Moving to Minneapolis with a child with autism (St. Paul, Wilder: how much, high school)

[P1378]

Hi everyone,

I am moving to Minneapolis and have a 9 year old son with autism. I am looking for schools with good services for him. I would appreciate your input.

Thanks
Pooya

[Erinclot]

Hey there!

I have twins with Autism and they are both in Minneapolis schools. They are currently Pre-K but have been in Minneapolis schools for 2 years now. We have so far been very happy with the services we have received both at Wilder and Anne Sullivan. Our boys also attend Fraser. I can't speak for the which schools are best for older kids but compared to our friends in St. Paul and various suburbs I would say we have had the least amount of friction dealing with our various teachers, therapists and social workers.

[golfgal]

Our neighbor has 2 autistic children, one in 9th grade and one in 5th grade. They have been in the District 196 special ed program since the boys were infants and they are thrilled to death with the assistance and programs they have. Their older son is profoundly autistic, their younger son is just barely autistic on the spectrum so they have both ends of services. The older son is in an inclusive class for autistic children and the younger son is mainstreamed with some pull out help and an aid. They are fortunate enough that their kids' teachers also babysit for them at time (usually for long weekends or times when they go on longer trips their oldest just can't go on).

[P1378]

Thank you so much for your help

[katmu]

My older son is on the spectrum. He's now 21 so I'm not sure how much help I can be with specific schools. That said, there were a few resources in the Twin Cities that I have found to be truly valuable over the years.

1. MN Autism Society in St. Paul - support groups, training for parents & educators, referrals for services. They may be able to help recommend specific grade schools.
2. Fraser Center in Minneapolis - very focused on autism related services.
3. Pacer Center - general focus on children and adults with special needs. Has great advocates for help navigating the special education system, transition planning. They have also been helpful with referrals and were able to help guide us towards schools that were a good fit for my son for high school.