School-Based Support for Children with Autism in Adelaide
Helping children thrive at school — emotionally, socially, and academically.
School can be overwhelming for children with autism. Busy classrooms, changing routines, social expectations, and sensory demands can make learning harder than it needs to be.
At Assist Developmental Therapy, we provide school-based developmental support that fits naturally into your child’s day — working alongside families, teachers, and schools to support regulation, confidence, and participation.
Talk with our team about school-based support
What Is School-Based Developmental Support?
School-based support focuses on helping children access learning, not just cope with school.
Our Developmental Educators support children directly within their school environment, helping with:
Emotional regulation during the school day
Social skills and peer interaction
Transitions between tasks or classes
Following routines and expectations
Attention, engagement, and confidence
Coping with sensory or emotional overload
Support is practical, child-led, and strengths-based — not disruptive to learning.
How to get help for your child with autism in Adelaide
How We Work in Schools
We collaborate closely with schools to ensure support is respectful, effective, and aligned.
Our team can work:
In classrooms
During structured learning times
At recess or lunch
During transitions or high-stress periods
We focus on building skills in real time, not removing children from their learning environment unnecessarily.
Who Is School-Based Support For?
School-based support may be helpful if your child:
Becomes overwhelmed or dysregulated at school
Struggles with friendships or social interaction
Has difficulty transitioning or following routines
Avoids school or experiences anxiety around attendance
Needs support to stay engaged in learning
Support can be short-term or ongoing, depending on your child’s needs.
How School-Based Support Fits With NDIS
School-based developmental support is commonly funded through the NDIS under Capacity Building supports.
We can help:
Clarify how school support fits within your child’s plan
Liaise with Support Coordinators if needed
Align support with NDIS goals
Ensure services are delivered appropriately and ethically
If you’re unsure what your plan allows, we’re happy to talk it through.
Developmental Educators vs Other School Supports
Developmental Educators focus on the foundations that allow learning to happen:
Regulation
Social connection
Independence
Emotional resilience
We often work alongside teachers, SSOs, OTs, and Speech Pathologists, supporting children day-to-day while specialist therapies target specific goals.
Getting Started With School-Based Support
Getting started is simple:
Have a quick chat with our team
We learn about your child, school, and goals
We liaise with the school (with your consent)
Support begins in a way that feels calm and respectful
Not sure if school-based support is the right fit?
We’d love to help you figure that out.