4 year old just diagnosed with autism (what was Aspbergers)--what should we do with schools?

[Anonymous]

Our 4 year old daughter was just diagnosed with autism. She is really bright (can already spell and write, do math, etc.) but has a lot of behavior issues. We're trying to figure out what to do for her next year when she is old enough to go to kindergarten. We live in Takoma Park, so MCPS. This is all so overwhelming. Any advice on what to do?

[Anonymous]

Kids can change a lot between 4 and the time they are ready to go to K. Ours did so I wouldn't panic yet. I would try to get her an IEP before school begins if possible so she can go in with some supports but otherwise consider putting her in a private with more support. Everybody told us that doing more when they are younger really pays off and they were right. We did a lot but we regret the things we did not do. If I had to do it over again I would have invested in private K and 1st.

[Anonymous]

There is no letter B in aspergers.

[Anonymous]

I would very another diagnosis. Was this through mcps or private practitioner? I would get another opinion

[Anonymous]

OP here--the diagnosis was through both a developmental pediatrician and a pediatric neuropsychologist (both private).

What private schools would you recommend in this area? or are there public schools we should be thinking of?

Is the IEP process hard with the MCPS school district? I have heard you have to hire a lawyer or advocate to help you or they will ignore you. Sorry, this is all so much to take in.

[Anonymous]

The Asperger's program in MCPS was good for our HFA kid, who found a tribe within it. We got a later diag, so I can't help much with the IEP.

Getting going on private social skills could be useful, though. It takes a ton of repetition for them to get reasonably comfortable, even it if may never be natural.

[Anonymous]

Have you gotten into MoCo’s early intervention program? My DD also has an ASD diagnosis. We are currently in the Infants and Toddlers program and will transition to PEP when she turns 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids can change a lot between 4 and the time they are ready to go to K. Ours did so I wouldn't panic yet. I would try to get her an IEP before school begins if possible so she can go in with some supports but otherwise consider putting her in a private with more support. Everybody told us that doing more when they are younger really pays off and they were right. We did a lot but we regret the things we did not do. If I had to do it over again I would have invested in private K and 1st.

NP. What private school do you think would be a good fit for kids with this profile for K and 1st?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids can change a lot between 4 and the time they are ready to go to K. Ours did so I wouldn't panic yet. I would try to get her an IEP before school begins if possible so she can go in with some supports but otherwise consider putting her in a private with more support. Everybody told us that doing more when they are younger really pays off and they were right. We did a lot but we regret the things we did not do. If I had to do it over again I would have invested in private K and 1st.

NP. What private school do you think would be a good fit for kids with this profile for K and 1st?

Bump. We are in a similar situation with our DS

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is no letter B in aspergers.

S/ someone who has it. 😬

Persnickety pants

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids can change a lot between 4 and the time they are ready to go to K. Ours did so I wouldn't panic yet. I would try to get her an IEP before school begins if possible so she can go in with some supports but otherwise consider putting her in a private with more support. Everybody told us that doing more when they are younger really pays off and they were right. We did a lot but we regret the things we did not do. If I had to do it over again I would have invested in private K and 1st.

NP. What private school do you think would be a good fit for kids with this profile for K and 1st?

Maddux - SN lite
Harbor - inclusive mainstream but not therapeutic; will allow your social skills therapist on the playground during recess
Deiner - SN
Auburn -SN

Also check the DCUM independent school board. A few of the second-tier mainstream privates in Northwest DC are inclusive but not therapeutic and some HFA kids have done reasonably well there for the first 3 to 5 years or so. I don’t remember their names, but some parent might see your post and respond

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There is no letter B in aspergers.

S/ someone who has it. 😬

Persnickety pants

Ha! Literally had the same reaction. “Oh, look [ASD son] has joined the chat.” 😆

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids can change a lot between 4 and the time they are ready to go to K. Ours did so I wouldn't panic yet. I would try to get her an IEP before school begins if possible so she can go in with some supports but otherwise consider putting her in a private with more support. Everybody told us that doing more when they are younger really pays off and they were right. We did a lot but we regret the things we did not do. If I had to do it over again I would have invested in private K and 1st.

NP. What private school do you think would be a good fit for kids with this profile for K and 1st?

Maddux - SN lite
Harbor - inclusive mainstream but not therapeutic; will allow your social skills therapist on the playground during recess
Deiner - SN
Auburn -SN

Also check the DCUM independent school board. A few of the second-tier mainstream privates in Northwest DC are inclusive but not therapeutic and some HFA kids have done reasonably well there for the first 3 to 5 years or so. I don’t remember their names, but some parent might see your post and respond

I think it’s Sheridan or Lowell, or both.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids can change a lot between 4 and the time they are ready to go to K. Ours did so I wouldn't panic yet. I would try to get her an IEP before school begins if possible so she can go in with some supports but otherwise consider putting her in a private with more support. Everybody told us that doing more when they are younger really pays off and they were right. We did a lot but we regret the things we did not do. If I had to do it over again I would have invested in private K and 1st.

NP. What private school do you think would be a good fit for kids with this profile for K and 1st?

Maddux - SN lite
Harbor - inclusive mainstream but not therapeutic; will allow your social skills therapist on the playground during recess
Deiner - SN
Auburn -SN

Also check the DCUM independent school board. A few of the second-tier mainstream privates in Northwest DC are inclusive but not therapeutic and some HFA kids have done reasonably well there for the first 3 to 5 years or so. I don’t remember their names, but some parent might see your post and respond

I think it’s Sheridan or Lowell, or both.

A good thread that’s a bit dated and has some strong opinions but is helpful.
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/210/757041.page

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here--the diagnosis was through both a developmental pediatrician and a pediatric neuropsychologist (both private).

What private schools would you recommend in this area? or are there public schools we should be thinking of?

Is the IEP process hard with the MCPS school district? I have heard you have to hire a lawyer or advocate to help you or they will ignore you. Sorry, this is all so much to take in.

My kid has a different dx but the ChildFind process in MCPS at this age was amazing for us. Everyone we interacted was kind and very child oriented. We were able to get support despite high academic performance with very little issue. I know not everyone has this experience but for us it was wonderful. Implementation is up to the school and thus far has been good for us too. See what you can find out about the local school while you look into private. My kid struggled with extended time in the car so a private school 20 minutes away was not a good fit for us, especially since we can walk to local school. Just my experience.