Autism & Denver Schools (Boulder, Louisville: house, neighborhoods, school district)

[tlomas]

My family is moving to Denver in June (assuming we can sell our house here in Miami... big assumption). We are a family of four with 2 boys ages 8 and 6. The oldest is autistic, but can be in a regular classroom with support (he is verbal and can read and grade level, but is still behind in language development and some social skills). The youngest has been recommended for a gifted program. We have done a lot of research online and are currently leaning toward Asbury Elementary near the Univ. of Denver. Asbury has an autism program, which our oldest would probably not be in, but it is nice to know that the knowledge and awareness of autism would be there... plus we understand that Asbury has a classroom aide in addition to the teacher in all classes. I will probably be working from home for an engineering company, my wife is an architect and does not have a job lined up yet. A fairly urban environment is important to us, including access to light rail or at least excellent bus transp. Don't judge what we like by the fact we are currently in Miami (long story), we like NYC, Chicago, SF, Seattle, Boston type urban centers. We realize Denver is not NYC or even Boston, but it is a big step up from Miami.

We would like any specific input that anyone has on Asbury Elem. or other schools in urban (for Denver) type neighborhoods, especially for special needs students.

THANKS!

[Micktooth]

We moved last year to Louisville near Boulder. Our 11yo daughter has special needs and we chose the Boulder Valley School District. So far we are very pleased. I recall that the Cherry Creek school district in Denver as well as the Douglas County school district had good services as well. My wife wanted me to let you know about a great group called parent to parent of colorado. You can check their website and post specific questions and get the answers you are looking for.Post your questions on their list-serve. I hope this helps. You will love Colorado!

[tlomas]

Thanks for the reply. We will definitely check out Parent to Parent of Colorado. We had not heard of it before!

[Serese]

I just saw this and hope you havent moved yet. Denver county is the worst. They only have 3 schools with autism programs. We have visited Asbury and Valverde. We decided it was better to pay for Alta Vista (now aspen center) than to place him with denver. I would be happy to help you with referals for services, doctors, or stores. sereseanddavid@q.com I wish you good luck! Just email if you need some info. Serese.
quote=tlomas;467083]My family is moving to Denver in June (assuming we can sell our house here in Miami... big assumption). We are a family of four with 2 boys ages 8 and 6. The oldest is autistic, but can be in a regular classroom with support (he is verbal and can read and grade level, but is still behind in language development and some social skills). The youngest has been recommended for a gifted program. We have done a lot of research online and are currently leaning toward Asbury Elementary near the Univ. of Denver. Asbury has an autism program, which our oldest would probably not be in, but it is nice to know that the knowledge and awareness of autism would be there... plus we understand that Asbury has a classroom aide in addition to the teacher in all classes. I will probably be working from home for an engineering company, my wife is an architect and does not have a job lined up yet. A fairly urban environment is important to us, including access to light rail or at least excellent bus transp. Don't judge what we like by the fact we are currently in Miami (long story), we like NYC, Chicago, SF, Seattle, Boston type urban centers. We realize Denver is not NYC or even Boston, but it is a big step up from Miami.

We would like any specific input that anyone has on Asbury Elem. or other schools in urban (for Denver) type neighborhoods, especially for special needs students.

THANKS![/quote]