MCPS connections program for ASD

[Anonymous]

My suspected ASD elementary age child is being recommended for connections program in Montgomery county. I am reluctant because it's ABA. Anyone care to share their experiences?

[Anonymous]

I don’t know about them using ABA, and am actually shocked that MCPS would name a specific strategy. That said, Connections has a great reputation (it used to be called the elementary Asperger’s program if you want to research it). Have you toured it? Why are they recommending a placement change? Do you agree?

In general, the self contained autism programs are pretty good and if they are giving you space without having to fight for it, that’s a win that I wouldn’t turn down. If it’s really not a good fit for your child, you can always fight for a new placement next year.

[Anonymous]

Why are you against ABA?

[Anonymous]

OP here. They do mention ABA in their description. I will tour. I don't know what to think. My child is refusing to do work at regular classroom even with supports and it's getting difficult for them to know what child knows or doesn't. Child does some school work at home (with complaining) and usually tests above grade level on tests with accomodations but I guess child is not making enough progress on the IEP goals with current supports. I love our current school and worry about how child will do with change. and re ABA I heard that it can be damaging to kids-I mean there is lots of conflicting information out there.

[Anonymous]

ABA is controversial in some forms, but it can also be done well. It was a game-changer for our DD, and her program centered on helping her be more comfortable with her world, rather than forcing her to do things that terrified her. She had a lot of input in what skills they worked on and was really proud of herself. We did it for about a year.

That said, she was not in the Connections program in ES, but does go to the middle school version, and we cannot be thankful enough for it.

I guess my point is that you need to find out what the ABA looks like in this situation. ABA *can* be damaging because it can be done in a forceful way, to get a kid to "stop being so autistic." But it's not always that way, and it can be done in a positive, affirming way too.

We did not do Connections because DD wasn't diagnosed until late 3rd grade and then the pandemic hit, and a change in schools for just 1-2 years wasn't worth the adjustment. In different circumstances, knowing what I do now, we would have given it more consideration.

[Anonymous]

I've heard that Connections is a really good program. I wouldn't worry about the ABA situation. Modern ABA can look really really different from the ABA of 10 years ago. Our child literally plays games to learn social skills and has a grand time with his therapist. We considered Connections but the closest program is moving too far away for the 24-25 school year (Sligo Creek to College Gardens.) We were also a bit concerned that the move would mean that staff would be finding their footing in the first year. But it is offered at two schools and perhaps your placement is for the other location.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. They do mention ABA in their description. I will tour. I don't know what to think. My child is refusing to do work at regular classroom even with supports and it's getting difficult for them to know what child knows or doesn't. Child does some school work at home (with complaining) and usually tests above grade level on tests with accomodations but I guess child is not making enough progress on the IEP goals with current supports. I love our current school and worry about how child will do with change. and re ABA I heard that it can be damaging to kids-I mean there is lots of conflicting information out there.

First it is supposed to be a really great program. We know a couple families who have had their kids in it and they loved it. I think if you have a child refusing to do work who is in elementary it's important for you to get them as much support as you can because when they get older it may be too late and much more difficult to intervene.

I get where you are because we were there about loving the school and thinking we did not want to move so we didn't but looking back we wish we could have gotten our child more support early on. We were denied access to any of the programs so I would look at your choice as an opportunity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. They do mention ABA in their description. I will tour. I don't know what to think. My child is refusing to do work at regular classroom even with supports and it's getting difficult for them to know what child knows or doesn't. Child does some school work at home (with complaining) and usually tests above grade level on tests with accomodations but I guess child is not making enough progress on the IEP goals with current supports. I love our current school and worry about how child will do with change. and re ABA I heard that it can be damaging to kids-I mean there is lots of conflicting information out there.

You need to talk to an actual professional. ABA is a type of behavioral support that will help get your child to participate in class. You don’t have to move her if you’re happy where you are, but don’t make these decisions based on slogans.

[Anonymous]

My kid was at the Diamond elem location. There was no ABA.

[Anonymous]

^^. There was a lot of positive reinforcement for desired behaviors

[Anonymous]

I really wish I could have gotten my kid into connections. We couldn’t so we moved them to private. Similar profile. Work refusal. High IQ. After removing our child now we are learning the full extent of the bullying they withstood during mainstreamed public. I recommend you be open to this option. It could be a lifesaver.

[Anonymous]

My DC is in connections, it’s a great program. DC has been very happy and the staff is great.

[Anonymous]

I think it varies classroom by classroom.

It wasn’t working for our DC as the classroom dynamic was very ABA and the mix of kids “off” in matching profiles, levels, etc.

ours was in elementary and it could have been a certain teachers approach so could be different in older grades or with different teachers or mixes of kids.

The ABA approach doesn’t work for all kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^. There was a lot of positive reinforcement for desired behaviors

Tell me you don’t understand ABA without telling me you don’t understand ABA at all.

[Anonymous]

We have a child in the elementary Connections program and it’s not ABA but there are positive reinforcers for working on daily goals etc. You could maybe call it ABA light or something but it’s not an ABA program. There is no BCBA and it’s not a skill and drill type setting. Also lots of ABA now is very naturalistic and more social/play based. Connections is an awesome program and I would encourage you to visit and get a feel for it.