Diversity Series: Differentiating for students with ASD
Researches estimate that autism affects one in 166 children, increasing the likelihood that educators have, or will have, an autistic student in their classroom. As part of our Diversity Series, Star Academy teacher Kelly Farrell provides some tips and techniques for teaching children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Read more
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List of autism schools
Access school reviews, insights, and comparisons through our comprehensive reports below.
1. Schools with in-depth reports
These are the leading schools that Our Kids editors have covered most extensively so far, providing detailed insights and thorough analysis of their programs, student life, and more.
"Havergal’s supportive environment drives academic excellence and cultivates confident leaders through unparalleled programs, empowering students to pursue their passions, take initiative and thrive.
—From the school
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"Toronto Prep School starts later in order to maximize teen learning. The optimal time for teenagers to learn is late in the morning through to late afternoon. Our classes start at 10:00 am.
—From the school
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"Fieldstone is certified by Cambridge International Education and is a Cambridge Showcase School for the August 2024 to July 2027 cohort.
—From the school
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"Our Beyond the Books approach provides opportunities for students’ academic & personal growth, nurturing students' confidence & self-esteem and willingness to take risks through the classroom & organized activities.
—From the school
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"MetroPrep inspires future leaders through elite academics, personal mentorship, and innovation—featuring Toronto’s first high school biotechnology program and a renowned performing arts program.
—From the school
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"Whytecliff is a safe, empathetic & supportive place for teens with a diverse range of learning needs / personal challenges. Our positive community & high-growth environment pulls each child up to be their very best!
—From the school
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2. Schools with standard reports
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills Road/Bayview Avenue "Junior Academy offers programs for students from Toddler to Grade Eight, in midtown Toronto. The average class size is 10 to 14 students and it caters to many types of students with different learning profiles." —From the school
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North York, Ontario Avenue Road/Lawrence Avenue "Through our dynamic individual education plans, mentorship, and therapeutic counselling we ensure all students feel comfortable, respected and cared for, so they stay actively engaged in their educational journey." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills/DVP "Crestwood Preparatory College offers a university preparatory program for students in grades 7 to 12. Crestwood always strive to Inspire Excellence and to Nurture the Individual." —From the school
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Belleville, Ontario "We are a therapeutic boarding school for Gr. 3-12 students requiring individualized academic, clinical, and behaviour-management solutions in small class sizes and professional home stay or boarding environments" —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "We identify experiences that enhance learning, empowering individuals while fostering a community of collaborative contributors. This is achieved through interdisciplinary projects that are seamlessly integrated." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Argentia Rd "There’s a different energy at SJA. As a leading IB World School and university prep school, SJA creates an atmosphere of acceptance that allows us to challenge students to take ownership of their own success." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario York Mills/Leslie "Learning is not one to many. It's many to one. From the teachers to the principal to the coaches and beyond, learning at WillowWood is a team approach." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario "MIA is proud to foster a family environment through our small class sizes and close knit academic community. Our support for students goes far beyond the classroom to best prepare them for life after graduation." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Eglinton "We go beyond curriculum expectations to provide opportunities for students to earn admission into their university of choice using our AP accreditation, staff expertise and individualized goals in small classes." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge/Finch "Monarch Academy is a private school for children with autism, rooted in a culture of belonging. We offer a strength-based, individualized approach that supports each child’s academic, social, and emotional growth." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Richmond Rd./John Sutherland Dr. "We drive learners of all ages to ask questions, think critically, solve complex problems collaboratively, and act. Academic success is achieved via dynamic learning, differentiated teaching and meaningful assessments." —From the school
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Breslau, Ontario "Woodland combines academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement. With a Christ-centered education, diverse curriculum, dedicated faculty, and supportive culture, it's an ideal choice for families." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence/Don Mills "Brighton is the leading private school in Toronto for students with academic and/or social challenges. We offer curriculum-based and remedial Elementary programs; and credit, pre-credit and non-credit Secondary streams." —From the school
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North York, Ontario Bathurst/Wilson "Magnificent Minds Inc. caters to students whose needs are not being met in traditional school environments, pursuing personal best through a balanced approach to education." —From the school
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Amaranth, Ontario "The Maples is an established private IB World School in Orangeville, Ontario providing exemplary education for students (Pre-School to Grade 8). French instruction in PS and Kindergarten with an academic focus." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec Atwater/Docteur-Penfield "Since 1861, The Sacred Heart School of Montreal, the city’s only all-girls English Catholic high school, has been preparing girls to change the world. We offer grades 7 to 12, day school and boarding." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Guelph Line/New Street "At ELEVATE, we are focusing on identifying and meeting the needs of students with learning differences. We use evidence-based approaches like UFLI, Wilson, and OG to support our students." —From the school
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Montreal, Quebec Sherbrooke/Atwater "Students thrive in an inclusive, structured learning environment that provides academic accommodations for all learners. We help students become autonomous, resilient lifelong learners!" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Duplex Ave/St Clements Ave "At SCELS we believe giving children an early education will build a solid foundation to prepare them for their next school setting." —From the school
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Oshawa, ON, Ontario "DMS is a Montessori school servicing children at the early childhood level. DMS offers authentic Montessori programming with the Montessori pedagogy at the core of the children's day." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario King Road/North Service Road "BCA provides a transformative JK-8 education, blending Christian faith, values, and academic excellence. Our nurturing environment, diverse programs, and dedicated faculty inspire each student’s passion and potential." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge St/Sheppard Ave "Ontario Virtual School is an Ontario Ministry-inspected credit-granting institution offering Grades 6-12 courses in an interactive online format. Students can start anytime with 24/7 access." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Breadalbane St/St Luke Ln "The YMCA Academy is an alternative school for students in grades 6 to 12 with learning disabilities and learning style differences, offering individualized Special Education support." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario "Our mission is to provide students with the support they deserve to enable them to reach their full academic potential. This solid foundation equips students to confidently pursue their desired post-secondary paths." —From the school
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Foothills, Alberta Range Road 12/306 Ave W "Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School is an independent, private coeducational, continuum IB (primary, middle, and diploma programme) day school for Kindergarten - Grade 12, located just outside of Calgary, AB." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Yonge/St. Clair "At The Linden School, we empower students to lead, think critically, and thrive in an inclusive, progressive environment. Our innovative approach to education promotes student voice, well-being, and academic excellence." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Denison/Warden "Our curriculum are designed to build essential skills and concepts that help with the cognitive, social, creative, emotional, and physical development of your child with the aim to be a successful learner for life!" —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Lakeshore road/Southdown road "Rooted in Christian values, Meadow Green Christian Academy combines academic rigor, personal attention, and a safe, nurturing environment to empower each student’s unique potential." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bloor St. W/Spadina Ave. "UTS is a hub where the boldest and brightest young minds come together. Rigorous academics are complemented by vibrant co-curriculars including clubs, committees, publications, athletics, and performance groups." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Tomken Rd./Eglinton Ave. E "Northstar Montessori offers an accredited Montessori curriculum from Toddler age to Grade 8. Our goal is to develop strong character and contributing citizens who understand that their involvement makes a difference." —From the school
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Kitchener, Ontario "Incorporating academic excellence, service and peace-making, Rockway is a diverse learning community of students in Grades 7 to 12 including a dynamic international student exchange program." —From the school
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Bayfield, Ontario "After 20+ years of teaching courses online, VHS is unrivaled in experience, credibility, and expertise. Our student-centred model provides a world-class educational experience for thousands of Ontario students each year." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Queen Street East/Glen Manor Drive "Our objective is to guide children with respect and understanding, developing in them a love of learning. Our aim is to create a nurturing environment full of intellectual, social and moral learning and development." —From the school
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Kitchener, Ontario "Scholars' Hall is a family-focused school that uses traditional teaching methods combined with a fully integrated Leadership program to raise strong, capable, independent, and intelligent young adults." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Erin Mills Parkway/Turner Valley Road "Oakwood is a distinguished private school in Mississauga specializing in special needs education, featuring programs rooted in the innovative Developmental, Individual Differences, Relationship-Based (DIR®)." —From the school
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North Vancouver, British Columbia Wellington Dr/Fromme Rd "Cousteau School offers a bilingual French-English education with a dual curriculum: the French Ministry of Education program and the BC curriculum, fostering academic excellence and global citizenship." —From the school
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Victoria, British Columbia "Brookes Westshore is an IB World School on Vancouver Island, BC, offering small class sizes, engaging teachers and a caring community to boarding and day students from grades 4 to 12." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario University Ave./Dundas street "Cornerstone students love to shape the future. They INSPIRE learning, DISCOVER their potential, EMPOWER themselves to be innovative citizens. Our boundless learning strategies open doors for successful learning." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Lakeshore Rd/Brant St "Blyth Academy Burlington, located in Village Square in the heart of downtown Burlington, offers not only our outstanding Grades 9–12 program but also a middle years program and facilities for students in Grades 5–8." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta "We offer a specialized, student-paced program for children with diverse learning needs, so that they can thrive! With ample academic support and an inclusive school culture, you can Become Your Best!" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Queen/Silver Birch "The Cole Academy welcomes students of all genders and orientations and their families. Using stories of under-represented communities, TCA prepares students socially, emotionally, and academically for future schooling." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Hurontario/Queensway "TEAM School offers programs from Grades 1 to 8 in Mississauga. Its average class size is 5 to 9 students." —From the school
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Burlington, Ontario Walkers Line/Fairview Street "Fairview Glen Montessori offers academically stimulating education for children 18 mo.-14 yrs. Our collaborative and supportive community, also specializes in French, Music, Visual Arts and Phys-Ed programs." —From the school
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Oakville, Ontario Ford Drive/Royal Windsor Drive "We believe every child can learn when presented with an environment and instructional practices that meet their needs. Our mission is to facilitate academic success and social emotional well-being for every student." —From the school
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Rigaud, Quebec Rue Saint-Pierre/Rue Bourget "Collège Bourget is a day and boarding school located between Montreal and Ottawa. French and English high school programs are offered. Bourget aims to foster personal autonomy, academic development, and perseverance." —From the school
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Nepean, Ontario "R.I.S.E. Academy empowers youth with personalized, experiential learning rooted in equity and the UN SDGs.We focus on inquiry-based, culturally relevant education that fosters creativity, leadership, and community impact" —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Don Mills Rd/York Mills Rd "Building on internationally acclaimed preschool reading success, SLI has grown into a hub for ground-breaking student achievement in literary, scientific, coding, and entrepreneurial achievement across Pre-K - Gr 6." —From the school
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Oshawa, Ontario Wilson Road/Adelaide Ave "At G.B.MS, D.E.P.S and Durham Academy Secondary school focus is on each individual student and helping them meet their unique potential and goals. We believe in excellent customer service and families have a voice. Throughout the year we enhance our programs through program enhancement and enrichment." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bloor St/St. George St "Keystone School offers a globally minded, project-based education in a supportive, close-knit environment—empowering students to think critically, lead confidently, and learn with purpose." —From the school
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Milton, Ontario "At Oxford Learning Academy, our teachers will use the proven scientific approach of Cognitive Development to teach our students new ways of thinking and understanding what they are learning and how they are learning." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario St. Laurent Blvd./Montreal Rd. "Our mission is personalized student academic success in a friendly and caring school community, in which all students are emotionally supported and socially welcome." —From the school
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Kitchener, Ontario "InnovOak is built on surpassing Ontario standards, emphasizing skill-based academic excellence. Our LifeReady program ensures real-world readiness, preparing students for tomorrow using a sensible and innovative approach" —From the school
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Woodbridge, Ontario Kipling/Highway 7 "You belong here! At TDChristian, we celebrate each student’s unique gifts in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. With faith, learning, and belonging at our core, we engage, enfold, and empower every student." —From the school
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Westmount, Quebec The Boulevard/Place Braeside "The Study, founded in 1915, is one of Canada's premier all-girls' schools. Our bilingual mother-tongue program, experiential learning, and small classes help girls become leaders who are driven to make a difference." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Lawrence Ave./Bathurst St. "The Clover School's innovative curriculum combines Montessori essentials with heart-centred learning practices designed to nurture the mind, heart, health, and soul of each child." —From the school
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Rosthern, Saskatchewan "RJC is a Grades 9-12 boarding school accredited by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education. RJC is student and community-focused all while offering excellent academics and exceptional athletic and fine arts programs." —From the school
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Kanata, Ontario Eagleson Road/Stonehaven Drive "For 50 years, Kanata Montessori has offered excellent learning environments for students to grow emotionally, socially and academically into a positive global citizen." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Baseline Rd./Woodroffe Ave. "Bishop Hamilton Montessori School, a not-for-profit independent school in Ottawa, provides an authentic Christian Montessori approach for children 3 months to 14 years." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Dundas St. W/Erin Mills Pkwy "We will do whatever it takes to ensure every student has success. With our flexible support and guidance, our students overcome their challenges. They develop the confidence to make mistakes – and learn from them." —From the school
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St. Catharines, Ontario Ontario St./Welland Ave. "Heuristic & autodidactic, inspired by Sudbury & democratic models. Students are self-directed, and holistically empowered. Voluntary attendance, year-round calendar, agency, & consent inspire free learning. Also Forest" —From the school
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North York, Ontario Don Mills Road/York Mills Road "For over a decade, Merit College has been helping thousands of talented students from local communities and around the world reach their full potential and gain admission to top universities." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Bathurst St./St. Clair West "Canada’s only independent, Catholic school for boys in Grades 7-12, taught in the Basilian tradition of forming the mind, body, and soul. Since 1852, we have educated students in goodness, discipline, and knowledge." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Davenport/Dupont "The Mabin School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6 in Toronto. Its average class size is 20 students." —From the school
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Vancouver, British Columbia West Georgia Street/Robson Street "We aim to create the opportunity for students to achieve their learning goals. In collaborative learning spaces, students explore content, ideas and perspectives to better understand the world around them." —From the school
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Markham, Ontario Brimley Road/14th Ave "Founded in 1990, Yip's Montessori Program caters to children from 1.5 to 5 years old. Yip's campuses are located in Markham and Unionville." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Wilson Avenue/Avenue Road "At Glen Briar Academy, every student is known, supported, and empowered. We go beyond grades to cultivate lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate, globally-minded leaders with purpose." —From the school
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Mississauga, Ontario Dixie Road/South Service Road "The close-knit community at Star delivers on Learn to Love to Learn™ with passionate, talented educators beginning at Kindergarten. Our Five Pillars of Child Development guide learning experiences at all grade levels." —From the school
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Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario "GlenOak Academy offers an educational experience as EXTRAORDINARY as your child! Our innovative, engaging approach to teaching and learning focuses on positive relationships, character development and academic success." —From the school
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Etobicoke, Ontario Bloor/Shaver "Kingsley's small classes and personal approach help students reach their unique potential. Each child is seen, heard, and respected. French, music, and phys-ed round out a program which includes plenty of time outdoors." —From the school
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Toronto, Ontario Danforth/Broadview "Passages is an alternative school that empowers young people to shape their education. Supported by adult mentors, learners follow their interests, contribute to a democratic community and feel engaged in learning again." —From the school
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Calgary, Alberta Highway 1/Stony Trail East "Third Academy is a school with a heart. We are inclusive, supporting students with a variety of disabilities and disorders. Our sliding scale bursary program makes our services accessible to all families." —From the school
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Aurora, Ontario St. John Sideroad/Yonge St. "Aurora Montessori offers an enriched Montessori program for students, Toddler to Grade 8, with an option of an OSSD credit in Grade 9 Math. A unique Mindfulness and Technology program develops key 21st-century skills!" —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Carling Avenue/Broadview Avenue "Edelweiss Private Academy offers elementary education to students with ASD and other exceptionalities, maintaining small teacher to student ratios. We promote strong academic, physical and social-emotional development." —From the school
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Unionville, Ontario Kennedy Road/16th Avenue "UC offers year-ahead advanced programs from pre-school to Grade 10. We blend high standards for academic success with the social and emotional development of the individual child." —From the school
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Cambridge, Ontario Franklin Blvd/Myers Road "OAK BRIDGE ACADEMY is an alternative, not-for-profit school. Our highest priority is to provide financially accessible, highly specialized education to every child with Autism Spectrum Disorder & other neurodiversities." —From the school
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Ottawa, Ontario Donald St/Frances St "Promote academic excellence that stimulates the acquisition of language skills, the development of scientific and artistic competencies as well as the formation of a critical mind, in a multicultural environment." —From the school
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Teaching Children with ASD
The practice of teachers differentiating lesson plans and providing a variety of instructional strategies tailored to the unique needs of the individuals in their classroom is well established in 21st century classrooms. When a student has an identified learning difficulty or diagnosis with a neurological disorder, it is important to continue to view that child as an individual and not label them because of their identification. This is especially important when teaching children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) since all children with ASD have a unique way that the disorder presents itself.
The term ASD is currently used as an umbrella term, encompassing the entire spectrum of disorders including autism, Asperger's Syndrome and PDD (Pervasive Developmental Disorder). Due to the many shared characteristics of these disorders, it is expected that the American Psychiatric Society will update their current definitions of these disorders to fall under the spectrum diagnosis of ASD with the modifiers mild, moderate or severe to classify the presentation of the disorder in each individual.
How is ASD Defined?
ASD is characterized by a combination of significant delays in three specific areas of development: communication, social interaction and behaviour. Children with ASD typically present with delays in all three of these areas, but one area of development may be significantly more delayed than the other two. It is important to note that each child with ASD presents very unique combinations of the typical characteristics. This can make teaching them challenging, since strategies that work for one will not work for another. Therefore, all the more reason to consider each child individually and differentiate learning to accommodate their unique needs.
Currently, children need to display 50 percent or more of the symptoms or characteristics listed in each of the three categories to be diagnosed with autism. Asperger's Syndrome is typically more common than autism, and does not usually present with the same language based delays as autism. Children with Asperger's are more likely to have difficulty with social interactions, social cues and moderating their own behaviour. A more detailed listing of specific symptoms and early warning signs can be found at the following websites:
- MayoClinicreferencedocumentfor"Autism"
- MayoClinicreferencedocumentfor"Asperger'ssyndrome"
- AutismWeb-descriptionsofASDsandstrategiesforparentsandteachers
The responsibility of teachers who have the challenge of individualizing education for children with ASD is primarily to learn as much as they can about that child's unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as to research a variety of strategies that are usually successful in teaching students with ASD. They then build a repertoire of resources to call upon when the current strategy stops producing results.
Key strategies for teachers with students on any part of the ASD spectrum, include (but are not limited to!) the following:
- Provide a highly structured environment with predictable routines;
- Post schedules, using graphic representations and colour coding as much as possible;
- Model appropriate behaviour and ask students to copy modelled language;
- Model appropriate social interactions;
- Integrate students with ASD into whole-class and small-group activities as much as possible to expose them to "normal" social interactions and behaviours;
- Work with parents and other support workers to develop consistent strategies.
Series: Trends in Education
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- Experiential Learning: How 'learning by doing' is making a comeback
- Homework wars: how much homework is enough?
- Ten reasons children should read comic books
- Project-based learning in schools
- The problem with discovery-based math
- Are technological devices stunting the learning curve?
- Guest post by Michael Zwaagstra: What's wrong with our schools