Autism programs in north VA (Annandale, Centreville: 2010, renting, home)

[munirahmad]

Hi,
I am starting a new job in Fredericksburg, VA. I have a 4.5 year old son with autism and unfortunately the special education programs there are not as good as in fairfax county. So i am thinking of renting a home in Lorton, and sending him to Cherry Run Elementary school program. If some one knows of this schools special education program, please let me know, or if someone can recommend a better place. My other concern is my daily commute to work, driving against the traffic might help me! I hope this wont burn me out! but i dont mind driving each way for 40-45 minutes. Thanks.

[penguine74]

My son is 4 1/2 and has Autism too. I currently live in NJ but want to be in VA before the new school year.

We are looking in Bedford County. Does anyone have any suggestion? Are there any other partents on the forum with children that have ASD?

Are there any facilities in VA where you can get occupational therapy and speech therapy outside of just getting it at school.

Any and all info would be greatly appreciated.

Desirae
Brick,NJ....LOoking to move to Bedford or Franklin County

[charlesandginny]

stafford county has some really good programs for special needs children. But fairfax county i would say is the best. That's just my own experience

[Momofeight]

Is not what you want for your child. Believe me. I've five years of experience with it.

[barryhussein]

I've heard The Phillip's School in Annandale (Braddock & Backlick Rds.) has one of the best programs for Autism. They bus kids to that school from Loudon, Stafford, PG, DC, Montgomery, etc.. These school districts pay the tuition for the kids to go there, because they do not have the facilities to take care of them, themselves. The school districts are legally obligated to provide for these students. So if a parent is not happy with the Special Needs Program at their local school, they can almost insist on Phillips. I've heard 50-60K per year--to be paid by taxpayers. I'm not sure about the younger kids, though. They do have a website. PHILLIPSPROGRAMS
With a little luck; he'll be ready for TJ, which is only one mile down the road! Good Luck!

[rachaelb]

Hi there

DId you see the article in the Post as well about MD schools?

I thought it might help give you some more info...
Gaithersburg School Tailors Teaching To Help Students Cope With Disorder - washingtonpost.com

[LTaub9sy]

I work for a company located in manassas but with branches throughout Va, MD, and WV called the Matthew's Center for Visual Learning. They have a main school in Manassas and many in-home therapists (like myself) that go all over the place to help students where they need it. I live in Fredericksburg and work with students in Spotsylvania and King George. There are a few other programs that do this sort of in-home therapy so that you don't have to move all over to get the help your child needs. I know that Autism Outreach does this too. There are plans right now to build another Matthew's Center school in Fredericksburg soon, which will really open up the opportunities in the area. Do contact one of these agencies if you are interested, even just for more information. Best of luck to you and your families! Matthews Center for Visual Learning Leslie T.

[Amira1012]

Hi my name is Amira i live in Centreville VA. I have 2 boys they go to cub run elemantry school autism programs. I think you should look into centreville area this school has one of the best programs for kids with autism.

[militarymom]

What is the functioning level of your child? I am in Fburg, and got a slew of "dont move here" claims from people and honestly...coming from a VERY good area of san diego, with very progressive and wonderful autism programs I am amazed at how easy it was here. They basically gave me anything I wanted, wrote it down, offered more in terms of accomdations I didn't even ask for and gave my son an aide. Bleh to the people who claimed fburg wasn't as good as fairfax. BUT this depends on what you want, what you're asking for, and the functioning level of your child. Just sayin...don't always believe claims of people saying its worse because I know a number of people who are also taking fairfax to court.