ASD-1 kindergartener - moving to DMV

[Anonymous]

We’re relocating to the DC area and could live anywhere around there.

DS has an ASD diagnosis and will be in a general education classroom. We’ll likely live in the area through at least middle school and likely through high school, so I’m hoping to learn suggestions about where to live to have access to the best schools for ASD-1.

[Anonymous]

Massachusetts

[Anonymous]

Not helpful to OP, but actually MA funding mechanisms (no real county structure) means the local schools are funded only by that towns tax base and whatever federal money. And run by the School Committee. Depending on the size of the town and frankly culture of the town/politics of the town, special services can be limited or very very poorly implemented with no significant oversight.

Most schools are great for NT kids, but I’m from there and know several families in towns with “good schools” who are really struggling w/ the SPED teams etc

[Anonymous]

I’d look at Montgomery County (MD) or Fairfax County (VA). You’re going to get a lot of feedback here with a lot of mixed reviews, but these are large districts with a lot of resources. They can be hard to navigate, but you have some optionality for schools/programs/placements. DC has charters but that’s a gamble.

[Anonymous]

For Montgomery County, OP may want to check out xMinds. It's a nonprofit that supports families and educators of kids with autism in Montgomery County. They have a lot of information on their website about MCPS. They also have a free service where you can speak to a volunteer and ask questions about navigating the system.

[Anonymous]

You want get much support in mcps with level 1 in a gen ed classroom. Unless your kid is very disruptive to others...

[Anonymous]

New Jersey

[Anonymous]

I mean, but the most expensive house you can afford. That will put you in a district with decent schools.

It’s basically a gamble if your child gets a teacher who connects with your son or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not helpful to OP, but actually MA funding mechanisms (no real county structure) means the local schools are funded only by that towns tax base and whatever federal money. And run by the School Committee. Depending on the size of the town and frankly culture of the town/politics of the town, special services can be limited or very very poorly implemented with no significant oversight.

Most schools are great for NT kids, but I’m from there and know several families in towns with “good schools” who are really struggling w/ the SPED teams etc

Massachusetts is similar to Virginia in that the state funds some, the Feds fund less, and the local property taxes fund the rest. The school districts tend to be smaller as they are based on towns and not counties; but it is similar. Massachusetts doesn’t really have county only residents, everyone is in a town or city. Whereas in Virginia you are either in a city or a County. Massachusetts is leagues above Virginia in terms of special education. Yes, some towns do better than others, just as some counties/cities in Virginia do better than others, but overall Massachusetts does it much better. Better not necessarily great.

[Anonymous]

How old is your kid?

I think FCPS or Falls church city public schools. I think ten years ago MCPS would have been the move but I’ve heard that there’s not much support for milder kids and that the good programs they have LD/GT for example are really hard to get into.

We are in APS and have had a good experience but my sense is it’s a bit more hit or miss.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

DS is 5. We would love to set up our lives where we can develop a community and know that we are all set on the school front (or as set as we can be with the info we have).

Recommendations of specific neighborhoods or schools/feeders where we might look for homes would be helpful!

Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

One big piece of advice: don’t rush to buy right away. Even in areas with strong reputations, a school's effectiveness—especially for neurodiverse learners—can vary widely depending on the specific staff and special education (SPED) team in place that year. Things can change quickly with turnover, leadership shifts, or budget impacts. Renting gives you flexibility if the school doesn't end up being the right fit for your child, and it also gives you time to really get a feel for the community.

Also, as soon as you know your base school, reach out to them. Whether your DS currently has a 504 or an IEP—or you're not sure what’s appropriate—you'll want to check eligibility and possibly update or start the process. Each district handles ASD-1 a bit differently when it comes to accommodations and services, so initiating contact early is helpful.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One big piece of advice: don’t rush to buy right away. Even in areas with strong reputations, a school's effectiveness—especially for neurodiverse learners—can vary widely depending on the specific staff and special education (SPED) team in place that year. Things can change quickly with turnover, leadership shifts, or budget impacts. Renting gives you flexibility if the school doesn't end up being the right fit for your child, and it also gives you time to really get a feel for the community.

Also, as soon as you know your base school, reach out to them. Whether your DS currently has a 504 or an IEP—or you're not sure what’s appropriate—you'll want to check eligibility and possibly update or start the process. Each district handles ASD-1 a bit differently when it comes to accommodations and services, so initiating contact early is helpful.

this.

Also Montgomery county's schools reputation and current situation are very different. I bought here and my advice is avoid it like the plague. Look at Arlington and FCPS (and also lower taxes in VA).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One big piece of advice: don’t rush to buy right away. Even in areas with strong reputations, a school's effectiveness—especially for neurodiverse learners—can vary widely depending on the specific staff and special education (SPED) team in place that year. Things can change quickly with turnover, leadership shifts, or budget impacts. Renting gives you flexibility if the school doesn't end up being the right fit for your child, and it also gives you time to really get a feel for the community.

Also, as soon as you know your base school, reach out to them. Whether your DS currently has a 504 or an IEP—or you're not sure what’s appropriate—you'll want to check eligibility and possibly update or start the process. Each district handles ASD-1 a bit differently when it comes to accommodations and services, so initiating contact early is helpful.

Can you describe/give examples of what you mean when you say each district handles ASD-1 differently?

[Anonymous]

The quick answer is almost nobody is happy with their school, and the people who are happy know it can change at any time. A downside of the huge school districts is there is not continuity.