Choosing the right school for any child can be stressful;
finding one for your child with Aspergers can be almost too
frightening. Every child deserves a good education and the
law provides that children with disabilities such as
Aspergers be educated with teachers trained in handling
such disabilities in practice; however, finding good
teachers isn't always easy.
Parents must decide whether or not their child will be best
managed in a mainstream school, with a high rate of contact
with mainstream children, or in a special or residential
school, where the chances of the child coming in contact
with mainstream children is considerably less. Special and
residential schools may have better educational programs
for autistic children but may not provide enough positive
role models of more 'normal' behaviors. Some people also
feel that special schools can encourage kids to mimic other
children with similar problems.
For most children with Aspergers I would consider that as a
basic "rule of thumb" mainstream schools with support will
be the best option for your child's long term progression.
This is because for children with Aspergers the main issue
is not one of cognition, learning or understanding it is
more the case of challenges with social situations. So the
child is best if supported well in an environment where
typical peers for the rest of his life (i.e. the general
population) are around. Because obviously the much more
"artificial world" of special schools and communities does
not prepare children as well for the general community. But
I must stress this is a "rule of thumb" as there are
certain institutions and certain individual cases where
this much more specialized approach would be beneficial.
Choosing the exact right school most definitely needs a
visit to the school and a talk with the teachers who will
be teaching your child. Before such a visit it is essential
to have considered your own fears and thoughts about the
school experience for your child. Even more importantly the
thoughts and feelings of your child with Aspergers. What
questions do they have, what do they want to know more
about. You can draw up a list of questions between you that
you can take along and ask of the staff at the school.
Some of these questions may include: - How integrated will
the child be in the classroom? - What techniques are used
to support pupils if they are struggling to cope and about
to go into "melt down"? - What is the plan for reducing
arousal if necessary? - Will your child be well taught both
theoretically and practically about coping and living in
the community with others?
Your child may want to know how teachers will talk to him,
what the other pupils will be like, what subjects and
classes he will be in etc. Some of your choice in relation
to schools will depend on the degree of Aspergers your
child has and his or her age. Younger children will need
very small class sizes with early education so that, when
the child reaches school age, he or she may be more
integrated into the classroom.
The 'right' school understands Aspergers and has methods in
place for teaching children with Aspergers. They carry a
positive attitude about Aspergers and place expectations on
your child for progress, in whatever way it occurs, in the
school setting. The greater is the likelihood that you'll
feel your child's needs are being addressed and that he/she
will have a chance to improve along with learning important
social skills from other children.
But once you have chosen the right school this is only
really the beginning as you then need to work closely with
the teachers to ensure that they know all about your child.
They may well know about Autism and Aspergers. But they
won't know about your individual child. It is your job to
be an advocate for your child and teach the school what
they need to know.
So to summarize this article on choosing a school - the
major decision for parents is mainstream V special school.
Beyond this the child and parents must visit the schools
with pre-prepared questions to help make their decision.
Then once the child is at school it is essential for the
parent to educate the school staff further about the child.
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Dave Angel is a social worker with families who have
children on the Autistic Spectrum and is the author of a
new e-book that answers the 46 most asked questions by
parents of children with Asperger's. To claim your free 7
day Mini-Course for parents of children with Asperger's
Syndrome visit http://www.parentingaspergers.com today.
