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My autistic child refuses to go to school. What do I do?

Start by listening to your child in the way your child communicates. Ask what feels difficult and what might help. Talk with the school about safety and supports, and contact your child's doctor if health or anxiety concerns you.

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What usually causes school refusal in an autistic child?

School can feel difficult for many reasons, including noise, bullying, changes, anxiety, unmet communication needs or pain. Ask your child and the school what they notice. You do not have to guess one cause.

What should I do this week?

Ask your child what feels hard and take the answer seriously. Talk with the teacher or support coordinator about what they have observed. If there is bullying or a safety concern, ask for a concrete safety plan. Keep notes of what you ask and agree on.

How do I ask for an IEP or 504 meeting?

In the US, you can ask the school to review an IEP or 504 plan. If the school refuses a parent's request to reconvene an IEP team, the Department of Education says it must provide written notice explaining the refusal. If your child does not have a plan, ask in writing how to request an evaluation. Outside the US, ask the school how to review supports.

How do I rebuild the morning and the school day?

If your child finds it helpful, draw two or three morning steps together and allow time for changes. Ask about breaks, a trusted person and changes to the environment. If a shorter school day is considered, ask the team to review your child's educational needs and services; it is not the only option.

When should I call the pediatrician or a mental health clinician?

Talk with your child's doctor if you are concerned about pain, sleep, eating, anxiety or another change. If your child talks about self-harm or not wanting to live, seek help immediately; in the US, call or text 988. If there is immediate danger, call your local emergency number.

Try a visual routine together

For example, draw: get dressed → breakfast → leave, then adjust it together. You can draw the steps on paper or use the free visual schedule maker. The maker asks for contact details before it opens; your paper version stays free.

For the methods behind a routine, Journey to Independence: ABA for Parents includes 27 recorded sessions and downloadable slides. A seven-day free trial is available; previous trials of included material may affect eligibility. If you choose to buy, access is for 12 months in one payment; see the current price on the course page. See the course and trial.

Already started a trial or bought the course? Try signing in with the email you used, then return to the course list link. If you cannot find your lessons, contact us. For help, email info@special-learning.com.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics. US Department of Education: IEP meetings. This page is general information; ask a professional about your child's situation.

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Other store resources: Getting Ready for School Boy Visual Schedule · Getting Ready for School Girl Visual Schedule. See each product page for current details.

Next: Iep vs 504 plan for a child with autism

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Last updated November 3, 2026.

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