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How do I write an individual learning plan for an autistic student?

What goes into a good plan, how to write goals and adjustments, and how to keep families involved.

By The Autism Kit teamUpdated Sep 27, 2026 · 1 min read
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The short answer

An individual learning plan (ILP) sets out a student's strengths, priority goals, the adjustments and supports that help, who does what, and when the plan will be reviewed. For autistic students, strong plans are built with the student and family, focus on a few meaningful goals, and name specific supports like visual timetables, breaks and communication tools.

Key takeaways
  • Start with strengths and what matters to the student and family.
  • Choose a few meaningful goals each term.
  • Name specific adjustments and who does what.
  • Review regularly with the family.

What goes into a good plan?

Parts of an individual learning plan
SectionWhat to include
About the studentStrengths, interests, how they communicate, what helps
Priority goalsTwo to four clear, measurable goals for the term
AdjustmentsVisual timetable, breaks, seating, extra time, sensory supports
Who does whatTeacher, teacher aide, family, therapists
ReviewWhen and how progress will be checked

How do I write goals?

Make each goal specific and observable: "Using a visual timetable, Sam will move between classroom activities within two minutes in 4 out of 5 transitions by the end of term."

Good goals often focus on communication, independence in routines, participation and wellbeing, and they should matter to the student and family.3

How do I involve the student and family?

Schools must consult students and families about adjustments.12 In practice:

  • Ask families what works at home
  • Ask the student what helps them, in their own way
  • Share a short draft before the meeting
  • Agree how you'll keep in touch

What makes plans work in practice?

Try
  • Adjustments everyone can see and use daily
  • Sharing the plan with relief teachers and aides
  • Short progress notes each week
Skip
  • Long plans nobody reads
  • Goals copied from another student
  • Reviewing only at the end of the year
Free printable: one-page pupil profilePDF · 1 page · strengths, needs and what helps, in the pupil's words
Download Free printable: one-page pupil profile

What can I do this week?

0 of 3 done

Common questions

They're similar ideas with different names. Australian states and schools use terms like individual learning plan, individual education plan or personalised learning plan. In the US, an IEP is a specific legal document.

Sources

  1. Australian Government Department of Education: Disability Standards for Education 2005. education.gov.au
  2. inclusionED: The Disability Standards for Education II, making reasonable adjustments. inclusioned.edu.au
  3. Autism CRC: Supporting autistic children national guideline. autismcrc.com.au

This guide shares general information and our team's perspective, based on the sources above. Rules and services differ by country, region and school, so always check your local guidance and your organisation's policies. How we write our guides.

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