PALS Autism Society (School Program)

About

PALS Autism School is located at 101 Third Street, New Westminster, BC V3L 2P9. PALS Autism Society is a specialized elementary and secondary school in British Columbia for children and adolescents with autism, designated by the Ministry of Education as a special education school. The school provides year-round schooling and programming using scientifically validated instruction based on the principles of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA), with low instructor-to-student ratios matched to student needs. PALS emphasizes a warm, caring, and safe environment that supports students’ communication, social, academic, and life/independence skills.

At a Glance

School type: Independent School (New Westminster)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: N/A

Phone: 604 251-7257

Email: rebecca@palsautismschool.ca

Principal: Rebecca Tayler

Programs and Services

Student support / special education PALS is designated by the Ministry of Education as a special education school and offers individualized education programming for students aged 5–18 with autism and other pervasive developmental disabilities. The program is based on Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and focuses on building communication and language, social, academic, and life/independence skills. The school provides low instructor-to-student ratios (including 1:1 and small-group formats) depending on student needs. Before- and after-school care PALS is accompanied by a licensed before- and after-school care program. Summer / year-round programming PALS provides schooling and programming year-round, and also describes offering a specialized summer program designed for students with autism that includes activities and continued individualized therapies and academic review.

School Culture and Expectations

PALS describes its school environment as warm, caring, and safe, with a focus on each individual student’s needs. The school’s goal is to support students with varying levels of ability to become independent members of their communities. The program emphasizes positive, calm staff interactions with students and uses proven behaviour management tools aligned with ABA principles.

Enrollment

PALS is accepting applications to its waitlist, and interested families are encouraged to submit an intake form. To be added to the waiting list, families complete an intake application and email it to admissions@palsautismschool.ca (or fax/mail it). PALS may offer a guided tour for parents of prospective students and conducts an in-person assessment of the child if a spot is available at the required support level; families can also call 604-251-7257 or email admissions@palsautismschool.ca for information or to schedule a tour.