Great Schools for Autistic kids...please! (Edison, New Brunswick: school district, income, train station)

[mmahabir]

Hello,
I will be brief... I have just received a diagnosis for my 2yr old child of autism. Obviously, my husband and I are worried and have had a difficult time figuring things out. IF ANYONE HAS ANY GUIDANCE FOR US AND ANY INFORMATION ABOUT GREAT/GOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN... WE WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOU SHARING!

M.M.

[ira]

Don't worry about schools just yet. He is still very young. Start therapy right away. You can get free (depending on income) services through the Early Intervention until he turns three. You "caught" it at the right time. With the right therapy, most kids who are diagnosed early make tremendous progress. He might need just minimal support by the time he reaches school age.

Good Luck!

[mmahabir]

Ira,
Thank you soooo much for your feedback. He has been a part of Early Intervention for approximately 7 months now (occupational therapist -6mo, speech therapist 2wks) but was never tested for their ABA program. I am trying to have that arranged immediately. Do you suggest an ABA provider and if so, do you really think they will be helpful enough in the next few months before he ages out?
What do you suggest after he ages out at 3? I know there are waitlists for a lot of programs but can't find any public schools with programs specific for autistic children in my area (New Brunswick, franklin park, southbrunswick area). Most of them intermingle children with disabilities and children don't get assistance with their specific needs.

Michelle
ps. thank you, again...

[njchick]

I can only tell you from my experience as a Special Education teacher and former ABA therapist that so far in treating autism there is no other method that is even close to having the results that Applied Behavior Analysis does (there are people who argue with this though), especially when it is begun as early as possible. I definitely think it would be beneficial in the next few months, this is your window of opportunity. The next step would be to find out about your district, what kinds of programs do they provide, or is there a better out of district program. Get your son tested, and get a program going now, then you will have time to do your research for when he reaches kindergarten.

[wjcheng]

While I am taking off time to find a place near Edison Train Station to relocate from California. A Chinese lady I met at Asian Food Center told me her son had autism and had a difficulty with many other school district, eventually they moved to East Brunswick, and their Special Kid program is perfect and her son has been very happy and progress a lot. So, I guess East Brunswick may be one school district for you to check out ...

[Taboo]

youshould check into Rutgers.. they hold LOTS of teacher training sessions and seminars on Autism and ABA. Whatever you decide to do, ALWAYS speak your mind and if something seems not right say so. You have the power to get anything your son needs. I have worked with Autistic childern for 17 years and no two are alike. Some learn sign, some talk, some use communication boards,some love to be cuddled and some are happy with a glance from you. Some even function so well that they are in regular classes and doing fine. Best of luck to you on your journey.

[wjcheng]

Originally Posted by Taboo

youshould check into Rutgers.. they hold LOTS of teacher training sessions and seminars on Autism and ABA. Whatever you decide to do, ALWAYS speak your mind and if something seems not right say so. You have the power to get anything your son needs. I have worked with Autistic childern for 17 years and no two are alike. Some learn sign, some talk, some use communication boards,some love to be cuddled and some are happy with a glance from you. Some even function so well that they are in regular classes and doing fine. Best of luck to you on your journey.

This is very true. My sister-in-law told me that Piscataway schools' special kid program is very good, partially due to lots of supply of teaching aids from Rutgers Univ students majoring Special Aid Education. So, I believe Rutgers Univ Special Aid Education department should have lots of first hand info on this ...

[wjcheng]

She also said each special kid has this program called IEP - Individualize Education Program, each year, the school teachers, case manager, parents, therapist ...etc to meet and determine an individualize education plan for the special kid, and I went with my sister-in-law's neighbor one day to pick up her special kid and I was so surprised to find out, the best and newest class rooms are all allocation to Special Aid program at Piscataway Schools! There were over 800 special kids in Piscataway school district from Pre K to High School...

I was so touched! I feel that just because of this, I can say the United State is the greatest country in the world!!!

[Taboo]

Just so you all know.... every child identified as eligible for special services does have an IEP, however ... it is only as good as those who write it. The parent is at these meeings and I strongly urge you to speak up for what you want. Your child has to have what they need and only you can be sure it is provided.

[allyjohnkate]

Alpine, in Paramus, N.J.