Autism

The Jim Jiwani Autism Academy is the first school of its kind to open in western Canada. Regular schools and classrooms don't work for many children with severe autism. Jim Jiwani, Dealer Principal of the Prestige Auto Group donated the former Mayfield Toyota property to be transformed into a specialized school for children with severe autism.

Although the academy receives some provincial funding, tuition is still $9,500 a year. To help pay the tuition, some families have received scholarships and some school boards have funded students attending the school in cases where the school division isn’t able to meet the student’s needs.

The number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has risen in recent decades which means increased challenges for parent and the education system. Education is costly and more specialized education becomes even more costly. The Jim Jiwani Autism Academy is a specialized education model and it remains to be seen whether it can be replicated.

The number of children on the autism spectrum is growing and to address their needs a school for autistic chidren, K-Grade 6 will open next year. The Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton will run the independent school which hopes to eventually accommodate up to 200 families. For information about enrollment or supporting their work contact the Children’s Autism Services of Edmonton.