New to the Group

[RThiele]

Hi there! I am Rachael, I am a single mom of 2 wonderful boys (15 and 5). My eldest has a loooong history, but I am currently working with my 5 year old who is obviously newer to navigating his adhd and also has accompanying autism as well. He currently attends an aba therapy program full time during the week and we have recently started a medication per his psychiatrist. I am nervous as he readies for school and am really here to learn as much as I can, and to just have support and understanding from others who know what it's like. Thank you for allowing me to become a part of the group!

Aside from that, a first question that comes to mind is : Has anyone else made the decision to have their child in a more specialized school program (meaning outside of a district or charter school)? I am really considering having my youngest enrolled in an autism academy (not strictly for children only with autism, but those needing extra support); however, I feel really pulled in two different directions by professionals, family, friends, etc. Some believe I'm not "giving my son a chance" at a "regular" school and others feel he would not get the proper support and necessities through a public school due to classroom sizes, limited funding, limited staff training on behaviors and conditions like adhd or autism, etc. and believe he needs a lower class size setting with professionals who are properly trained to handle any behaviors and help him become successful. I am so lost and just want to do the right thing. Thank you.

[RThiele]

Also to add, I feel like the public and charter school systems really failed my oldest son throughout his school career to date and I just don't want the same thing to happen with my youngest. Albeit, I have educated myself A LOT more about the conditions, supports, ieps, etc since then.

[Mamamichl]

I’m a special education teacher. Make sure your kid gets an iep. There are a lot more resources when they do. I was pulling kindergarteners for specialized instruction outside of the regular classroom, and my groups were 1-7. My kiddos have been able to make so much progress this year! You can also have noise canceling headphones and extra time on tests. You can possibly get a paraprofessional for him or his class and f they dont already have one (some schools have an aid in every kindergarten class)

Some kids do better with online schooling, but at this age, I believe it’s important to learn social skills. It’s also easy at this age to do the work for them, but that’s detrimental to learning as well.

Another option is a Montessori school. It’s more hands on and exploration based, but it is less structured and and kids need to take charge of their own learning more.

It definitely depends on your kid what would be the right fit for him. If you want to pm me, feel free. I can help you brainstorm what would be good for him.

[Aspen797]

Welcome to this supportive group! So glad you’re here. Our son is a teen now but has same diagnoses as your little. I feel your angst about making the “right” decision about school placement. These decisions are so tough! Be gentle with yourself. There is no crystal ball. You can always move him if needed.

Consider what your son’s current school thinks are your child’s most significant needs and strengths. What supports do they currently provide to help him succeed? What supports do they say he will need moving forward? What do the two schools say about their strategies for meeting those needs? Consider also reaching out to your local autism society and your state’s parent resource center for feedback and impressions about the two schools generally and their ability to meet the executive functioning, behavioral and social needs of different kids.

Also keep in mind that protections and ability to influence what is taught differ between public (IEP goals/skills to be taught, accommodations, behavior/discipline safeguards) and private schools (accommodations only, other is not legally protected).

All that being said, it is great that you have choices!

[anirush]

My grandson lives with me and is now 17. He had an IEP but I had to constantly stay in touch with teachers to keep it implemented. I know someone who enrolled her grandson in a special school, but they had more money that we do, could not afford the tuition. We got a lot more help in grade and middle schools than high school.

By the way my grandson is doing so well now. Never thought I would see this day. Not perfect but mostly a good kid.