Good school in Rochester area for Asperger Child (Greece, Brighton: homes, school district)

[crikey]

Can anyone recommend a good school that works with Asperger kids well? Brighton and Pittsford seem to have a very good school system but are the schools able to work with kids that have Asperger's Syndrome?

The child is able to cope academically, but requires a lot of redirection since the child tends to deviate to preferred activities easily. The child easily gets distracted and has difficulty staying on task, especially if the task is a non-preferred task (which, most of us know, is performed more than preferred tasks). However, if the child does stay on task, the child is relatively easy to teach. The child has no speech delays and is able to speak in complete sentences.

Anyone have any experience at all with Rochester area schools and how they accommodate and/or handle special needs kids?

Any assistance will be appreciated. Thanks.

[terryellen]

I know this is any old post but wondering if you or any other poster found any useful info regarding this question? Thanks

[Genevanative]

I do know that JMac, the student with Autism who was made famous by the well known video of his scoring 6 3-pointers during a varsity basketball game, attended school at Greece Athena. They have a program that is very supportive of autistic students, especially because of the pro-active parents.
I think that the Greece School District would be worth looking into.

[jmc0270]

In general, most schools in this area are going to be able to handle the special needs of a student with Asperger's. As far as Pittsford and Brighton schools go, I wouldn't hesitate to send my child there.

This area promotes inclusive education. So, there will be a push to keep the child in regular education classes with support. (If appropriate) I will say the number one "thing" a special needs child requires, is a proactive parent, and that is no matter what school they attend.

There are also really wonderful resources in this area such as the University of Rochester. They do extensive work with children on the austim spectrum.

[terryellen]

thanks for the positive endorsement of the public schools...I will also look at u of r's resources

[crikey]

Originally Posted by jmc0270

In general, most schools in this area are going to be able to handle the special needs of a student with Asperger's. As far as Pittsford and Brighton schools go, I wouldn't hesitate to send my child there.

This area promotes inclusive education. So, there will be a push to keep the child in regular education classes with support. (If appropriate) I will say the number one "thing" a special needs child requires, is a proactive parent, and that is no matter what school they attend.

There are also really wonderful resources in this area such as the University of Rochester. They do extensive work with children on the austim spectrum.

I agree with you on being a proactive parent, but it also helps if the school system is accommodating of the child. There are less conflicts and friction that way and most efforts are directed to making the child's life better, instead of arguing about what the school is willing to do.

Thanks for the feedback on Pittsford and Brighton schools, I appreciate it. Sad to say though, that with this housing slump, it's isn't as easy to uproot and move elsewhere. So, we have to stick it out down here in Orlando. We currently homeschool since public school are not where I would want to place my child.

[skbs]

I would also look at Penfield Central School District and Fairport Central School District. I went to Fpt and they are amazing with their special needs students... My daughter goes to pre k in Penfield and they are already giving her services in her private preschool (she is only 3)... I can't say enough great things about the help they have given us without having to fight for it.

[jmc0270]

Crikey-
Well good luck to you and if you ever to decide to come this way - don't let the school systems be a deterrent!

[crikey]

Originally Posted by jmc0270

Crikey-
Well good luck to you and if you ever to decide to come this way - don't let the school systems be a deterrent!

Thanks. Actually, the public schools up in your neck of the woods are the draw for me. That and we have tons of family up in Toronto (I'm originally from Toronto). The public schools down here in FL are not my cup of tea.

[crikey]

Originally Posted by skbs

I would also look at Penfield Central School District and Fairport Central School District. I went to Fpt and they are amazing with their special needs students... My daughter goes to pre k in Penfield and they are already giving her services in her private preschool (she is only 3)... I can't say enough great things about the help they have given us without having to fight for it.

It seems the school system up there is something worth moving for. Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it.