Best Schools in Virginia for child with Autism (Richmond, Alexandria: 2010, camping)

[4makena]

My husband and I are seriously reconsidering moving to Western Virginia. We have two children, 5 and 4. Our oldest son is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is to begin kindergarten this fall. His current therapist believes the best placement for him would be a typical kindergarten classroom in the a.m. with a speech/language classroom in the afternoon. He will need OT services and speech services, but is overall fairly high functioning. Can you help me with what school districts to avoid and/or seek out? Also, anyone have experience with towns in Western Virginia that offer quality autism services? Thanks so much. We want to make sure that the move is in the best interest of all of the family

[charlottemom]

Originally Posted by 4makena

My husband and I are seriously reconsidering moving to Western Virginia. We have two children, 5 and 4. Our oldest son is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is to begin kindergarten this fall. His current therapist believes the best placement for him would be a typical kindergarten classroom in the a.m. with a speech/language classroom in the afternoon. He will need OT services and speech services, but is overall fairly high functioning. Can you help me with what school districts to avoid and/or seek out? Also, anyone have experience with towns in Western Virginia that offer quality autism services? Thanks so much. We want to make sure that the move is in the best interest of all of the family

Hi -- I have no idea as we don't live in Virginia. We are considering a move to the western part of the state as well and our oldest son has autism and is currently in kindergarten (in a self-contained special ed class). I'm curious about what public schools are like in Virginia for special ed kids, too!

[novaman]

CHeck out Fairfax County. This is one of the wealthiest counties in the entire USA and has one of the best school systems as well. I would expect that they would have a great program for kids with special needs. Also, Mclean Bible church is the premier church in the US in reaching out and providing assistance/support for special needs kids and their families.

[4makena]

Novaman,

Thanks so much for your feedback. My son's ABA therapist had recommended fairfax as well. We were hoping to be a little bit closer to the mountain side of the state as our whole family loves the outdoors. Any suggestions regarding that side of the state? Thanks again for your response.

[novaman]

Originally Posted by 4makena

Novaman,

Thanks so much for your feedback. My son's ABA therapist had recommended fairfax as well. We were hoping to be a little bit closer to the mountain side of the state as our whole family loves the outdoors. Any suggestions regarding that side of the state? Thanks again for your response.

Fairfax is actually a great place to be for outdoors lovers. You have the potomac river for kayaking, Great Falls Park, you are not far from farms, or mountains and camping, or water if you are a water lover.

[Margery]

Both Fairfax and Loudoun Counties have excellent school systems with special needs programs in each school. You would have to check with the county school system for specific information about individual schools. There is lots of information on line. As far as staying close to the mountain area, Leesburg would be your best bet. You will have access to a large choice of schools and still be close to shopping and restaurants. Further out, Clarke County also has a good school system. A lot depends on where you are going to be working and you didn't mention that.

[4makena]

Does anyone have experience to share about Roanoke County schools, especially as it relates to autism and/or special education in the schools? Any of the elementary schools in that area better than the others? I would appreciate any feedback about the schools in Roanoke county, good or bad. Thanks so much

[Cdshiflett]

The schools in the darker blue would put you in the mountains.

Virginia

Alternative Paths Training School 5632-B Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Alexandria, VA 22309 (703) 766-8708 (703) 766-8713 (Fax)

The Aurora School 205 N Maple Avenue Purcellville, VA 20132 (540) 751-1414 (540) 751-1411 (Fax) Send email Send email
Blue Ridge Autism CenterPO Box 226 Blue Ridge, VA 24064 (540) 777-1218 Send emailSend email

The Faison School for Autism The Autism Center of Virginia at VCU 1325 Palmyra Avenue Richmond, VA 23227 (804) 827-3801 (804) 827-3822 (Fax) Send email Send email

Matthew’s Center for Visual Learning 10655 Lomond Drive, Suite 102 Manassas, VA 20109 (703) 369-2976 (703) 366-2777 (Fax) Send email Send email

Shenandoah Autism Center 550 Pine Street Lexington Clifton Forge, VA 24422 (540) 862-2327(web page is being redone)

Spiritos School 400 Coalfield Road Midlothian, VA 23113 (804) 897-7440 (804) 897-7441 (Fax) Send email Send email

Virginia Institute of Autism VIA 1414 Westwood Road Charlottesville, VA 22903 (434) 923-8252 (434) 923-8566 (Fax) Send email

[4makena]

CHSHIFLET,

Thanks so much for the resources. Do you have any experience with the public schools in Roanoke or Salem in regards to children with autism? Thanks.

[Cdshiflett]

No, I don't, but know someone who may well have a lot of the answers for you. She worked for the Shenandoah Autism Center in Clifton Forge and is now a teacher somewhere else. I will find her new e-mail and see what I can find out for you.