Questions regarding Autism services in Fayetteville public schools...

[Leigh0416]

Jazzyjazz- When we lived there, the school district did not follow Federal law and place students in appropriate facilities based on their needs. It's true, this is the case in many states but it's rare in the South. You can use due process and fight the school for placement but that will thousands and may not bring you the outcome you wish based on the "good ole boys" in Little Rock who ultimately make the decision. It's terrible. Depending on the needs of your child, it's 50/50. For a child like mine, it just wasn't in the cards and we nearly went bankrupt getting him the help he needed.

[AZgarden]

It should not have cost you a thing to get the services you needed for your child. If he has an IEP, then the school district MUST provide the service needed, or you can go to court (after mediation). Did you try that? In addition, Arkansas does not have the reputation of being one of the worst states for autism services. Other states, many in the south, are worse. Also, your health insurance should be covering your child's services too.

http://www.autismhealthinsurance.org...ld-with-autism

[mkdude_08]

I have a question I was hoping someone could answer. Our four year-old son is high functioning/mildly autistic. He currently has an ABA program through his pre-school and we're trying to determine how available ABA programs are available in the Bentonville area. Can anyone clarify? As well, what do the options look like for a high functioning child in the mainstream school system? Unfortunately most employers (including the one I am considering) do not cover autism through their health insurance which is frustrating, especially when certain other types of conditions are covered (which out of respect I won't go into here).

[Tyryztoll]

Any updates on these questions? Our oldest is on the spectrum, and we've been considering Fayetteville as well. The comments on the lack of public school services there are very concerning. I'm hoping things have changed since some of those older posts.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by Tyryztoll

Any updates on these questions? Our oldest is on the spectrum, and we've been considering Fayetteville as well. The comments on the lack of public school services there are very concerning. I'm hoping things have changed since some of those older posts.

wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. I would check with the Bentonville school district. They seem to do a good job with most special programs regardless of what kind is needed.

[smpliving]

I don't live in Arkansas, but maybe the university in Fayetteville or in Little Rock can help you. I would think one of them should have a center devoted to children with disabilities that serves the entire state. Little Rock does have a children's hospital to my knowledge.

[Tyryztoll]

Originally Posted by nmnita

wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. I would check with the Bentonville school district. They seem to do a good job with most special programs regardless of what kind is needed.

It surprises me that the Fayetteville ISD wouldn't be up to speed on something like this, being the largest city in the region and sporting a major university. I'm going to call them directly and get some first hand info. The services here in TX aren't great, but we do have our son in a PASS program that he seems to have acclimated to. Problem is that program seeks to put him back into main student population at some point, and we're not sure that's the kind of educational path that best suits him. It seems to be geared more toward behavioral issues than a condition such as autism.

[AZgarden]

Autism Speaks should be able to help. A whole range of services is available for you and your child.

https://www.autismspeaks.org/resource-guide/state/AR