Do you have to share ASD diagnosis when applying to GDS?

[Anonymous]

I'm not the poster in the Kids with SN group but got curious. If you applied to GDS and have a mild ASD child (no need for school support(, did you disclose their diagnosis? What happened after?

[Anonymous]

I can’t answer your specific question about GDS but I would disclose this to a private school so that you can have a conversation about best fit.

[Anonymous]

DC attends GDS and received the diagnosis a few years in. No accommodations are needed; we have not disclosed.

[Anonymous]

We had a child at a highly regarded charter that was dx the summer after middle school…which was 2 years after starting at that school.

The ASD symptoms were very subtle and when they were noticed by 1-2 teachers, they just assumed it was quirkiness (per the report card narrative). There were never any behavior issues, no medication or support was needed and child always excelled academically so we never shared the dx with the school.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t share unless you need accommodations

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DC attends GDS and received the diagnosis a few years in. No accommodations are needed; we have not disclosed.

Why not?

[Anonymous]

You are fooling yourself if you think that your child’s current teachers and future teachers won’t know this one way or the other. If it was present enough for you to receive a diagnosis, they notice as well. Teachers see this every day in all schools. Keeping these types of things secret,

A) long term will hurt your child
B) shows a lack of trust in the institution
C) communicates your own shame in this learning difference to the child and others.

I know you worry that people will think less of your child’s abilities but your child is just fine and these diagnoses are just that. They are information that doesn’t negate your child’s individuality or potential. Sharing a diagnosis helps the school and teachers understand what your child needs to learn best, even if you think they don’t need accommodations now. Please talk to a therapist about your own fears here and be honest with the school no matter where you end up. Your child deserves it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had a child at a highly regarded charter that was dx the summer after middle school…which was 2 years after starting at that school.

The ASD symptoms were very subtle and when they were noticed by 1-2 teachers, they just assumed it was quirkiness (per the report card narrative). There were never any behavior issues, no medication or support was needed and child always excelled academically so we never shared the dx with the school.

These teachers knew. This was a coded way of encouraging you to recognize it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are fooling yourself if you think that your child’s current teachers and future teachers won’t know this one way or the other. If it was present enough for you to receive a diagnosis, they notice as well. Teachers see this every day in all schools. Keeping these types of things secret,

A) long term will hurt your child
B) shows a lack of trust in the institution
C) communicates your own shame in this learning difference to the child and others.

I know you worry that people will think less of your child’s abilities but your child is just fine and these diagnoses are just that. They are information that doesn’t negate your child’s individuality or potential. Sharing a diagnosis helps the school and teachers understand what your child needs to learn best, even if you think they don’t need accommodations now. Please talk to a therapist about your own fears here and be honest with the school no matter where you end up. Your child deserves it.

Why is every answer about talking to a therapist?

[Anonymous]

It’s definitely hard and a private matter but from what I gathered is schools will NOT be pleased if you disclose after the fact. If they get a dx during their studies and after admission that’s one thing but if you’re accepted and you don’t disclose (ever) or some later date, I hear it’s just not kosher but hey if you have the $$$ to put your kid at GDS and your child is excelling then it’s likely not going to change anything anyways - unless accommodations are needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are fooling yourself if you think that your child’s current teachers and future teachers won’t know this one way or the other. If it was present enough for you to receive a diagnosis, they notice as well. Teachers see this every day in all schools. Keeping these types of things secret,

A) long term will hurt your child
B) shows a lack of trust in the institution
C) communicates your own shame in this learning difference to the child and others.

I know you worry that people will think less of your child’s abilities but your child is just fine and these diagnoses are just that. They are information that doesn’t negate your child’s individuality or potential. Sharing a diagnosis helps the school and teachers understand what your child needs to learn best, even if you think they don’t need accommodations now. Please talk to a therapist about your own fears here and be honest with the school no matter where you end up. Your child deserves it.

Could you be more condescending?

[Anonymous]

It will decrease your chances of acceptance. If your child requires no accommodations then I would not disclose. Now if your goal is support and accepting your child because of who your child is and embracing him, you should disclose. I truly believe that you shouldn't send your child to a school that isn't able to embrace their gifts no matter what they may be then. Not worth sending otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are fooling yourself if you think that your child’s current teachers and future teachers won’t know this one way or the other. If it was present enough for you to receive a diagnosis, they notice as well. Teachers see this every day in all schools. Keeping these types of things secret,

A) long term will hurt your child
B) shows a lack of trust in the institution
C) communicates your own shame in this learning difference to the child and others.

I know you worry that people will think less of your child’s abilities but your child is just fine and these diagnoses are just that. They are information that doesn’t negate your child’s individuality or potential. Sharing a diagnosis helps the school and teachers understand what your child needs to learn best, even if you think they don’t need accommodations now. Please talk to a therapist about your own fears here and be honest with the school no matter where you end up. Your child deserves it.

+1 million

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are fooling yourself if you think that your child’s current teachers and future teachers won’t know this one way or the other. If it was present enough for you to receive a diagnosis, they notice as well. Teachers see this every day in all schools. Keeping these types of things secret,

A) long term will hurt your child
B) shows a lack of trust in the institution
C) communicates your own shame in this learning difference to the child and others.

I know you worry that people will think less of your child’s abilities but your child is just fine and these diagnoses are just that. They are information that doesn’t negate your child’s individuality or potential. Sharing a diagnosis helps the school and teachers understand what your child needs to learn best, even if you think they don’t need accommodations now. Please talk to a therapist about your own fears here and be honest with the school no matter where you end up. Your child deserves it.

No, that’s not what I’m worried about. My worry is that he could be automatically rejected in a couple of years when we apply, even if he does not need accomodations. Of course, I will look for the best fit for my child. But if I believe GDS is the best fit, would disclosing this information be an automatic « no »?
We have an older child attending the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You are fooling yourself if you think that your child’s current teachers and future teachers won’t know this one way or the other. If it was present enough for you to receive a diagnosis, they notice as well. Teachers see this every day in all schools. Keeping these types of things secret,

A) long term will hurt your child
B) shows a lack of trust in the institution
C) communicates your own shame in this learning difference to the child and others.

I know you worry that people will think less of your child’s abilities but your child is just fine and these diagnoses are just that. They are information that doesn’t negate your child’s individuality or potential. Sharing a diagnosis helps the school and teachers understand what your child needs to learn best, even if you think they don’t need accommodations now. Please talk to a therapist about your own fears here and be honest with the school no matter where you end up. Your child deserves it.

No, that’s not what I’m worried about. My worry is that he could be automatically rejected in a couple of years when we apply, even if he does not need accomodations. Of course, I will look for the best fit for my child. But if I believe GDS is the best fit, would disclosing this information be an automatic « no »?
We have an older child attending the school.

If the school would automatically reject when no accommodations are needed then I would question if it’s truly a fit. Why are you worried about this now if applying is a couple of years away?