Are there any schools for children with autism in Vancouver?? (Seattle: house, school district)

[iamtiffiney]

My five year old has aspergers which is highfunctioning autism.Hes very smart but extremly shy and a perfectionist.(to the point if he colors out of the lines he tears the paper) His kindergarten teacher has never dealt with a child with aspergers and I feel my son is falling behind. He taught himself to read at 2 and used to love books and loved his preschool (VECC center where the teacher specialized in teaching children like my son) now my son cries and begs me not to take him to school.Kids in class call him stupid because hed rather play alone then with them. The teacher stopped giving him homework saying 'its not like he does it anyway' The principal of the school is , well lets just say Id like to meet her on the playground after school. I am getting no where with the school councelor or thripist.(my son sees an occupational theripist once a week at school, yet another thing kids tease him about) So I am wondering if there are any schools in the Vancouver area that have teachers that are educated in aspergers and or autism. Something other then where hes at.

[jabm67]

Call the school district directly and see if the public schools have such programs. You will probably need to present a doctor's statement to get into it, but they should be able to tell you whether the program exists. Seattle public schools have such a program, though one of the schools participating is being closed at the end of this year.

[diggitydot]

It might be a little out of your way, but look into the Camas school district's autism program. It's exceptionally well done.

The Camas SD was sued a few years ago by the parents of autistic twins. The district didn't have even a rudimentary program at the time and the parents wanted them to pay for the twins education at a private school specifically designed for autistic children. The parents won and Camas paid for the tuition for a while.

Soon the Camas SD brought in an independent autism specialist, (one of the best on the west coast), to design a program for them. They then went back to the family and the courts. It was ordered that since the Camas SD had a program that was far superior to that of the private school the children now attended, that they would no longer have to pay for their tuition and that the kids could begin the new program at Camas. The family elected to keep their children in the private program and pay the tuition themselves.

But now, Camas has one of the top programs in the county for autistic students.

(My sister teaches in Camas, hence the insider info...)

[diggitydot]

Originally Posted by jabm67

Call the school district directly and see if the public schools have such programs. You will probably need to present a doctor's statement to get into it, but they should be able to tell you whether the program exists. Seattle public schools have such a program, though one of the schools participating is being closed at the end of this year.

Sounds like her child already has an IEP, (independent educational plan). You can't get an IEP unless you first go through the process of various screenings and evaluations by the district professionals, (or her own independent doctors), to get a diagnosis.

If her school district has this information, they are bound by law to inform the families of their existence and enroll the child into the programs automatically.

[IrishGigi]

I have a son with asperger syndrome who is 11 and I have been fighting with schools and losing for five years so I just wanted to say I am so glad to read a post from somebody who is going through this too. I am in tears after dealing with the jerks at my sons school
Why is it so hard to get the school to do its job? Find another school- I got very lucky and my son finally got a good teacher who use to be a special ed teacher but I can not get them to give him services even with her support. I had to threaten to sue and switch schools just to get speech class. I am glad to know its not just me- it is them.
If you need a support as much as I do, please feel free to contact me. I am trying to find a school that will give my son services as he enters sixth grade and I am willing to sell my house and move anywhere to get it.
Good luck.

[coltoncity]

I would look into Camas if that is what is recommended. My daughter has some issues and soooo many people say the same thing as the last post. The schools so NOT help and dont want to in Vancouver and Hockinson is at least as bad. I would stay out of those areas ... it isnt money at least in Hockinson for sure it is just not a priority and no real help for them. Its been sad and devastating at the same time.

[coltoncity]

There is an organization linked with the state ... I am trying to remember the exact name but I do have a name of who migt be able to direct you better then I. Try Dawn Gross through PAVE, she is through State for PAVE to has all the info on the organization in town that does help. I know a woman who works very strongly as an advocate for the local autism advocacy chapter here in Vancouver. If you still do need this info please private message me OK? She is an excellant advocate and I know from experiance.

[itssophie]

We have a son with high functioning autism/NLD and he is turning 7. We are looking seriously at a move to Camas SD not only because of their special education programs but also because I learned just recently that you can access Home Choice Academy if you are a Camas resident but not if you are a Vancouver resident. I am really interested in home choice because I understand it is pretty flexible and allows for a child to do a mix of home schooling and traditional classes. (Perhaps I am slightly misinformed, I am waiting on some materials). Anyway just thought I'd add my two cents. Anyone who can give some additonal feedback about the Camas Schools special education reputation, I'd love to hear. We too would pack up and move for the right educational system. Our friends and family think we are crazy to, but they don't really get it.

[diggitydot]

Originally Posted by itssophie

We have a son with high functioning autism/NLD and he is turning 7. We are looking seriously at a move to Camas SD not only because of their special education programs but also because I learned just recently that you can access Home Choice Academy if you are a Camas resident but not if you are a Vancouver resident. I am really interested in home choice because I understand it is pretty flexible and allows for a child to do a mix of home schooling and traditional classes. (Perhaps I am slightly misinformed, I am waiting on some materials). Anyway just thought I'd add my two cents. Anyone who can give some additonal feedback about the Camas Schools special education reputation, I'd love to hear. We too would pack up and move for the right educational system. Our friends and family think we are crazy to, but they don't really get it.

Moving to Camas is well worth it. It's a nice area and the schools are absolutely fantastic. I'm the one with the sister who teaches there. If you have some specific questions, let me know and I'll ask her for you.

Here's a link to greatschools.com that shows all of the schools in the district. You can check their test scores and parent reviews if you click on their links.
http://www.greatschools.net/schools....ct=34&state=WA

[itssophie]

Originally Posted by diggitydot

Moving to Camas is well worth it. It's a nice area and the schools are absolutely fantastic. I'm the one with the sister who teaches there. If you have some specific questions, let me know and I'll ask her for you.

Here's a link to greatschools.com that shows all of the schools in the district. You can check their test scores and parent reviews if you click on their links.
http://www.greatschools.net/schools....ct=34&state=WA

Thank you so much! I need to think of some specific questions and when I do I will take you up on youroffer. Have a great day!