources to fully support pupils with autism. That’s why a special school with specially trained educators is better equipped.
The statistics reflect this reality. The UK’s National Autistic Society found that 70% of autistic pupils feel their school experience would improve if teachers had a better understanding of autism.
Every teacher at Unity College is trained in special needs education. They teach children – rather than simply covering a curriculum – in ways that make sense to them.
Removing Barriers to Learning
We’ve designed our school to support pupils on the autism spectrum from the moment they walk through the door. Here’s how:
- Small Class Sizes: Fewer pupils per class means more individual attention, a calm environment, and less sensory overload.
- Predictable Schedules: Routine is essential. Our structured school day allows pupils to feel in control, safe, and secure.
- Visual Supports: Many autistic children are visual learners, so we incorporate schedules, instructions, and lesson materials in ways that work for them.
- Safe Sensory Spaces: When emotions run high, pupils can decompress in a quiet, supportive space before rejoining the classroom on their own terms.
These changes aren’t drastic. But in the life of a child with autism, they are everything.
The Power of a School with Integrated Therapy
As a school offering integrated therapy, we have speech therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy built into the school experience. Therapy is therefore woven naturally into learning, supporting every child exactly where they need it most. Private therapists are also available on our campus for families who need more personalised sessions. No more fighting for support – it’s already in place!
Creating an Environment Where Pupils on the Autism Spectrum Can Blossom
Too often, pupils on the autism spectrum are asked to change to fit into a world designed for neurotypical brains. But at Unity College, we flip that idea on its head. Instead of trying to change the child, we create a learning space that works for them.
- We allow movement. If a child needs to pace, fidget, or sit on an exercise ball to focus, we encourage it.
- We communicate clearly. Abstract instructions and rushed expectations don’t help anyone. We take the time to explain lesson plans in a direct and structured way.
- We prioritise strengths. Every child has unique talents, and we build on them.
- We support social growth – but never force it. Social interactions can be exhausting. We encourage peer relationships in structured ways, but we never pressure autistic pupils to conform to neurotypical standards of interaction.
Can Children with Autism Cope at School?
Choosing the right school for children with autism can be challenging. But at Unity College, you’ll find a school that gets it. Here, we celebrate your child’s strengths, embrace their differences, and help them tackle their challenges with real solutions.
Explore more about our approach to special needs education here.