montgomery county autism programs?

[Anonymous]

hi -- i have an elementary school kid who likely would be placed in a autism program in MoCo, perhaps with an aide (he has an aide now in his current placement). Are they any good? Contemplating a move...

[Anonymous]

Can you give us more information? Is he non-verbal or verbal? Below or on grade level academically?

[Anonymous]

somewhat verbal. can communicate in a sentence or two. definitely below grade level academically. Not diagnosed with autism, but rather some medical conidtions, but i suspect this is where he would be placed.

[Anonymous]

What about the Augmentative Communication Program?

[Anonymous]

Can you tell me a bit more about this program?

[Anonymous]

Kids use/are taught to use augmentative communication devices. Under the auspices of Interact. The program is K-2 and is inclusive for part of the day. It's held at Cannon Road and Beall elementary schools.

[Anonymous]

We were told that kids must have an autism diagnosis to be in the autism programs. They are great but highly specialized and really really difficult to access.

[Anonymous]

Even kids diagnosed with ASD might not get into these programs depending on their specific educational and socio-emotional needs.

[Anonymous]

Other programs you might consider: Learning Center -- kids with all kinds of diagnoses, like Fragile X, Williams Syndrome, etc. Learning Centers are housed in various elementary schools.

Carl Sandburg if your child needs a behavior plan -- a lot of kids with autism but also related diagnoses.

You really need to meet with the county, present your reports on your child, and discuss placement. You can't predetermine what is right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Even kids diagnosed with ASD might not get into these programs depending on their specific educational and socio-emotional needs.

How absurd.

[Anonymous]

So are these programs good?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Even kids diagnosed with ASD might not get into these programs depending on their specific educational and socio-emotional needs.

How absurd.

Not really. The autism spectrum is just that-a huge range. The autism programs in MoCo are for children with more intensive needs on the spectrum. The would be inappropriate placements for children who have more language skills, fewer behaviors, and who can learn in a more naturalistic way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Even kids diagnosed with ASD might not get into these programs depending on their specific educational and socio-emotional needs.

How absurd.

Not really. The autism spectrum is just that-a huge range. The autism programs in MoCo are for children with more intensive needs on the spectrum. The would be inappropriate placements for children who have more language skills, fewer behaviors, and who can learn in a more naturalistic way.

The purpose of in-school programs like the Autism Program is to help students access the curriculum. They do not exist for therapeutic purposes for students who have no issues with the curriculum and are at grade level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Even kids diagnosed with ASD might not get into these programs depending on their specific educational and socio-emotional needs.

How absurd.

Not really. The autism spectrum is just that-a huge range. The autism programs in MoCo are for children with more intensive needs on the spectrum. The would be inappropriate placements for children who have more language skills, fewer behaviors, and who can learn in a more naturalistic way.

The purpose of in-school programs like the Autism Program is to help students access the curriculum. They do not exist for therapeutic purposes for students who have no issues with the curriculum and are at grade level.

Exactly! Why force a child to be a program simply because of their diagnosis? There are students who have DS, CP, or are DHOH or visually impaired who are been well-served in regular programs at their home school. Placements should always be on a case by case basis.

[Anonymous]

There's a range. Carl Sanberg--verbal but may have behavioral issues like elopement, MAP program--higher functioning, college bound like Sligo Creek or Diamond Elementary, and other programs that are kids who will get a certificate and need life skills, as well as public placement.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/olo/resources/files/2012-3.pdf

It's hard to find an actual list of schools and which programs they have. MCPS once had this online, but since removed it. They don't want parents asking for specific schools.