I need a good school for austism (Charlotte, Raleigh: preschool, live)

[NENCABROWN]

I have a 4 yr old son and he was diagnosed with Autism over a year ago. We are moving from Atlanta and we need to find him a GREAT school. If anyone knows of a place please let me know. Also we are looking for Therapy as well. Speech and Functional. Can any one offer any info or help?

[maryCh]

We have a 14 yr old son with autism; welcome to the journey! We made the tough decision to move away from central NC because of the lack of decent school programs for our son in that area.

I will say, we were just south of Greensboro and across the Randolph County line, so that may have been part of our problem. BUT, we lived in the area for over 15 years, and it seemed the public schools could never make up their minds about what was offered for children on the spectrum.

Depending on how severe your child is, the placement can vary greatly. Back when our son was originally diagnosed (we lived in Guilford County then), the "best" program was at Gateway. Given the budget issues that have been ongoing, special services such as speech or occupational therapy are cut for all but the most severe children. I don't know if private school is an option for you, but I also do not know of any in that area that "specialize" in autism.

When do you anticipate making your move?

Mary

[mom1968]

There are good schools for kids that are more severe. High functioning autistic children in the Greensboro area are more likely to fall through the cracks. My daugther is 13 and high functioning. We are fighting tooth & nail to get her services within the public school system. I would recommend moving near to Charlotte or Raleigh/Cary area. They have excellent schools specifically geared toward autistic kids & more public school services. Good luck. It is not an easy road ahead, but a very very fulfilling one! These kids bring more joy to your life than you can ever imagine.

[jacynthias]

I can't speak to the following schools being great but they may be worth looking into. Winton Salem Forysth County School system has public school that serves primarily special needs children with some mainstream students as well. They serve preschool and school age. I subbed there once years ago. The teacher I worked with was excellent, engaging, she had several autistic children in her small class with varying degrees of the disease. The entire school was beautiful, bright, modern, and the environment, stimulating. There's another school in Winston Salem, I think it's a private school called The Special School. It's on Sahttalon Drive. I only know about it through work. You may want to look these schools up online.