Special Ed Services in Western Mass (Plymouth, Attleboro: neighborhood, to buy, school districts)

[Daisy12]

We'd like to relocate to Western Mass - we like Amherst, Northampton and the towns in that area. We have a 3 year old autistic son and it's important that we find a school district that offers good special ed services. Does anyone have any information that would be helpful? Thanks!

[lprovo]

Your best bet is to contact each of the school districts to see what their experience is working with autistic children. They are the best resources to determine which school can provide the best environment for your child.

[AprilCostello]

I unfortunately cannot answer about Western MA, but I have 2 kids on the Autism Spectrum, and I live in Middeboro. I cannot speak highly enough of the Pre-K program that we have here. The teacher in charge of the "substanatially separate classroom" as its called here has extensive experience in Autism. She used to work at a school for Autistic kids. Her aides are wonderful and have a lot of experience, too. Some teachers have a Special Ed background, but not neccessarily in Autism. My son is 5, and he'll be entering Kindergarten in September, and my daughter is almost 3, and she'll be entering into Pre-K in the Fall.. We seem to have a lot of Autisitc kids in this age range in Middleboro, and right now the PreK & K have wonderful programs. I know the elementary level is rapidly working on improving programs to serve these kids, because they'll all be coming up together within 1-2 years. In the past, they've only had 1, maybe 2 Autisic kids come through every couple of years. 9 kids are entering Kindergarten this year with Autism, so the higher grades do need to step up. Another good thing about Middleboro is that the parents are all pretty involved, and we all know each other. It helps for support. One of the parents just started an Autism Support Group that meets once a month at the library. Its an informal, casual group of anyone who wants to attend, and talk, ask for advice, listen, and just hang out.

Also, if the town that you live in doesn't provide good enough services for what you need, we do have educational collaboratives, here. I know several people who send their child out of town because the town could not provide adequate services. The collaborative in Kingston is supposed to be one of the best, and there is a good one in the Attleboro area, as well. Mansfield is supposed to have a really good Public School program as well. None of these towns are out West, but if you're flexible as to where you plan to move, this may help you out. One thing about Middleboro that you should know though, is that there are plans to build a very large, casino here in town. Although it has not been approved Federally yet, the land has already been bought by the Wampanoag Indians, several hundred acres of it. So, something will be going there. This may or may not be a negative to you, but it is something you should consider if you changed your plans and moved here. But, we are the 2nd largest town land wise in the state, Plymouth being the largest. So, the casino may or may not impact every neighborhood, time will tell. But, do keep in mind that the land will be used for something, whether or not it is a casino. I just wanted to let you know that fact about Middleboro, too. I hope I have helped you somewhat. What's funny is that I am in a similar situation as you, and am looking for information about Special Ed services in Idaho, particularly Coeur D'Alene, as we would like to buy land out there. So far no one has answered me, though. Good Luck! If you ever have any questions, let me know! I'll answer as best as I can!