RE:Asperger's high school kids:given a choice, which high school would you send your Aspie to?

Question

a) an expensive, small, college-prep school for Asperger's and NLD kids that specializes in providing the exact extra help these kids need, including conversational speech, writing papers, and social skills

b) a huge public school with 3,000 kids, very little accomodation or help for Aspies, and some element of danger from some of the student population

c) a private school that has no accomodation for Aspies, that is on the fast track for Harvard and Yale, that has an enormous amount of required reading which you as a parent know your child will not be able to keep up with

As to why I am asking, we are sending our son to an "A" school next year and consider ourselves very lucky to live in an area where there is such a great school for him. Some people think all Aspies should be in regular schools, but they aren't face with the reality of these exact choices that we faced. The decision wasn't too hard. This will be best for him, I guess there will always be people who disagree, but they aren't walking in my shoes, or my son's. Thanks for asking!

Answer 1

As a mother of an Aspies child, I'd go with option a) I have been working on integrating my son into a "regular" (I really hate the word normal) class the results have not been promising. The teacher didn't have a clue and couldn't understand his reactions to the things she would say to him. She let him coast this year and it is going to take me months to bring him up to speed. So, the short answer is, better to be with teachers who understand our kids. B or C could be potentially damaging to your child - b, he gets lost inside a system or C, his self esteem takes a wallop and starts to get lost or gives up.
You'll make the right choice and do you have a PACER organization around you? They are wonderful advocates and can connect you to people who will assist you to make an informed decision. Best of luck to you but we both know it isn't luck it is love...

Answer 2

I would make a) my first choice and require that the school district kick some funds in for the appropriate education all of our kids are supposed to receive.


b) sounds to high risk because of the safety concerns.

c) fast track curriculum might be too much for your kid to handle. If he wanted to give it a try, it might be worth having the kid visit a class or two. If there are no accomodations and the reading is non-stop, then this may be more trouble than it is worth.

I hope you find a good school program for your kiddo. I went through all of this with my daughter and it was challenging and frightening. Best of luck to you!!

Answer 3

It all depends on your son. Each neurotypical is different just as each aspie is different. I am an aspie that goes to a public (1800students) high school that does have a fair amount of accommodations. Trust yourself and ask what he wants to do. You and your son know your situation probably better than most.

Answer 4

umm A... Why not?? There's gotta be more to this. The only down side to A would be how much interaction with "normal functioning" children would your child have... Interaction with those who do not perceive the world the same way Asperger's kids do is part of the disorder and an important part of their therapy/education. So my question is why are you asking??

ps my youngest brother has asperger's...

Answer 5

My oldest step-son will be going to an A school next year. It is by far the best situation for him and he was fortunate enough to get a scholarship. It was the only option that could truly provide for his needs.

Answer 6

Well, it would depend on what the child could handle and how high functioning the child was.