Creating Inclusive Childcare: Turning Barriers into Opportunities for Neurodivergent Children
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At Autism Inclusive, we believe that every child deserves to be welcomed, understood, and supported in their early learning journey. Yet, time and again, we continue to hear stories from families of neurodivergent children—particularly those with autism—who are being met with closed doors when seeking access to local childcare.
Just recently, a mother of a four-year-old autistic boy shared her heartbreaking experience with me. With transparency and courage, she visited three different childcare centres, openly discussing her son’s needs and strengths. In each case, she was encouraged to proceed: filling out paperwork, touring the centre, even attending a trial day. But just days before the agreed start date, each centre informed her that they suddenly had “no vacancies.” This happened not once—but three times—across four months.
This is more than disappointing. It’s deeply unjust. Families navigating the complexities of supporting a neurodivergent child already carry an enormous emotional and practical load. For many, access to childcare is critical—not just for the child’s development, but for the family’s livelihood, stability, and wellbeing. These rejections don’t just delay participation in early learning—they dismantle hope, erode trust, and reinforce stigma.
We must do better.
Our communities should not be rejecting families. We should be wrapping around them—with understanding, with support, and with practical, inclusive pathways. Fortunately, I also work alongside many exceptional childcare providers who are doing just that.
These services aren’t just ‘tolerating’ diversity—they’re embracing it. They are proactively learning, adapting, and leading the way in creating truly inclusive early learning environments for children with disabilities, diagnosed or not. Many of these centres also access available inclusion support funding through the Inclusion Development Fund and Innovative Solutions, enabling them to tailor support for each child. Drawing from my own experience running a specialist long day care for autistic children alongside mainstream programs, I’ve seen firsthand what best practice can look like in action.
Here’s what high-quality, inclusive childcare providers are doing well:
10 Practices of Inclusive Early Learning Centres
Embrace Neurodiversity as a Strength
Inclusion is embedded in their culture. All staff—educators, leaders, and support workers—approach neurodivergence with curiosity, positivity, and commitment.
Access and Utilise Funding Proactively
They engage with the Inclusion Support Programme and Innovative Solutions funding to increase staff capacity and access professional guidance.
Identify Early Signs and Build Strong Pathways
They recognise early indicators of developmental differences and actively guide families to local diagnostic and therapy services with empathy and discretion.
Walk Alongside Families
They understand that the early years are a time of both vulnerability and growth for families, and they offer encouragement, connection, and ongoing communication.
Observe, Follow, and Learn From the Child
Programs are tailored to each child’s strengths, interests, and sensory profile—placing the child at the centre of planning.
Develop Individualised ‘About Me’ Profiles
These profiles ensure that all educators, across rooms and age groups, know how to support the child consistently and respectfully.
Implement Visual Supports and Predictable Routines
By embedding visual schedules, choice boards, and transitions, centres create environments where children feel safe, confident, and in control.
Support Sensory Processing Needs
Inclusive centres provide sensory-safe environments, flexible routines, and access to sensory tools personalised to each child’s needs.
Partner with Families to Celebrate Progress
Clear, respectful communication channels with families ensure that small wins and big milestones are shared, celebrated, and built upon.
Act Quickly to Secure Resources
They apply for additional support funding early, ensuring resources and staffing are available from the child’s very first day.
Inclusion is Not Optional—It’s Foundational
We are no longer in a time where inclusion can be treated as an optional extra. Access to early learning is a critical determinant in the developmental trajectory of neurodivergent children. The early years—particularly in childcare settings—are when children begin to understand themselves in the context of others. It is also where families begin to engage more deeply with their communities.
A supportive, inclusive childcare environment does more than meet a family’s logistical needs—it shapes a child’s self-worth, their communication, their sense of belonging, and their future participation in society.
We Must See the Opportunities, Not the Barriers
And here’s what I know from working with the centres that are getting it right: they don’t see barriers—they see possibilities. They see the chance to grow as educators. They see the chance to enrich their classrooms. Most importantly, they see the incredible children in front of them—not a diagnosis, not a label, but a child with strengths, needs, and limitless potential.
To all the educators and childcare professionals who are doing the work: thank you. And to the families who continue to fight for their child’s right to belong—you are not alone. At Autism Inclusive, we are walking beside you.
