Preschool Options for Autistic Children

Many families learn about a child's autism diagnosis when they enter preschool. Up until then, their autistic kid may have seemed quiet, quirky, or sensitive—just a little different. In preschool, though, other issues emerge.

The autistic child may have a tougher time than neurotypical peers with new schedules, social engagement, pretend play, and language use. Preschool teachers hold different expectations than parents or guardians do about their child's differences. In discussing a child's progress, a teacher may even suggest removing the child from school even as you process this new information.

This article presents four options for managing preschool concerns with autistic kids. It'll help you know how to respond to concerns that "we don't have the right facilities to help them" or "it's unfair to the other children."

Mom reads and points to a picture in a book
Roetting / Pollex / LOOK-foto / Getty Images

Four Options for Coping With Preschool

Now what? The good news is that state agencies and school districts in the United States are required to offer services to autistic children. If your child is a 3-year-old or younger, they are entitled to early intervention services, which generally include several types of therapy.

If the child in your care is over age 3, they're old enough to qualify for an individualized educational program (IEP) that's tailored to their needs. You can take advantage of these entitlements no matter which of these four options you select.

Typical Schools


Some families with autistic children send their children to typical preschools with (or without) one-on-one support. Depending on the child, the preschool, and the type of 1:1 support available to the family through public or private sources, this can work out very well.

Of course, if a preschool has already expressed concerns about your autistic child's ability to handle their program, you may need to do some serious searching for a more accepting, supportive setting.

Home and Homeschooling

Many families opt to keep their autistic children at home until it's time for kindergarten. Those families often make use of public and private therapeutic options. This can be a good choice under certain circumstances, though it can be financially and personally overwhelming to some families.

Parents who opt to "homeschool" their preschoolers may also find it tougher to integrate into neurotypical programs (like Mommy and Me groups) which are great for most preschoolers but may be very challenging for preschoolers with sensory or communication difficulties.

Early Intervention Programs

Every state in the U.S. requires school districts to provide free early intervention programs to autistic kids. Depending upon the quality of the program, this may be a good choice.

You'll want to investigate this option carefully to be sure you're comfortable with the therapeutic style and training available; connecting with other local parents or guardians of autistic children may be a great way to get an insider's perspective.

Private Schools

In many areas, private preschools are springing up to offer programs for autistic kids. These schools can be pricey, but they may also offer high-quality programs. Be sure the teaching and therapeutic philosophy of the school aligns with your own and will serve your child's needs.

Which of these options is right for your family? Sometimes, the answer is obvious: parents or guardians must work, there are no private preschools around, and the local typical preschool won't take the child in your care. Public special education preschool is the only viable choice.

Often, though, the answer isn't nearly as clear-cut, so be sure to explore all of your options.

3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Early intervention.

  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Concerned about your child’s development?

  3. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. About IDEA.

Lisa Jo Rudy

By Lisa Jo Rudy
Lisa Jo Rudy, MDiv, is a writer, advocate, author, and consultant specializing in the field of autism.