WWYD?

[Anonymous]

OP - thanks to all who chimed in. Your collective feedback is so helpful and, honestly, is consistent with the information I’ve found everywhere else.

That being said, if anyone knows of the perfect school in the DMV and wants to weigh in, I’m all ears. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I second what others are saying. The “perfect school system” now does not mean it will be perfect in the future. You have such a long road ahead of you. Your ASD child will change a lot in these years. Maybe they will become more motivated or maybe they will deal with some of the mental health challenges that are so common with ASD kids and you will need to go to private or home school.

I hate to see one spouse unhappy with the current situation- special needs kids are hard enough on a marriage and there are many sacrifices are made a long the way. I’d try to avoid making another. I strongly encourage you to try to make the move work.

The DMV has some of the most educated and wealthy people in the nation- these parents aren’t going to settle for poor SPED services. Look in McLean, Falls Church and perhaps Loudoun County.

I recommend joining these groups and others to get the real answer about schools around here -Top autism support groups in Northern Virginia (NoVA) include the Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV), offering parent groups, teen social time, and adult support; and POAC-NoVA, which provides free, community-based support, events, and a popular caregiver listserv

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I second what others are saying. The “perfect school system” now does not mean it will be perfect in the future. You have such a long road ahead of you. Your ASD child will change a lot in these years. Maybe they will become more motivated or maybe they will deal with some of the mental health challenges that are so common with ASD kids and you will need to go to private or home school.

I hate to see one spouse unhappy with the current situation- special needs kids are hard enough on a marriage and there are many sacrifices are made a long the way. I’d try to avoid making another. I strongly encourage you to try to make the move work.

The DMV has some of the most educated and wealthy people in the nation- these parents aren’t going to settle for poor SPED services. Look in McLean, Falls Church and perhaps Loudoun County.

I recommend joining these groups and others to get the real answer about schools around here -Top autism support groups in Northern Virginia (NoVA) include the Autism Society of Northern Virginia (ASNV), offering parent groups, teen social time, and adult support; and POAC-NoVA, which provides free, community-based support, events, and a popular caregiver listserv

Despite the parents in this area, SPED services are not what they need to be. SPED departments are understaffed -- just read this forum to know what is going on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - thanks to all who chimed in. Your collective feedback is so helpful and, honestly, is consistent with the information I’ve found everywhere else.

That being said, if anyone knows of the perfect school in the DMV and wants to weigh in, I’m all ears. Thanks!

It does not exist. Our area is not the worst in the country, but it isn't the best either. If you are in one of those gem areas, your life is going to change dramatically here. Get ready to hire an attorney, get a lot of outside support, and spend a lot of time, money and energy on IEPs. And still probably won't get the outcomes/attitudes/expertise you have now.

[Anonymous]

As a DMV parent of a slightly older child with a similar profile - STAY WHERE YOU ARE!

You’ve found a unicorn - dont give it up.

DMV public schools, even the ones in “good” school districts, are not able to handle the SPED needs of their students, especially related to ASD.

To get what you have you would have to go private where results for that profile of student are mixed, would cost $50k+ year, and would assume you could get one of the few spots available (availability to need, even if you are full pay is a challenge in this area).

If you have any doubts just read all the comments and responses to anything about ASD on this forum.