Choosing a school for a child with autism or special needs is a big decision. These questions help you find a place where your child will learn, feel safe and grow.
For a child with autism or other special needs, the right school can change everything: how they learn, how they feel about themselves and how ready they become for life. In Dhaka there are mainstream schools, special schools and therapy centres with education programmes. Here is how to compare them.
Start with your child’s needs
Before visiting schools, be clear about what your child needs right now: help with communication, behaviour, attention, sensory needs, early literacy and numbers, or daily living skills. A recent developmental assessment gives you a clear picture and helps you ask the right questions.
Questions to ask every school
1. Does every child have an individual plan?
Ask to see how goals are set and how progress is measured and shared with parents. A good school adapts lessons to the child, not the other way round.
2. How many children per teacher?
Children with special needs usually learn best in very small groups or one-to-one, especially at the start.
3. Are teachers trained in special education?
Ask about training in autism, behaviour support and visual teaching methods, and whether therapists support the teachers.
4. Is therapy part of the day?
Many children need speech therapy, occupational therapy or ABA alongside learning. Having teachers and therapists under one roof saves travel and keeps everyone working on the same goals.
5. How do they handle difficult behaviour?
Look for calm, positive approaches that try to understand why a behaviour happens, never punishment or shouting.
6. Is the environment calm and safe?
Check noise levels, lighting, a quiet space for breaks, safe outdoor areas and how staff speak to the children.
7. What is the plan for the future?
Ask whether the school helps children move to a mainstream class when they are ready, and how they prepare older children for daily life.
When 1:1 schooling helps
One-to-one schooling suits children who are not yet ready for a classroom: those who need help with attention, communication or behaviour first, or who are preparing to start or return to school. At Wonder Kids, our 1:1 schooling follows each child’s plan, and group programs help children practise learning and social skills with peers.
Visit before you decide
Visit at least two or three places, ideally with your child. Watch how staff greet your child and how the children seem. Trust what you see. Our guide on choosing the best autism centre in Dhaka has more questions to ask.
To visit Wonder Kids Development Center in Sector 5, Uttara, book an appointment and our team will call you.
Have questions about your child?
Our team is happy to talk with you and help you plan the next steps.
