What privates take high functioning Aspergers kids?

[Anonymous]

My DS is a high functioning child with Aspergers. I know LAB won't take kids on the spectrum. Are there other privates that might take him as he gets older? Burke? Field? St. Andrews? WES? I'm not looking for a "big 3" pressure cooker, just a nice school with small class sizes and art. music, etc.

[Anonymous]

LAB actually does take kids on the spectrum, they just claim they don't. McLean has some, as long as they don't have behavior issues and don't need a lot of supports. We looked into Burke for our DS with AS and decided against it even though it is a welcoming school but it is not very structured and DS (like most kids with AS) needs structure. We didn't look at St. Andrews but that would be a real possibility. I doubt WES would take a child on the spectrum. Field might, but again I would wonder about the structure.

[Anonymous]

You might also post your question in the special needs section.

[Anonymous]

Two questions: how old is your DS? And, when you say high functioning, do you mean high IQ, or very mild symptoms, or both? I've heard the term used both ways.

[Anonymous]

Thats funny. The only kids I know that go to the Lab School have Aspergers.

[Anonymous]

I had a child at WES. He wasn't aspie, but had some similar issues, e.g. extreme sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions. I think WES may have become more difficult to get into, but when my son was there, I think they would have considered an aspie kid, and I think it might be ideal environment: very small class size, structure, straight-forward expectations, quiet, lots of quirky kids, socially accepting.

[Anonymous]

Also, check out Oneness Family School and Parkmont.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a child at WES. He wasn't aspie, but had some similar issues, e.g. extreme sensory sensitivities, difficulty with transitions. I think WES may have become more difficult to get into, but when my son was there, I think they would have considered an aspie kid, and I think it might be ideal environment: very small class size, structure, straight-forward expectations, quiet, lots of quirky kids, socially accepting.

I agree. Definitely it's worth a look.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS is a high functioning child with Aspergers. I know LAB won't take kids on the spectrum. Are there other privates that might take him as he gets older? Burke? Field? St. Andrews? WES? I'm not looking for a "big 3" pressure cooker, just a nice school with small class sizes and art. music, etc.

I know Aspie kids at LAB, Field and WES. All are doing very well.

[Anonymous]

Sorry but why does every 5 year old need a label stuck to their forehead ? This kind of thing, once applied, will be the first thing someone looks for from then on, instead of seeing what I'm sure is also a very bright, sensitive child with a lot to offer all of us.

[Anonymous]

22:12 you must be the same person posting on the other thread about how ADHD doesn't exist either. You are being spectacularly unsupportive and ignorant. My DS, BTW, is 11 and he would have Aspergers whether or not I stuck the label on his forehead.

Before we had "labels" these kids were still autistic, but instead of therapies and understanding they had bullying and failure. I have family members who cannot function in society because of the lack of "labels." Because back then no one understood why they are the way they are and what they needed. Yes, life was lovely before "labels."

People with Aspergers have elevated rates of depression and suicide and i will not, will not let my DS grow up to face any of that, that feeling of shame, created and perpetuated by people like you who have no idea what you are talking about.

My DS is happy, has friends and is thriving. He knows he has Aspergers, everyone knows he has Aspergers, for the most part no one cares. It isn't a label, its something he understands about himself, and frankly, finds fairly boring most of the time.

How dare you say that I am not seeing my child as "bright, sensitive . . .with a lot to offer." Shame on you for your insults.

[Anonymous]

22:40 I love you! My DC was just diagnosed (at 4) and I have been struggling with the label issue, but you really got at the crux of it for me. I also have relatives who have suffered and struggled. I am glad to hear your DS has had a better childhood than that. I hope for the same for my DC.

[Anonymous]

22:40 is correct. these kids have ASD whether they are labeled with it or not. In my personal and professional experience, I find that parents have a harder time with the diagnosis and label.

Kids (as they get older) often are helped by the label because they can put a name to what makes them different, even read up on it, and help others they deal with (friends, teachers, etc) understand about them and how to better interact with them.

[Anonymous]

22:40

Your Ds is extremely lucky to have such a devoted mother.Your passion for his happiness really shines through. Best of luck to him and to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:22:12 you must be the same person posting on the other thread about how ADHD doesn't exist either. You are being spectacularly unsupportive and ignorant. My DS, BTW, is 11 and he would have Aspergers whether or not I stuck the label on his forehead.

Before we had "labels" these kids were still autistic, but instead of therapies and understanding they had bullying and failure. I have family members who cannot function in society because of the lack of "labels." Because back then no one understood why they are the way they are and what they needed. Yes, life was lovely before "labels."

People with Aspergers have elevated rates of depression and suicide and i will not, will not let my DS grow up to face any of that, that feeling of shame, created and perpetuated by people like you who have no idea what you are talking about.

My DS is happy, has friends and is thriving. He knows he has Aspergers, everyone knows he has Aspergers, for the most part no one cares. It isn't a label, its something he understands about himself, and frankly, finds fairly boring most of the time.

How dare you say that I am not seeing my child as "bright, sensitive . . .with a lot to offer." Shame on you for your insults.

Right On!!