# What adjustments must schools make under the Disability Standards for Education?

> What the Standards require, what consultation means, examples of adjustments for autistic students, and the 2025 review.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/disability-standards-for-education
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-27

**Short answer:** The Disability Standards for Education 2005 explain schools' obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act. Schools must make reasonable adjustments so students with disability, including autistic students, can take part in education on the same basis as other students, and must consult the student and their family. Adjustments for autistic students often include visual timetables, predictable routines, breaks and sensory changes.

**Key takeaways**
- The Standards explain obligations under the **Disability Discrimination Act**.
- Schools must make **reasonable adjustments** so students can take part **on the same basis** as others.
- Schools must **consult** students and families.
- The Standards are **reviewed every 5 years**, including a **2025 review**.

## What do the Standards require?

The Disability Standards for Education 2005 clarify the obligations of education providers under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. They aim to ensure students with disability can access and participate in education on the same basis as students without disability.[1][2]

## What is a reasonable adjustment?

An adjustment is a measure or action that helps a student with disability take part in education. It's "reasonable" when it balances the interests of everyone affected, including the student.[3]

## What do adjustments look like for autistic students?

| Area | Examples |
| --- | --- |
| Predictability | Visual timetable, warnings before changes, social narratives for new events |
| Communication | Visual instructions, extra processing time, alternative ways to answer |
| Sensory | Headphones, a quiet space, seating away from noise |
| Participation | Planned breaks, adjusted group work, choice of activities |
| Assessment | Extra time, a separate room, clear written instructions |

## What does consultation involve?

Schools must consult the student and their family about adjustments, before making them and regularly after that.[3] Good consultation is two-way: families share what works at home, and the school explains what it can do.

**Write it down together.** A short, shared plan or pupil profile, reviewed each term, makes consultation practical and keeps everyone consistent.

**Adjustments and the NCCD.** Adjustments schools make are also counted in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data. See [What is the
  NCCD?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/nccd-levels-of-adjustment)

Free printable: [Free printable: classroom pack](https://theautismkit.com/printables/classroom-pack.pdf)

## What can I do this week?

- [ ] Meet with the family to discuss what helps
- [ ] Agree two or three adjustments to try
- [ ] Set a date to review them together

Read next: [How do I write an individual learning plan for an autistic student?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/individual-learning-plan-autism)

## Common questions

### Does a student need a diagnosis for adjustments?

Schools should respond to a student's needs. Many adjustments can be made based on what teachers and families observe, without waiting for a formal diagnosis.

### What does consultation mean?

Talking with the student and their family about their needs and the adjustments, at enrolment and regularly after that, and taking their views into account.

### Are the Standards changing?

The Standards are reviewed every 5 years. A 2025 review has been underway; check the Department of Education's page for outcomes.

## Sources

1. Australian Government Department of Education: Disability Standards for Education 2005. https://www.education.gov.au/disability-standards-education-2005
2. Federal Register of Legislation: Disability Standards for Education 2005. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2005L00767
3. inclusionED: The Disability Standards for Education II, making reasonable adjustments. https://www.inclusioned.edu.au/practices/disability-standards-adjustments

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.