Which type of school setting or enviornment would work best for a child w/ Asperger?

Question

Would Montessori be a good fit for a child with Asperger's or a traditional school? My 8 year old has it very mild but the I know some of the boys find him a little different. He is also very smart and most 8 year old in his current class are not into the same types of stuff he is into like history, traveling, etc. He has a hard time fitting in with most boys since he is sensitive but he does get along with the girls better which my husband gets worried. I just thought he would thrive better at a Montessori setting but would it be too competitive?

Answer 1

I'm a Montessori teacher who has had many children with Asperger's in my classroom. All of them have thrived in the Montessori environment.

History and culture are in intrinsic part of the Montessori curriculum. Additionally, Montessori teachers are trained to work with each child's strengths and interests, so they will be able to help him use his interests in history and travel to support his other academic needs.

Competition is not fostered in the Montessori environment. Montessorians, do not use rewards for “motivating” our students and we do not compare our students. We teach our students that everyone is an individual and that we are all working are different levels. We teach them to focus on our individual progress instead of “Who’s the best?” We also believe in fostering intrinsic motivation (motivation coming from the concept and/or person themselves.) as opposed to extrinsic rewards. Your son should not feel any stress in the classroom.

Additionally, since Montessori education believes in letting a child work at their “maximum plane of development” you son will not get bored. A common problem Asperger’s children have in the traditional environment. He will be able to move forward in the areas that he is advanced in without having to wait for the rest of the class. Additionally, since children can work wherever they wish, he will be able to work with or near the children he chooses to. He will not be forced to work with “the boys’ simply because he is one. By the way, this is very normal. All of the Asperger’s children I have had, either male or female, have found it easier to associate with girls.

Other posters have stated that the public schools have teachers that specifically work with special needs children. This is true, but unless you live in a very wealthy area, your child will only have a few hours a week with the Special Ed teacher. The rest of the time they will be in a traditional classroom with a teacher who might not have any training in special needs. Montessori teachers are trained to work with each child’s individual strengths, abilities and learning styles and so should have a better handle on how to teach your son. I run a Montessori program in a public school. The school’s special ed teacher often comes to me for advise in how to teach certain concepts.

Lastly, there are more and more public Montessori’s opening up around the country. Look and see if there is one in your area. This way you will be able to take advantage of any services that are available to your son while having him in a classroom where he should feel comfortable with his peers and happy with what he is learning.

Answer 2

You should take him there to visit and see how he reacts. Most private schools will let a student shadow another student for a day to see if they like it.

Somebody with Aspergers will have trouble fitting in anywhere. But that dosen't mean he shouldn't go for it.

You never know, maybe with the social pressures of public school taken off he may excel much better in academics. Public schools and religious schools expect a level of conformity which is difficult for kids with autism to understand and follow.

I looked up the montessori method, and it looks like a good thing for someone with aspergers/autism to me. It says the students are held to individual standards, so I dont think too competitive is an issue.

Answer 3

This website has a good article:
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/adreon_bts.html

I would definitely make sure that all teachers that he comes into contact with on a regular basis are aware of his challenges and have the information they need to provide him with a "least restrictive environment". One year I did have a student with Asperger and his mom was great about letting me know what it was all about. Many teaching programs do very little to prepare new teachers about more advanced SPED issues.
I would approach the principal or counselor with the attitude of "teamwork" and share your insights and background regarding your son. When the parent I worked with did this, I felt empowered to do the right thing to help her son. (If administration and staff seem reluctant to listen and work with you, I might consider a different school.)
I might consider Montessori but I'm not sure if you would get the SPED support that you should from a regular, public school.

Hope this helps,
Mon :-)

Answer 4

Chances are, the public school would be a better setting. They have a smorgasboard of services that your son has access to if he needs. The teachers get in-service trainings on your son's disability and know best how to meet his needs. With a private school, there are very little services available, and in-service trainings for teachers are almost impossible to access.

At your son's CSE meeting, ask for a social skills group. He will have an opportunity to practice social skills. Some teaching colleges and developmental pediatricians, as well as the Autism Society can point you in the right direction for social skills groups outside of school as well. (As an aside, if Temple Grandin is ever in your area, go listen to her. She's fantastic!)

I think it's great that your son gets along with the girls. He has some wonderful interests, too. Maybe there are some clubs or organizations that he could join to meet like-minded kids. In the summer, there may be camps that meet his interests. Encourage that; it could be a springboard for a career!

Monica, thanks for reminding me about something. I e-mail my son's teachers every year and let them know about him, his strengths and weaknesses.

Another thing--for ANY parent reading this. Thanks to the HEPA laws, your child's teacher doesn't automatically get health information. If your child has asthma, allergies, or any other health issues, please let your child's teacher know. My students that I know have bee sting allergies are seated away from the windows. Normally all of that information is under lock and key at the school nurse's office. They don't tell us anything, unless it's a potential life and death issue, and the parent consents.

Answer 5

I can't really answer your question but can give you a tip. Some children with Asperger's do well with music. Does your child have any interest in learning to play an instrument? It might be worth a shot. It might also earn him respect with his peers as musical ability is often admired by others. Good luck.

Answer 6

I'm not sure which environment would be best, but I do know that for public schools, by law the child has to be in a regular classroom with the proper support and help BEFORE he can be in a 'special ed' classroom. When child is in regular classroom and it's not helping, THEN child is moved to special ed room. this is the law IDEA law, and this is called 'least restrictive environment'.

Answer 7

public