If the question, “Do I have to send my autistic child to school?” has crossed your mind you are not alone. In this article we answer as best as possible.

Is school mandatory for an autistic child?

If you are considering the subject of not sending your child into school then you must have your reasons.

Autistic children are extremely vulnerable but can also be routine driven and stubborn.

It may be for example that you have tried to send your child to school but for whatever reason he or she just won’t conform.

Or it may be that you are approaching what will be your child’s first year of school and you are anxious about what will happen.

No one knows your child better than you.

But the simple answer is that in the UK and likely all around the world your child must get an education.

Of note is that you can be prosecuted if you do not give your child an education.

You’ll normally get warnings and offers of help from the local council first.

What are my options then?

In the UK and likely around the world parents have the option to educate their child at home, which is known as homeschooling.

It’s worth noting that homeschooling can be demanding and requires a significant commitment from parents. .

Some key considerations if you’re thinking about homeschooling your autistic child include:

• You’ll need to familiarise yourself with the legal requirements and regulations for homeschooling, as they can vary across regions.
• You’ll have to plan an appropriate curriculum and gather the necessary resources to support your child’s learning.
• You’ll need to ensure that your child has opportunities to socialise and interact with peers, as socialisation is an important aspect of development.
• You may need to bring in some support from professionals, such as educational specialists or therapists, or support groups. These can provide guidance, advice, and resources to enhance your child’s learning and development.

What about special needs schools?

In some cases, a child with autism may attend a mainstream school with additional support and accommodations tailored to their individual needs.

This can include specialised teaching methods, learning support assistants, and other resources to help them thrive academically and socially.

Alternatively, you may choose to send their child to a special educational needs school.

These focus specifically on providing education and support to children with special needs, including autism.

These schools often have smaller class sizes and a higher level of specialised support.

Although school in general may be daunting, if you do get a placement in a special needs school please be reassured. The staff at the school would have dealt with all kinds of challenging children in the past.

They are trained and specialised in caring for children exactly like your son or daughter.

Summary – Do I have to send my autistic child to school?

The simple answer is that you can either homeschool your child or send them into school.

Schools do however have obligations around making allowances and adjustments to ensure your child’s needs are met.

The option of homeschooling your child is available also so technically keeping your child home is an option.

With that said however you will be legally bound to give them an education so reviews and assessments will take place.

Ultimately the decision to either homeschool your child or send them in is one for you and your family.

Homeschooling will work for some but not for others, it depends on your personal situation and abilities.