Monash Special Developmental School provides exemplary individualised programs to students with a diagnosed intellectual disability and/or multiple disabilities including autism spectrum disorder for students aged 2.8 to 18 years old.  Your child must be eligible for funding through the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD).

Monash SDS is a leader and innovator in educational services for students with intellectual disabilities and/or multiple disabilities including ASD.  As a school we have grown and evolved to meet the ever changing needs and challenges of our students.  Experienced special education teachers deliver high quality programs to promote learning and development in the key areas of communication, social skills, personal independence and academic instruction. We work with each family to identify the needs of each child and integrate these goals into individually tailored learning programs that are linked to the Victorian Curriculum.  Our students are provided with rich social and learning opportunities in a specialist school environment where they are able to learn at their own pace and achieve their full potential.

Monash SDS provides individualised student-focused programming using research and evidence based programs.  Monash SDS is an amaze accredited school in recognition of our excellence in teaching students with ASD.  We provide a comprehensive educational approach for preschool and school-age children and their families, incorporating naturalistic, structured and behavioural intervention strategies to promote engagement and learning.  Using our effective individualised programs, we apply a positive behaviour support model focused on the development of social skills and lifelong strategies for success.  Lindy Abernethy (Principal) and Sandra Battisti (Assistant Principal) are behaviour specialists and head the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) team.  As a SWPBS accredited school, we work alongside external consultants in the field, providing evidence based interventions to students reducing behaviours of concern and increasing independence.  We work closely with families to ensure a consistent approach across school and home.

Our Programs

• Small group classes with specialised teachers and experienced teacher assistants.
• Evidence based educational programs including Structured Teaching, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and School Wide Positive Behaviour Support.
• Individualised behaviour support and intervention.
• Student Support Group (SSG) meetings to determine individual learning goals plus ongoing support and consultation.
• Programs implemented with the support and advice of the Monash SDS allied health professionals (speech pathology, physiotherapy, social work, occupational therapy and school nurses).
• Classrooms are equipped with interactive TV’s, iPads and other instructional technologies.
• A rich curriculum supplemented by art education, music education, physical education and swimming program using our on-site purpose built hydrotherapy pool.
• Camps, excursions and community based programs.