Best Public Schools for Aspergers Child Special Ed (7 year old) (Brookline: renting, condo)

[lauliza]

We are moving with in a year or so, renting or buying and need a school that has a good special Ed program. I know Brookline is the best but we need something a bit more affordable. Not too far south (before Foxboro) and not too far west is optimal, since my husband, commutes to boston. I stay home now but plan to be employed by then. Anyone have ideas?

Thanks!

[sregrepsa]

Southborough has excellent public school system and strong accomodations for ADHD/Aspergers/EFD. There are also several private schools in the area (southborogh/marlborough) which specifically accomodate such kids in the adolescent years (looking ahead). As an aspie mom, I would definitely like to see a public school that has accelerated or gifted classes starting in 3rd or 4th grade. Part of the behaviorial issues can be curbed when these kids can be engaged in their strengths. Ask how the general curriculum incorporates executive functioning/organizational skills. If the public program looks good at that level, then they will at least have the services to address these important needs.

[GypsySoul22]

Can anyone chime in on the Special ED (AS) for Westborough or Shrewsbury. We are considering these as well as Northborough. I like the reply about Southboro but I don't think they have a high school (kids go to Northboro) and I don't want to hassle with that.

[CaseyB]

Originally Posted by GypsySoul22

I like the reply about Southboro but I don't think they have a high school (kids go to Northboro) and I don't want to hassle with that.

No, the kids go to Algonquin, which serves both towns - it just happens to be located in Northboro. It belongs to both communities. They have busses, so don't pass on it for that reason alone, it has a good reputaton.

[JustDavidP]

Stay clear of Marlborough. If your child is "average" or above, they will do fine. If you have a child with special needs, you will spend more time in hearings than you will at your place of business.

[vwlizard]

I work in the field. Depending on where your coming from, I think you'll be quite happy with most of the schools you find around here. It's really hard to pick a "district" when so much depends on your child's specific teacher.

I live right next to Marlboro, and do know some mom's with children with Aspergers that are happy. There Sped PAC is quite active and you might be able to contact them. The administration is HORRIBLE about IEP meetings, though.

Northboro, Southboro are quite good. The Highschool is not an issue.

Stay away from Berlin/Bolton.

Sudbury used to be good. Not sure now.

You might want to contact Alex Michaels (she has Asperger's) and Laurie Smith of Milestones. They can steer you in the right direction. www.advancingmilestones.com
They've consulted with most schools in the area.

[brightdoglover]

A co-worker of mine has an acutely autistic daughter and an ADD son and has found himself able to set them up well in Sudbury, in fact, that was a reason he didn't want to move elsewhere.

[joand3132]

Go strictly by your child's neuro-psychologist and or a strong advocate. They know your child and the systems that best suit your child's needs. Every child is different and so are the systems. If you need a neuro-psych, I recommend ICCD in Canton. Evaluations drive your child's program. If you don't want to do that, look at Towns with big budgets or balanced budgets. Budgets drive SPED. big time. I know I have a special needs child. The best plan is a professional plan.

[joand3132]

Lexington is also excellent. Very driven and competent school system. Pricey housing, similar to Brookline. Based on my experience, if you don't pay in housing, you'll pay with advocates, evals and lawyers. Consider the town and then the housing. I am in a nice house in a nice town and I wished that I were in a condo in Brookline or Lexington instead. SPED problems effect your wallet and your family. Needless to say, your peace of mind is not something to negotiate.