Top 10 Autism Schools In Johannesburg And Fees (2026)
Johannesburg is home to several specialised autism schools and support centres that provide tailored education for learners on the autism spectrum. These institutions focus on individualised learning, speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavioural support, and life skills development to help children achieve independence and academic growth.
Below is a refined list of the Top 10 Autism Schools in Johannesburg and their estimated fees.
Top 10 Autism Schools In Johannesburg And Fees
1. Johannesburg School for Autism (JSA)
Johannesburg School for Autism is one of the most well-known government-supported autism schools in Gauteng. It caters for learners from early childhood through to young adulthood, typically aged 3 to 21 years.
The school focuses on structured learning programmes designed around each learner’s developmental needs rather than age. Learners receive support in communication, behaviour regulation, social interaction, and daily living skills.
Therapists, psychologists, and special needs educators work together to create individualised education plans for each child. The school is highly regarded for its strong emphasis on life skills training and independence preparation.
Estimated Fees: Low (government-subsidised, depending on placement and assessment category)
2. Tamarisk Special School for Autism
Tamarisk Special School is a public special needs institution located in Johannesburg South. It is dedicated to supporting learners with autism in a structured, calm, and sensory-friendly environment.
The school provides small class sizes and strong therapeutic intervention, including occupational therapy and speech therapy. Learners are grouped based on ability levels to ensure personalised learning support.
Parents value the school for its consistency and multidisciplinary approach, although placement demand often leads to waiting lists.
Estimated Fees: Low (public school with subsidised education)
3. Amazing K Therapy & Remedial Academy
Amazing K Therapy & Remedial Academy is a private early intervention centre located in Randburg. It focuses on supporting young children with autism and developmental delays through therapy-driven education.
The academy specialises in speech development, behavioural therapy, sensory integration, and early childhood intervention programmes. It is particularly suited for children who require early diagnosis support and structured developmental assistance.
Its approach is highly individualised, allowing children to transition into mainstream or special needs schools depending on progress.
Estimated Fees: Mid to High (private therapy-based tuition)
4. Futura Special School
Futura Special School provides education for learners with autism and intellectual disabilities using adapted academic and vocational curricula.
The school places strong emphasis on functional life skills, independence training, and vocational readiness, especially for older learners preparing for adulthood.
It offers structured programmes designed to help learners develop practical skills for everyday living and potential employment pathways.
Estimated Fees: Approximately R6,600 – R7,700 per year (autism learners)
5. Centre for Autism South Africa (Johannesburg Branch)
This private autism-focused centre provides specialised education and therapy services tailored to individual learning needs.
The school operates on a personalised learning model, where each child receives an Individualised Learning Plan (ILP) supported by therapists and behavioural specialists.
Services include communication development, sensory integration, behavioural support, and structured learning sessions.
Estimated Fees: High (private specialist intervention-based education)
6. Unity College (Chartwell Area, Johannesburg)
Unity College is an inclusive special needs school that accommodates learners with autism, ADHD, and other developmental conditions.
The school maintains small class sizes and offers integrated therapy support, including speech and occupational therapy. It is known for its supportive environment and personalised learning strategies.
Unity College caters to learners from early childhood through high school levels, focusing on both academic and developmental progress.
Estimated Fees: Mid to High (approximately R8,000 – R15,000 per month depending on support level)
7. Johannesburg Hospital School Unit (Autism Support Programme)
This institution provides educational support for children with medical and developmental needs, including autism.
It is designed for learners who require a combination of medical care and educational support, ensuring continuity of learning during treatment or rehabilitation.
The programme integrates therapy services with structured learning to support overall development.
Estimated Fees: Low (government-supported and subsidised)
8. Randburg Clinic School (Special Needs Unit)
Randburg Clinic School provides specialised education for learners with autism and related developmental challenges.
The school focuses on communication development, sensory integration, and structured behavioural support to help learners function more independently.
It is known for its close collaboration between educators, therapists, and parents to ensure consistent progress tracking.
Estimated Fees: Low (publicly subsidised)
9. Centre of Excellence in Autism (Private School)
The Centre of Excellence in Autism is a private institution dedicated to structured autism education and behavioural intervention programmes.
It focuses on helping learners develop communication, social, and behavioural skills through structured teaching methods and sensory-friendly environments.
The school is particularly suited for children who require intensive behavioural support and one-on-one intervention.
Estimated Fees: High (private specialist tuition)
10. Roseway Waldorf School (Inclusive Autism Support)
Roseway Waldorf School is an inclusive educational institution that supports neurodivergent learners, including children with autism.
It follows a Waldorf-inspired curriculum that emphasises creativity, rhythm, emotional development, and hands-on learning.
The school provides a calm, structured environment that supports children who thrive outside traditional academic systems.
Estimated Fees: Mid to High (private school fees depending on grade level)
Comparison Table: Autism Schools in Johannesburg
| School | Type | Key Strength | Estimated Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johannesburg School for Autism | Public | Life skills & structured learning | Low / Subsidised |
| Tamarisk Special School | Public | Sensory-friendly education | Low / Subsidised |
| Amazing K Academy | Private | Early intervention therapy | Mid to High |
| Futura Special School | Public | Vocational training focus | R6,600–R7,700/year |
| Centre for Autism SA | Private | Individualised learning plans | High |
| Unity College | Private | Inclusive education model | Mid to High |
| Johannesburg Hospital School | Public | Medical + education support | Low |
| Randburg Clinic School | Public | Communication development | Low |
| Centre of Excellence in Autism | Private | Behavioural intervention | High |
| Roseway Waldorf School | Private | Holistic learning approach | Mid to High |
Conclusion
Johannesburg offers a diverse range of autism schools, from government-supported institutions to highly specialised private centres. Each school provides different levels of support depending on the child’s needs, from early intervention and therapy-focused programmes to vocational and life skills development.
Parents should consider factors such as therapy availability, class size, curriculum type, and fees when choosing the right school. Early intervention and the right learning environment play a critical role in improving long-term outcomes for children on the autism spectrum.