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I have a good friend with a son who is also considered high functioning autistic. In her opinion, Westchester is much better for high-need children than New York City. She lives in Bedford.
In my children's school (North Bronx) one class per grade has integrated co-teaching, which I think helps, but is somewhat of a one-size fits all approach. My son was diagnosed with dyslexia and get extra assistance, but not in any form tailored to his specific problem. He also has speech/motor skills issues, and I have found that the quality of therapy varies greatly according to the specialist assigned. For instance, he started out at a school with a lower reputation, but his speech therapist was out of this world. I switched him to a school with a very good reputation, but the speech therapist at the "better" school is much less capable, in my opinion. Eventually, I got authorization for outside speech services paid by the school district. Anyway, what I'm saying is that the regular NYC school system can be frustrating for kids with special needs (and their parents).
I understand that NYC in some instances will pay private school tuition for students whose needs aren't met by the NYC system, but it's not without a certain amount of blood, sweat and tears (and a lawyer). Good luck.
If you are indeed willing to commute to work, Forest Hills, Queens may be a great place for you and your family. If I were moving back to NYC that neighborhood would be my home once again. You will get the best of public and private schools not to mention on weekends all of your shopping can be done without stepping foot into the "city" again. For your price point you can rent a beautiful home and or apt. Hope this helps!
I have a good friend with a son who is also considered high functioning autistic. In her opinion, Westchester is much better for high-need children than New York City. She lives in Bedford.
In my children's school (North Bronx) one class per grade has integrated co-teaching, which I think helps, but is somewhat of a one-size fits all approach. My son was diagnosed with dyslexia and get extra assistance, but not in any form tailored to his specific problem. He also has speech/motor skills issues, and I have found that the quality of therapy varies greatly according to the specialist assigned. For instance, he started out at a school with a lower reputation, but his speech therapist was out of this world. I switched him to a school with a very good reputation, but the speech therapist at the "better" school is much less capable, in my opinion. Eventually, I got authorization for outside speech services paid by the school district. Anyway, what I'm saying is that the regular NYC school system can be frustrating for kids with special needs (and their parents).
I understand that NYC in some instances will pay private school tuition for students whose needs aren't met by the NYC system, but it's not without a certain amount of blood, sweat and tears (and a lawyer). Good luck.
I have a family member who needed assistance but was very functional and the Bedford Central School District in Westchester was amazing. They have tons of options available from elementary school up to High School.
OP - I know you didn't really want to commute, but at your price point you could rent a nice apartment in that area and take the train into Grand Central to get to work. If you are looking for good public schools for your son, it might be worth it to look in NJ/Westchester/Long Island.
From your description, it sounds like you are looking for an inclusion class for your son. Since your mother is available to care for your son before and after school hours, I would suggest you give up the idea of walking to work and commute. Your best bet would be a suburban district in Westchester or Nassau county. If you have a down payment, you could buy a house and have a $3000 (or lesss) per month mortgage or you could rent something very nice, even a full house, in Nassau County in a good school district. In Westchester or Nassau you would get the special ed services and the diagnostic testing without cost. Research the special ed services for autism in these suburban districts (there are a lot of them), some are better than others for autism, but they are all better than NYC.
Unfortunately, there is little inclusion in NYC for kids on the spectrum. You will find much better programs in the suburbs. In Westchester, Bedford, Ardsley and Eastchester are best for kids with special needs.
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