Private day schools in VA for ASD and ED?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Given what you’ve described about your sons behavior—including going weeks between outbursts—I would not agree to a more restrictive setting. If his current school is not interested in helping him, then as someone upthread suggested—-try the Independence campus with a fresh FBA and BIP worked up once he starts there.

Apparently this is not quite accurate. We weren't getting a complete picture. He was going weeks between severe outbursts but he's been having 2-3 outbursts a day lasting 45minutes to 1 hr each if he can't calm himself down (which he's able to do about 30% of the time).

I would try adjusting his medication first, even though you don’t see the behaviors at home.

[Anonymous]

Also, have they done an analysis on what’s causing the outbursts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

OP—. Looking at all of these schools so far away, has there been any thought to a therapeutic residential option — only if it coukd clearly be explained what it might offer you DS. Before that, can I ask if there is any option to have a complete mental health workup done to see if any chance of medication or dosage currently in might help your DS to gain emotional stability before being bounced out of a school and put on an even longer bus ride? Are you confident in his psychiatrist’s evaluation and follow up as things have gone south in the school setting.

What do you mean by a complete mental health workup? DS has been seeing a psychiatrist regularly for years -- she seems confident it's not a medication issue and she's in regular contact with DS's therapist.

[Anonymous]

I have toured Alternate Paths in Alexandria and Manassas. They don't have the seclusion rooms (closets, really). They clear the classroom or try to move the student into an uncrowded area to wait out the meltdown. I wasn't impressed for a lot of other reasons (especially the Manassas campus), but that was actually one of the few points their favor.

Phillips (Annandale) has the seclusion closets and even though they claim they are rarely used, there was a child in one when we toured and we weren't there for more than 30 minutes. Have not been to Phillips in Fairfax, although that building would be a lot closer to you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:this looks like it is missing some reports from schools but better than no info at all.

I would not agree to any school that still puts children in seclusion closets.

restraint means either a physical hold or the child is prevented from leaving an area like a classroom

seclusion means locked or barricaded alone in a small room

https://infogram.com/seclusion-and-restraint-full-dataset-1h7z2lzp0exy6ow

Wow, I would take this data with a grain of salt. We toured Phillips TWICE in the 2017 school year and both times there were children in the seclusion closets. But according to their data, it only happened 20 times that whole school year? We just happened to be there for 2 out of "20" alleged times, for two 45 minute tours.

Really interesting that its published online, I've never come across that before. Suspect data is better than no data at all.

[Anonymous]

I suggest calling Phillips in Fairfax and going to see it before another IEP meeting or before you agree to a private day placement. It is the best (term used lightly) option within a reasonable distance to you and if you've never toured a private day school, it will give you a sense of what people here are talking about.

[Anonymous]

I'd pass on Kellar.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd pass on Kellar.

Kellar wouldn't take this kid. They limit themselves to kids who are experiencing mental health issues but who otherwise can function in a general ed classroom. They do have a small section for kids with ASD but they are much more impaired/non-degree track than OP's dc sounds.

[Anonymous]

I am so glad I’m homeschooling. I can’t tell you the peace of mind I have knowing that I control the environment and that I can assure that there are not overwhelming triggers, like a typical school environment.

I’m pretty sure if my son was in any school environment that wasn’t staffed by a BCBA *and* a psychiatrist *and* a curriculum specialist WITH careful monitoring of gradual social exposure, my kid would be an “ODD” kid instead of just a typical “ADHD” kid

The amount of exercise that we do, the physical work we do (building carpentry, etc.) is crucial to being able to sit for at least 3 hrs a day of school work.

I know that I am in the minority of being able to provide this.

I hope all of our kiddos get to experience an environment where they’re strengths are praised and where they can feel that they can conquer harder goals.

[Anonymous]

^^ and where they’re given mostly individual 1-to-1 attention with a specialist and group sessions as needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am so glad I’m homeschooling. I can’t tell you the peace of mind I have knowing that I control the environment and that I can assure that there are not overwhelming triggers, like a typical school environment.

I’m pretty sure if my son was in any school environment that wasn’t staffed by a BCBA *and* a psychiatrist *and* a curriculum specialist WITH careful monitoring of gradual social exposure, my kid would be an “ODD” kid instead of just a typical “ADHD” kid

The amount of exercise that we do, the physical work we do (building carpentry, etc.) is crucial to being able to sit for at least 3 hrs a day of school work.

I know that I am in the minority of being able to provide this.

I hope all of our kiddos get to experience an environment where they’re strengths are praised and where they can feel that they can conquer harder goals.

Truly not being snarky. Here goes:

My DC is struggling at school, and I’ve thought about homeschooling to, as you say, “Control the environment.”

But to what end? I can’t do it forever. At some point he’ll have to function in other environments where there will be triggers.

How do you balance creating an environment where your child can thrive now at the risk of ill preparing him for the real world?

Again, not snarky but I wrestle with this and welcome your input.