OP here. I don't think other ASD kids are poisonous at all. You're just trying to stir the pot. I just believe if you are HFA it does you no good to be in a school with all HFA kids. Not just for my kid but for everyone. I also think "neurotypical" kids can learn a lot and practice empathy with HFA kids. If you have severe issues that need lots of supports its a different story. And for the person who thought I wasn't being straight, I don't know what to say. I'm actually erring on the side of exaggerating. We've had two docs say, she just has sensory issues and auditory processing issues and say that is the root of her social issues. And we had one doc say she's probably on the most mild end of the spectrum. As for what supports I'd like. Right now at school she meets with the school social worker who helps her talk through times she missed social cues or was upset by something she didn't understand socially. Stuff like that.

Anonymous wrote:Work with a consultant and also ask your neuropsych for recommendations. Be open with the schools you apply to. Also be mindful of the vibes you put out in parent interviews.

What vibes should parents be concerned about giving out?

Anonymous wrote:Helpful yes although I dread having an updated neuropsych on top of the SSAT just to support our application.

Yes, but the schools will need the information on the neuropsych to make a decision on whether they are able to support your DC. Also, a "good" word supporting your DD's application from your educational consultant can help with getting into private school. For many private middle schools - your child may not have to take the SSAT but can simply submit a WISC score which will be part of the neuropsych eval.

20:55 again -- my apologies for referring to your DC as a son and not a daughter. But rereading your posts made me wince all over again about the way you denigrate SN schools and other kids with ASDs.

Anonymous wrote:Basically I believe in inclusive environments. My kid has a lot to offer and shouldn't be relegated to a SN school because she has this specific challenge but is otherwise a great commu ity member. You can't attack me for that. Well you can but I'm sticking to it.

You haven't answered the question: what kind of social supports?

I have a DS with an ASD who is in a mainstream school. It works for him. But I have no idea if it would work for your DC without more information. "Social supports" is the entire ball game. If he needs this, and a school doesn't provide it, it will be a disaster no matter how well he does academically.

My concern with your posts is (1) the way you insult other kids with ASDs as somehow poisonous. If one of those dreaded schools is where your DC would get what he needs, thats where he should be. And there are plenty of brilliant kids with ASDs in SN schools. (2) It really feels like you are playing hide the ball. Certainly by not answering the question about social supports. And if you approach schools like this you are inviting disaster, even if they did take your DS. They won't, BTW, if they conclude he has greater needs than they can provide for.

So, what kind of social supports does he need?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:

My kid is lovely and yes will make it through the interview. Like I said, no behavioral issues, no academic issues... Just has trouble making friends but is very eager and social and we'd prefer a middle school environment that could support this without a classroom full of quirky kids.

OP, I think you are not being straight with us. Otherwise, there is nothing in the above description that would make anyone diagnose your child as autistic. So either tell us the truth, or go ahead and apply to any private school.

--parent of a child with autism

They have made autism a very broad diagnosis so it can look very different depending on the child. We have a diagnosis. It makes no sense to me but it does to the doc who spend that 15 minutes with him. I do not see what is wrong with quirky kids.

You need to find another doctor and you should post the doctor's name who diagnosed after 15 minutes so we can avoid him/her.

Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:

My kid is lovely and yes will make it through the interview. Like I said, no behavioral issues, no academic issues... Just has trouble making friends but is very eager and social and we'd prefer a middle school environment that could support this without a classroom full of quirky kids.

OP, I think you are not being straight with us. Otherwise, there is nothing in the above description that would make anyone diagnose your child as autistic. So either tell us the truth, or go ahead and apply to any private school.

--parent of a child with autism

They have made autism a very broad diagnosis so it can look very different depending on the child. We have a diagnosis. It makes no sense to me but it does to the doc who spend that 15 minutes with him. I do not see what is wrong with quirky kids.

Anonymous wrote:If you don't disclose the diagnosis, and your child's issues are subtle enough, you may be able to go anywhere. You just won't have any supports.

Yeah, but not disclosing that your child has ASD can be grounds for being counseled out if any problems arise... and applications will ask if your child has a disability, so it will be lying if you say "no".

Just b/c there are no issues in elementary school does not mean there won't be issues related to ASD in middle school especially if there are no supports.

Definitely speak to a consultant. Calling the schools to ask about social support will raise a red flag, but I wouldn't want to waste any time applying to schools that won't offer the support you need.

Sidwell

If you don't disclose the diagnosis, and your child's issues are subtle enough, you may be able to go anywhere. You just won't have any supports.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid with ASD is highly socially motivated and wants friends. He just doesn't know how.

-- not OP but another parent who has a child with ASD who doesn't have behavior or academic issues.

There is a difference between describing your kid as socially motivated as opposed to very eager and social. OP described her kid as the latter.

Whatever. But telling someone to "explain" and justify her kid's diagnosis because of what little she wrote when she is asking about schools is a bit much.

Anonymous wrote:My kid with ASD is highly socially motivated and wants friends. He just doesn't know how.

-- not OP but another parent who has a child with ASD who doesn't have behavior or academic issues.

There is a difference between describing your kid as socially motivated as opposed to very eager and social. OP described her kid as the latter.

My kid with ASD is highly socially motivated and wants friends. He just doesn't know how.

-- not OP but another parent who has a child with ASD who doesn't have behavior or academic issues.

Anonymous wrote:

My kid is lovely and yes will make it through the interview. Like I said, no behavioral issues, no academic issues... Just has trouble making friends but is very eager and social and we'd prefer a middle school environment that could support this without a classroom full of quirky kids.

OP, I think you are not being straight with us. Otherwise, there is nothing in the above description that would make anyone diagnose your child as autistic. So either tell us the truth, or go ahead and apply to any private school.

--parent of a child with autism