Need advice for high school
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Anonymous
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My son is an 8th grader who is high functioning ASD, has ADHD and anxiety. As he’s getting older and academic demands are becoming greater, he’s having a harder time “keeping it all together” (as he says) in school. He likes school but if he doesn’t immediately understand a new concept, as he’s used to, or has a conflict with a friend for instance, he becomes overwhelmed. Generally this means he has to take a break from class and will either go to the bathroom or sometimes, go see the school counselor. He has good friends, who invite him to do things, but lacks a filter at times and sometimes says awkward things (in class and out).
Right now he’s attending a mainstream independent school but we are wondering if there might be a better option for him. The ASD/ADHD aspect of his brain seems to be less mainstream as he gets older (or perhaps more noticeable because demands are greater). He takes medication for both anxiety and ADHD. Any ideas, public or private, for a sensitive, high functioning ASD, anxiety-inclined 9th grader?! I do recognize we are very late, given that it’s January 3 but would appreciate input. Thanks so much. |
Anonymous
| If you are in Maryland, Nora is a great option in this situation. |
Anonymous
| Yes we are in Montco, I should have written that! Thank you for the suggestion. |
Anonymous
| Commonwealth would be a good option for this profile, there are some MoCo kids there. Otherwise you could also look at McLean or possibly Siena. |
Anonymous
| Definitely look at Nora. They understand anxiety better than any other school I've seen. |
Anonymous
| He sounds very successful if he's able to take a break when he feels like he needs it. What is the problem you are trying to fix? |
Anonymous
How does Nora compare with MoCo for curriculum and academic expectations? |
Anonymous
I would strike Siena from this list, since it is designed to serve students with language-based disabilities. |
Anonymous
Less robust on both. But if academic pressure is overwhelming your kid, it’s worth a look. |
Anonymous
We didn’t know until last week that apparently the breaks are excessive. In his leaning plan, it’s vague and says “breaks as needed” but the school thinks he’s requiring more breaks than they can support for 9th grade. He’s successful because he doesn’t need to study much outside of school but when academics pickup in high school, I’m sure we will have issues because homework can be a struggle. When the school day is over, he’s pretty much done with “work.” |
Anonymous
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I have a similar profile kid in 7th. He’s 2e and we’re also in Mont Co. I’ve been looking and so far am not happy with what I’m finding. I need to decide what I want to compromise on—the robust academics or the robust social support.
I am widening the net though and looking at boarding schools. Maybe I’ll find both academics and social in that environment. |
Anonymous
| If he can’t get enough support with an IEP, maybe he could get into an SESES program. That takes going through the CIEP process. |