Autism and Education

Every autistic child and young person deserves an education that supports their unique strengths, needs, and potential.

Autistic children may need extra help in school. In Northern Ireland, there are systems in place to make sure they get the support they need to learn and thrive.

Within schools, specific help can be provided to children who have been identified as having special educational needs. An issue can be raised by a parent or the school if they have any concerns about the child’s development. It is then a case of establishing what needs the child has, and how these can be addressed and monitored.

: Schools can offer different types of support depending on a child’s needs. This might include:
A classroom assistant
Speech and language therapy
Visual supports or quiet spaces
Extra time for tasks or exams
Support can be given in a mainstream school or a special school, depending on what’s best for the child.
: The Code of Practice is a guide for schools and the Education Authority. It explains how to:
Spot when a child needs extra help
Assess their needs
Plan and review support
It helps make sure children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are treated fairly and get the right help.
The EA are currently finalising a new Code of Practice which will replace the 1998 Code. This provides guidelines for all schools to follow when providing support to children with SEN.
: An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is also sometimes called a Personal Development Plan (PDP). It is a short plan made by the school. It sets out:
What the child needs help with
What support will be given
Goals to work towards
IEPs are reviewed regularly with parents and teachers.
: If a child needs a lot of support, they may get a Statement of Special Educational Needs. This is a legal document that:
Describes the child’s needs
Lists the support they must receive
Is reviewed every year
Statements are created by the Education Authority after a full assessment.
: A SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) is a teacher in the school who:
Helps identify children with SEN
Organises support
Works with parents and other professionals
They are the main contact for families needing help with SEN. They may also be called a Learning Support Co-Ordinator (LSC).
: If parents don’t agree with decisions about their child’s support, they can:
Talk to the school or SENCO
Contact the Education Authority
Ask for mediation
Appeal to a Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal
The tribunal is an independent panel that can look at the case and make a decision.
For more information about the stages within the code of practice, including information about Individualised education plans (IEP’s), Statements and education tribunals, you can download our factsheet or contact our Helpline.

Further Support