Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 18:13     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Anonymous wrote:PDA doesn't typically present with outward behaviors. It's all internalized through masking and hence the school refusal and letdown after school.


Actually, PDA does typically present with significant externalizing behaviors. Maybe some kids can hold it together at school, but PDA typically describes students who react strongly to demands.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 16:50     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

PDA doesn't typically present with outward behaviors. It's all internalized through masking and hence the school refusal and letdown after school.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 16:24     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

I'm not sure that Maddox would be able to support PDA. They don't really take kids with outward behaviors.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 14:42     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Anonymous wrote:Surprised Newton said no. Can you describe her challenges at school?


Newton is not good at supporting students with PDA.
Their sweet spot is 2e wiggly kids with mild social deficits.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:47     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

NP. My DS with ASD/ADHD/PDA went to an FCPS ES without an IEP or 504, in AAP. He completed some of the schoolwork but definitely not all of it (he completed 30% of ELA assignments) - because it's elementary school, the grades don't really matter and it's SBG so, because the schoolwork that he completed was well done, he got mostly 3s.

I spoke to his teachers throughout ES and they were tolerant of it. The administration doesn't like to give 504, although we had a neuropsych eval, but the teachers were experienced and accommodating.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 13:41     Subject: Re:Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Do the public schools in your area allow partial enrollment for homeschooled students?
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 12:59     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Masking at school but in reality the constant demands using an authoritative approach are too much for a PDA profile child and the length of the day because it's exhausting masking all day. High anxiety as well.
In the rare times she doesn't mask needing staff that understands she needs true sensory breaks and giving her space (instead of asking how she's feeling and telling her what she can and can't do which escalate her). Really a school that understands PDA and is flexible to support the needs of a PDA child when necessary.
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 12:06     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Surprised Newton said no. Can you describe her challenges at school?
Anonymous
Post 10/17/2025 08:48     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

OP - looking for this year. Also anything in DC or VA or are all the good ones in MD?
Anonymous
Post 10/16/2025 21:43     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Consider Maddux

Maddux doesn’t offer 3rd grade, yet.


They will next year, so a current 2nd grader could apply.
Anonymous
Post 10/16/2025 20:33     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

The Lourie Center, Auburn, Diener.
Anonymous
Post 10/16/2025 20:30     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Anonymous wrote:Consider Maddux

Maddux doesn’t offer 3rd grade, yet.
Anonymous
Post 10/16/2025 20:13     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Consider Maddux
Anonymous
Post 10/16/2025 17:15     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Sycamore would be great for middle school, but that doesn't help you now.

Maybe Maddux? Their 3rd grade will be new next year.
Anonymous
Post 10/16/2025 14:22     Subject: Recommendations for schools for ASD/PDA child

Hi - I have 2nd grade girl and am looking for schools that would be a good fit for ASD Level 1 and Pervasive Demand for Autonomy (PDA). So schools that use an ABA type approach would not be the right fit. I spoke with Oakwood and Newton and neither would be a fit they said for my child. We are dealing with school refusal and challenges after school - academically they are on track. I spoke with Linwood and they sounded promising but they barely have any girls in elementary and I have a social child.

What do you recommend in the DMV?

Thank you!