What schools should do
Schools have a duty to support autistic pupils and make reasonable adjustments, so a child can learn and take part alongside their peers.
Adjustments that help
- Predictable routines and clear, literal communication
- A calm space to regulate when things get too much
- Warning before changes and transitions
- Support with social times, not just lessons
When to ask for more
If SEN support is not meeting your child’s needs, you can request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.
Working together
Share what works at home, agree a plan with the school, and review it often. You know your child best.
The hardest part is rarely the rules. It is the jargon, the deadlines, and feeling alone against a system that does this every day while you are doing it for the first time.
We build AI that walks alongside families through exactly this: explaining the letters, suggesting what to ask for and when, and helping you put it in writing clearly.
See what we build for people →This guide is general information to help you understand the process. It is not legal advice and does not replace a qualified adviser or your local authority’s official guidance. Rules and timescales can change, so always check the current position for your area.
Common questions
What must a school do for an autistic child?
Schools have a duty to make reasonable adjustments so an autistic pupil can learn and take part alongside their peers, whether or not there is an EHCP in place.
What adjustments help autistic pupils?
Predictable routines, clear and literal communication, warning before changes, a calm space to regulate, and support during unstructured times like break and lunch.
Do we need an EHCP for autism?
Not always. Many children are well supported through SEN support. If that is not meeting needs, you can request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment.
How can I work well with the school?
Share what works at home, agree a written plan, and review it often. You know your child best, and that insight is genuinely useful to staff.