An autistic child can go to normal school as long as some developmental and learning criteria are met. Children on the autistic spectrum can learn alongside neurotypical children and develop or improve their social interactions and sense of belonging to a community.
To manage life in a noisy and often overwhelming school, children with autism require support. Public schools must be ready to understand the unique autistic child’s needs and provide help through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that lays out an educational program for the developmental and learning stages that the child must achieve.
How well can this work in practice? There are many factors to consider regarding how well-prepared the school is to encourage autistic children to fulfill their student potential. It also hinges on how well the child can communicate, regulate emotions, and overcome learning challenges. There is no doubt that autistic children can thrive in a normal school, yet families and schools are required to help autistic children follow their educational needs.
The Benefits of Attending a Regular Classroom
All in all, students with disabilities feel better and fare better when they belong to a larger community of neurotypical children. Here is how a regular public school classroom can help autistic children bring out the best in them.
Social integration and skill development
Social skills training and social interactions are the most significant benefits of attending normal education classes.
Students with autism have the chance to interact daily with their neurotypical peers. This can help them develop social skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. Most autistic children find it difficult to manage their social skills; being with other children helps them develop this side of their personality.
Such interactions can significantly grow their ability to handle social situations and develop relationships.
Exposure to many learning environments
Mainstream types of schools often provide many learning experiences. They typically offer a broader curriculum and a range of extracurricular activities like sports and arts. This helps autistic students explore different interests and talents compared to a special education classroom. They can discover new passions and strengths to help them express themselves and may even become professionals later in life.
Development of independence and self-advocacy
Being in a mainstream school can encourage autistic children to develop greater independence. They learn to work within an unfamiliar environment; something that can be challenging but also rewarding, as they develop skills and abilities to handle new situations and problems. They also practice self-advocacy, learn to express their needs, and seek help when necessary.
Access to specialized support within a general setting
Many mainstream schools now have resources to support children with disabilities, including autistic children. This might include individualized education plans (IEPs), speech and language therapy in special education classes, occupational therapy, and behavioral support. Such special education services can be integrated into the child’s day-to-day school experience to provide the necessary support without segregating them from their peers.
Enhanced self-esteem and confidence
Being part of a mainstream school can boost an autistic child’s self-esteem and confidence. When a child with autism participates in a general education setting, they feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging. This positive self-image improves their overall emotional well-being and personal development.
Requirements the School Must Meet
The match between the autistic child and the school district must be strong. The school must have the right attitude, a least restrictive environment frame of mind, and facilities to smooth out how well the autistic child performs at school.
The traditional school environment, with its structured education program routines, social demands, and sensory stimuli, can sometimes be overwhelming for individuals with disabilities. Factors like classroom size, noise levels, and teaching methods may need to be adjusted to accommodate the needs of a child on the autism spectrum. The school must be willing and ready to offer a more tailored approach to these children.
Willing teachers
Support from teachers and staff is important.
Educators need to be adequately trained to have an understanding of autism and to implement strategies that can help autistic students succeed. This might include differentiated instruction, positive behavioral supports, and the use of technology to facilitate individual learning.
Schools should promote a supportive and flexible disabilities education environment where autistic children and their individual needs are understood and valued.
Individualized education plans (IEPs)
An IEP is a customized educational plan designed to meet the specific needs of an autistic child. It outlines the child’s strengths, challenges, and the support required for their success. Schools should collaborate with parents, special education professionals, and therapists to develop and regularly update IEPs. When the child falls behind on the IEP’s goals, amendments should be made.
Specialized support services
Access to specialized services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and behavioral support, is important. These services can be provided within the school setting to help autistic children develop essential skills and cope with challenges.
Sensory-friendly environment
Schools should create sensory-friendly spaces to accommodate the sensory sensitivities of autistic children. This might include creating quiet areas for relaxation, reducing noise levels, and using appropriate lighting. Classrooms should have flexible seating arrangements to help children find comfortable and less distracting spaces.
Visual supports and structured teaching
Many autistic children benefit from visual supports, such as schedules, charts, and visual cues that help them understand routines and expectations.
Structured teaching methods, such as using clear, concise instructions and breaking tasks into smaller steps, can boost their learning experience.
Positive behavioral interventions
The implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) can help manage challenging behaviors and promote a positive school climate. This approach focuses on reinforcing desirable behaviors and providing consistent, constructive feedback.
Flexible curriculum and assessment
The school must be willing to adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of autistic students. This might involve providing alternative assignments, allowing extra time for tests, and using different assessment methods to evaluate their understanding and progress.
Parental involvement
An autistic child needs the school to work closely with the parents. Regular meetings and updates about the child’s progress keep parents up-to-date about their child’s education and can provide insights and support from home.
An inclusive culture
The school should build on values of diversity and inclusion. This means promoting acceptance and understanding among all students and staff, celebrating differences, and addressing any instances of bullying or exclusion quickly and effectively.
Requirements the Child Must Meet
Not all autistic children are capable of attending a mainstream school, as their needs and abilities vary widely across the spectrum. We saw how the school should be ready. The child, however, should meet certain criteria as well.
Level of functioning
Autistic children with higher levels of functioning have milder symptoms and require less intensive support. As such, they are often better suited to a mainstream school environment. These children can have strong academic skills and the ability to manage a regular school’s social and sensory aspects with some accommodations.
Communication skills
Basic communication skills are important for participating in a mainstream classroom. While some autistic children may communicate verbally, others might use alternative communication methods, such as picture exchange systems or communication devices. Schools must be appropriately equipped to support these varied communication needs, or the child may feel left out.
Behavioral and social skills
Autistic children should have a certain level of behavioral and social skills to interact appropriately with peers and teachers. For example, they should be able to follow classroom rules, participate in group activities, and manage their emotions — at least to some extent.
Sensory tolerances
Mainstream schools can be sensory-rich environments, with noise, bright lights, and many activities occurring simultaneously. Autistic children need to have some tolerance for these sensory stimuli or have access to sensory-friendly accommodations, such as quiet spaces or sensory breaks, to help them cope.
Academic skills
The child’s academic abilities should meet the curriculum offered at the mainstream school. While some autistic children can excel academically, others may need significant modifications and support to engage with the curriculum effectively.
Flexibility and adaptability
The child should be able to adapt to changes in routine and handle transitions. Mainstream schools often have schedules and routines that might differ from what the child is used to.
Emotional readiness
The child’s emotional readiness to be in a mainstream environment is another important factor. They should be able to handle the social and academic pressures to some degree without experiencing significant distress.
Can an Autistic Child Go to a Normal School? Generally, Yes
There is no reason for an autistic child to be unable to attend normal school, as long as certain conditions and support systems are in place.
Depending on the child’s social, communication, and academic skills, a mainstream school for children can be a rewarding and fulfilling environment. However, parents, educators, and the child must be ready and willing to work toward the same goals and with the same passion.
ABA therapy for autism disorders can help prepare the child. ABA of Southwest Florida Corp. is licensed by commercial insurance throughout the state of Florida and is dedicated to providing the best therapy in Florida and Texas. We provide Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for autism in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Naples, and Miami. Contact us and help your child acquire the daily living skills they need!
