Tilden MS - Aspergers Program Info Request

[Anonymous]

My son has Asperger's and ADHD. He is in 5th grade and has had amazing support at his DCPS elementary. However, our neighborhood MS is not a good fit and we are currently deciding between private schools or moving to the suburbs. Tilden has been recommended multiple times, but we are having a difficult time learning more about their program since we are not currently MoCo residents (but are willing to move). His IEP allocates 15 hours/week of support. He is in the general classroom for most of the day with specialized instruction a few times/week plus in-classroom support (but not a dedicated para - this is beyond what he needs). He does well with a smaller class size, but can be overwhelmed in larger groups.

Can anyone share their recent experience with this program? And how does one initiate the placement process (as a MoCo resident, I'm aware that this would need to come first)? Thank you in advance!

[Anonymous]

I would recommend that you join a Moco parents group such as Xminds or yahoo asperger moco. We moved to Moco and we found great information, but what worked for us was to hire a Consultant that knows the programs. We are not at the middle school level yet, but in order to get placement at a specialized program there is a lot of work.

[Anonymous]

It would be great to apply pressure on DCPS to standup a HFA middle school program. We’re you, though with a 3rd grader.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son has Asperger's and ADHD. He is in 5th grade and has had amazing support at his DCPS elementary. However, our neighborhood MS is not a good fit and we are currently deciding between private schools or moving to the suburbs. Tilden has been recommended multiple times, but we are having a difficult time learning more about their program since we are not currently MoCo residents (but are willing to move). His IEP allocates 15 hours/week of support. He is in the general classroom for most of the day with specialized instruction a few times/week plus in-classroom support (but not a dedicated para - this is beyond what he needs). He does well with a smaller class size, but can be overwhelmed in larger groups.

Can anyone share their recent experience with this program? And how does one initiate the placement process (as a MoCo resident, I'm aware that this would need to come first)? Thank you in advance!

The inclusion with support (para) and cotaught classes there are middle to large. One SS class initially had 33 students a couple years ago. It got down to 29 by late October.