Best Schools for Autistic Children

It is almost impossible to select the best schools for autistic children for the simple reason that the word "autistic" covers a wide range of symptoms. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder may range from non-responsive to high-functioning with many different levels of ability between. To have only one school that could treat all of these symptoms, much less several schools to choose from, would be just about impossible.

However, many school districts and private organizations have recognized the need to treat these kinds of difficulties for the parents and children in their districts. Private organizations tend to fall into two different camps:

• Those who will not accept an autistic child for any reason. Because of their private status, they are under no legal obligation to do so, and there is no reason to put a child in an organization that has no desire to help him or her.
• Those who will accept only autistic children, which has one inherent disadvantage: children who would benefit from a "normalized" environment will spend all of their time, instead, interacting with other autistic children.

In the public system, however, there have been policies put into place in order to place, educate, and help in the therapy of autistic children. The first step in this process is to have an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) set up through the school district. This plan evaluates the child's specific needs and begins to match up the resources of the school district with the recommended course of treatment. Often these are done in collaboration with the therapists already hopefully treating the child.

In the best school for autistic children, the teachers will have training and experience in dealing with the particular difficulties of autism. It is perhaps even more important that they have the support and resources of the school district. Many parents of children without autism do not understand the disorder, and do not understand the benefits both to the autistic child and to their own children in integrated classrooms.

Often the teachers will be flexible in their lesson plans and teaching methodologies in order to suit the Individual Education Plan, using different styles of teaching based on the most effective strategies. For example, in order to control physical restlessness while trying to read, some autistic children will squeeze a small ball, focusing their physical need to move into a harmless "handfidget."

Most school districts with good autism programs will also have alternative therapies available as well, such as occupational or speech therapy. In a public school district, these will ideally be free of charge. Support teachers and staff such as librarians and gym teachers should also be aware of and trained in teaching methodologies for autistic children. Sometimes the only way to really accommodate this is with a companion for the child throughout the school day, but again, the best school districts for autistic studens will provide this.

The most important sign that a school is a good place for an autistic child is a combination of a challenging environment (that does not lower expectations of a students ability) with a clear track record of improvement for other children who have gone there.

Not all autistic children will benefit from integration into a larger school system. In some cases the teasing that is inevitable from peers may be intolerable and unmanageable, and in other cases the daily needs of the child are simply not able to efficiently be met in a "regular" classroom. For this reason, organizations such as the Heartspring School exist. Founded in 1934, the Heartspring organization includes a school, a pediatric center, a hearing center, and a panoply of worldwide resources for their staff and clients. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the Center also addresses other children with special needs.

Home schooling is also an option for the autistic child, and has the benefit of complete control of the environment and total focus and course of treatment for the autistic child. However, it also is very demanding on both parents, and there is a lack of outside socialization which can make later integration into larger society difficult.

Regardless of what kind of school is chosen, the most valuable educational resource autistic children have are the people who love them, and will find the best way to encourage their learning and development.

• Preschool Activities for Autistic Children
• Possible Causes of Autism
• Tips for Raising Kids with Autism
• What Is Your Autism Empathy Rating?

• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Adult Autism Symptoms
• Social Skills Activities for Kids with Autism
• Speech Therapy Ideas for Autistic Children
• Famous Autistic People

• Techniques for Helping Autistic Children
• Activities for Autistic Children in Kindergarten
• Impact on Families with Autistic Children
• Lesson Plans for Autistic Children
• Environment for Autistic Children