Looking for Katherine Thomas or Diener Parents

[Anonymous]

I was hoping that anyone with first-hand knowledge of these schools could post about what you like and don't like about them. We are considering both schools for my ds with ADHD and some learning disabilities. Currently, he is in a MCPS with an IEP but everyone feels that he needs to be in an environment where OT and ST are in the classroom like they are at Katherine Thomas or Diener. I toured Diener and was very impressed but am worried that it may be limiting for him socially. I have not yet visited Katherine Thomas. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

what about lab?

[Anonymous]

Lab accepts very different kids from KTS or Diener.

I love Diener (as a consultant) and, if you're "on board" with their program and philosophy, it could be a great 3 year program for your DS.

Socially your child can still attend Scouts, Robotics club, swimming lessons, etc and can move into a more social school in a couple of years. Just give him the chance to develop a tool box of skills that will help him navigate for the rest of his life.

Hope this helps

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks for your responses. To the pp who is familiar with Diener, do you like that program over Katherine Thomas (if both become an option)?

[Anonymous]

PP here.

In many ways, the schools serve two different populations. I like both programs but it also depends on what your child needs in a school.

Go visit Katherine Thomas before you form any opinions and consider the support your child needs and if they'll be able to give it to him.

Be sure to visit the classrooms in both schools and get a feel for the social environment in each.

[Anonymous]

Can someone tell me exactly who the diener schools serves? What is the profile of the "typical" student there? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Op here: Diener told me that its typical student is ADHD with lots of executive functioning issues. They very clearly stated that they are not an autism school. I saw a lot of the kids and thought they seemed very high functioning. They were also very polite -- manners seems to be an important value. Kids were stopped if they walked by and didn't say "excuse me." I was surprised by the number of girls and was also told that they are receiving more girl than boy applications for next year. We are visiting Katherine Thomas soon as we missed the open house.

[Anonymous]

how many kids in the classes? Do you know how much it costs? thanks

[Anonymous]

We have friends who found the kids more high functioning and well behaved at KTS, but I bet it all depends on when you visit places.All kids have good days and bad days. They chose KTS. We also know a family with a child on the spectrum who is at Diener, so I am confused about their autism policy. I know they liked the fact there is a huge emphasis on pragmatics/social language skills and the kids get lots of intervention and attention there. I think the student teacher ratio may be better at Diener. It's good that you are visiting both places. Good luck. Hope you find the best match for your child.

[Anonymous]

so KTS serves kids on the spectrum? Do they take kids with LD, ADHD and sensory? I have to begin looking next fall and am trying to figure out where. I am assuming these places all have the same costs. Do kids get interviewed along with parents to get in? It seems if you are looking for a school that works on pragmatic language some kids would be on the spectrum. Am I right?

[Anonymous]

Op again. I can't remember how many kids Diener has in each class but it was very low (like 10 or 12) and 2 teachers. Diener costs around 35. I don't know if KTS takes kids who are on the spectrum. I believe that KTS costs around 35 but you have to pay extra for ST, OT, etc. which may or may not be reimbursed by insurance. Diener also told me that they reject many more kids than they accept which makes sense given how small the school is (30 kids). Both schools have the child visit. KTS actually has the child visit for 2 days. It sounds like they actually test the kids as opposed to just checking out behavior, etc. Hopefully, we'll find out more during our parent visit. We are just hoping that one will be a good match. As much as we love our public school, it is just not working for ds anymore...

[Anonymous]

I know a family with a child on the spectrum at Diener also, and i doubt its the same child. There are several schools that claim they don't take kids on the spectrum, but they do. Lab, for example.

The family I know at Diener is happy there, BTW.

[Anonymous]

Op again: Just realized I had an error in my earlier post. KTS is around 27, not 35 but you do have to pay for the services. Sorry about that. Diener is about 35.