Schools and programs for autistic children in minnesota (Bloomington, Lakeville: school districts, to live in)

[Norma Alexander]

I am looking for information on special schools and programs in the state of Minnesota. My husband and I are cosidering relocating to your state but would like some iformation regarding the schools and programs for our 19 year old non verbal autistic son.

[sarahrose]

I have an autistic child as well, but most of the programs I know of don't go up to that age..........maybe the school districts do, but there is no private school that I have heard of that takes kids that age. Normal schools (public) usually have kids with special needs graduate at 21.

[Robert P Stewart]

Our daughter has autism and is in ISD 194 (Lakeville) - I'm continually amazed at the progress she's made over the last year (going from nonverbal to verbal). They receive speech therapy and occupational therapy everyday.

Send me an email and I'll put you in touch with the right folks.

Robert@RobertPStewart.com

[missannie]

I work for a company called Fraser that has a school just for autistic children. I am sure if you call them they would have lots of information.

[BeckyS]

Try contacting PACER. They can possibly put you in touch with families and schools that would be the best fit for your child's needs. (pacer.org)

Northeast Metro 916 operates special education programs for a number of school districts in MN. I'd suggest you call them for assistance as well. 651-415-5310

In Minnesota students may attend a public school free of charge until 21 years of age; rarely until they are 22.

Private schools (if they accept high needs students at all) usually aren't able to provide the services needed and if they are provided, the therapists come from the local public school anyhow so you may as well save your money and send your child to public school.

[Family_of_four_mn]

They are located in Crystal. Their website is

Home

[icequeen2008]

My son is 18 and he is autistic and goes to Bloomington transistion center until he is 21. Where they teach him all sorts of things and social skills and hw to live independently on their own. Its wonderful. I believe every district has a transistion school for kids with disabilities.

[newcastle]

Try the Minnesota Autism Center. They have Center based programs and FT/PT staff that work with children after school for 3-4 hours a day. Minnesota Autism Center they also serve kids up to age 21.

This is a good organization and serves the whole state. Each staff member has to qualify as a mental health professional through the state of Minnesota. This means that each person has to have at least 6000-8000 hours working with children with autism and a degree either at a bachelors or masters level or as a board certified behavior analyst.

[angelica77]

Hi,
My 11 year old is currently attending a middle school in ISD 196 and we appreciate his progress in that school .He has Aspergers and is very high-functioning with his major area of need being organizational support.I would appreciate any advice on public or private schools that would be a good choice for a child like him for his high school years( we would be willing to move,if needed).Especially,if there are any private schools that are inclusive of kids like him which are academically gifted but need support in social/organizational areas.
thanks
Angelica

[Ariane T.C]

Norma, I feel your pain I also have a 10 year old non-verbal autistic son who will be too old for his present school at the end of the year , I just pray that one day they will be able to add more grades & put all of our concerns to rest. I understand how hard it can be when no one understands your child like you do.
there is a school I was just told about called sabanthani loc. in so.minneapolis, I wish I could help more good luck!