Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be both rewarding and challenging. Because every child with autism is unique and has varying capabilities, many families struggle to provide the intensive support and specialized education their child needs. Overburdened school systems provide what support they can, but limited resources often limit what help is available.

Autism spectrum disorder is currently classified into three levels of severity. Level 2 is classified as requiring substantial support, while level 3 is classified as requiring very substantial support. Providing the required level of support can drain caregivers and families. Parents and siblings often feel overwhelmed and looking for outside resources and assistance.

Therapeutic boarding schools are an often-overlooked resource that can provide the necessary resources the family and school district struggle to provide. Let’s explore how these specialized institutions can make a significant difference in the lives of autistic students and their loved ones.

Understanding Therapeutic Boarding Schools

Therapeutic boarding schools are residential educational facilities that provide a supportive, structured environment for students with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum. These schools combine academic instruction with therapeutic interventions, social skills training, and round-the-clock support to help students thrive.

One of the primary benefits of therapeutic boarding schools is the relief they offer to families who may be overwhelmed by the demands of caring for a child with autism. Many parents find themselves exhausted from providing constant supervision, managing behavioral challenges, and coordinating various therapies and educational interventions.

By enrolling their child in a therapeutic boarding school, families can:

Reduce stress and burnout

Parents and siblings can alleviate the intense daily caregiving responsibilities, allowing them to recharge and focus on their own well-being with the assurance their child’s needs are being fully taken care of.

Improve family dynamics

With reduced stress levels, families often find that relationships between parents and siblings improve, creating a more harmonious home environment for everyone.

Access professional support

Therapeutic boarding schools have teams of experts who can provide guidance and support both to the student and to their families. This support and guidance helps families navigate the challenges of autism more effectively.

Enhancing Educational Progress

Therapeutic boarding schools are specifically designed to meet the unique learning needs of students with autism, providing a better-suited environment than is typically found in regular school settings. Therapeutic boarding schools offer several advantages over traditional school settings for students with autism:

  • Specialized curriculum: Lessons are tailored to accommodate different learning styles and abilities, ensuring that each student can progress at their own pace.
  • Low student-to-teacher ratios: Smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention and support, helping students stay engaged and motivated.
  • Integrated therapies: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and other interventions are included as part of the student’s typical day.
  • Consistency and structure: The predictable routines and clear expectations in a boarding school environment can help reduce anxiety and promote learning for students with autism.

Making the Decision

While the decision to send a child with autism to a therapeutic boarding school can be difficult, many families find that it ultimately leads to positive outcomes for both the child and the family unit. Here are some factors to consider:

Your child’s specific needs

Evaluate whether your child requires more intensive support than can be provided at home or in a local school setting.

Family dynamics

Consider how the current situation is affecting other family members and whether a change could benefit everyone involved.

Peer interactions

Students with autism often feel alone, with few peers they can relate to. At a therapeutic boarding school, many more opportunities exist for meeting and connecting with other students dealing with similar issues.

Long-term goals

Consider your child’s future and whether a therapeutic boarding school could help them achieve greater independence and success which will serve them better long-term.

Financial considerations

While boarding schools for autism can be expensive, many offer financial aid or accept insurance, making them more financially accessible. At Telos, for example, we accept many major insurance plans and work directly with families to ensure they receive the maximum entitled benefit.

Best Boarding Schools for Autism

Therapeutic boarding schools offer compelling benefits for families struggling to meet the complex needs of a child with autism. By providing a supportive, structured environment with round-the-clock care and specialized educational approaches, these institutions can help autistic students make significant progress in their academic, social, and personal development.

For many families, the decision to enroll their child in a therapeutic boarding school leads to positive outcomes for everyone involved. Parents and siblings experience reduced stress and improved family dynamics, while the child with autism gains access to intensive support and resources that can help them reach their full potential.

Telos Academy offers hope to parents and their teens, providing the skills, structure, and support needed to lead a productive life despite the challenges of autism.

Learn more about the programs offered at Telos Academy today.