Best school systems for special needs (Charlotte, Fletcher: insurance, home, move)

[ma22boys]

Hello,

We are considering a move from New York. My soon to be 7 year old son has mild PDD-NOS. He is currently in a mainstream 1st grade with a TA. I really want him to have a positive experience if we do move.

Thank you for any input.

[msm_teacher]

Originally Posted by ma22boys

Hello,

We are considering a move from New York. My soon to be 7 year old son has mild PDD-NOS. He is currently in a mainstream 1st grade with a TA. I really want him to have a positive experience if we do move.

Thank you for any input.

There's no simple answer to this. First, do you already have an IEP or 504 in place? If not, there will be a long process to get your child special services or mods. PDD-NOS doesn't always qualify unless there are other issues so you can get an OHI (Other health impaired). Are you looking for mods due to behavior or learning or intelligence disability? All are different.

We narrowed down the choses to Union and Cabarrus. It really comes down to the actual teacher your son has. Some can handle things with no problem and your child will excell. Others don't get it and it will be a long year of notes about how your child is "choosing to not cooperate". We've also found that it is better to get outside help for behavior issues, like cognitive behavior therapy and occupational therapy. That way, he is in class as much as possible and I am better informed about what happens in therapy.

Your best bet is to communicate with the Exceptional Children departments at different school districts here to see how responsive and supportive they will be.

[ma22boys]

Hi,

Thank you for your reply. My son currently has an IEP. He does not have any cognitive impairments and is able to learn at 1st grade level. He does however have some behavioral issues and some symptoms of ADHD. He was just pulled from the "typical" class due to his outbursts. He has difficulty with impulse control and handling his emotions.

What you described about the notes home is exactly what we are getting now. I think we may push for a school change as we are not at all happy with the special needs teacher. A very negative person who acts as if he is doing something wrong when he is in the class for a reason.

Which system is your child in? Are you happy with it? We did not have these issues during summer program and so are thinking it may be the teacher or school.

Thank you,
Felicia

PS We are going to start meds to see if it will help with ADHD. We looked into behavioral therapy but it is very expensive and may not be covered by insurance. We may just go ahead and do it though.

[ZnGuy]

If you can afford tuition ($20k) the Fletcher School is a good option The Fletcher School - Charlotte, North Carolina (NC) - Private school - Students with learning disabilities

[ma22boys]

Thank you ZnGuy!