While these questions and suggestions are not comprehensive, they offer an insight into one of the major concerns of parents who have children with autism –how and when to help their children find and become successful in a larger social setting like school.
Parent – I need advice on what school could be a good fit for my high functioning, autistic, 11 yr old son.
He’s on the autism spectrum, but extremely high functioning. Most people don’t know or wouldn’t guess he is. He has anxiety, and struggles to make friends. He wants friends and connections. He is currently in a small homeschool group, but he wants to transition to a neighborhood school.
He doesn’t know any kids that go there, is sensitive and gets overwhelmed easily with noise. He is very bright academically, and wants to have a traditional school experience, but I am very hesitant to send him to this particular school. He has a hard time advocating for himself, and I fear he could have a hard time there or even be bullied.
Does anyone have any recommendations of a school that could fit his needs? Private or public? Anyone willing to share positive experiences of schools for their child that may be similar? Thank you so much!
A – Check out Holy Cross small class sizes good personal support
M – I have a AuDHD son who sounds similar to your kiddo. He has thrived at the SLV Charter programs!! It’s a great environment, wonderful community, and lots of supportive teachers.
B – I am about to take the plunge and sign up our AudHD tier 1 son for the SLV Charter.
Parent – Please share what you’ve loved—how has this been positive for your family and child?
M – I loved the fact that my kid was accepted for who he was, and given support in the classroom to do his best. The teachers really try to help each child. Also, the community is wonderful. There are lots of opportunities to make friends, do new things, and be part of the community. It feels a little slower and peaceful than the bigger schools (we’ve done both)
Parent – How do you sign up for this? Is it a transfer if you aren’t in the boulder creek area?
M – I don’t know the specifics. But, there are kids in the program from all over the county. I’d call the school and ask.
J – As a mom of 5, I will recommend waiting until high school or at least 8th grade if you can. 6th and 7th grade is the peak worst for bullying, and nasty behaviors from peer groups. Maybe get him into a sport or activity group of some kind for socializing and helping him find friends.
N – Agreed. Middle school bullying can be really intense.
S – IMO neurodiverse kids are over-represented at Alternative Family Education (AFE), on the Branciforte Small Schools campus. It’s not exactly a traditional school experience, but from my perspective as a parent of an 11 year old there, it’s a great happy medium. My kid is in classes with middle school peers on campus 3-5 days a week and participates in sports and clubs there, too. But he doesn’t have to be on campus 8:30-3pm every day as in a traditional program.
G – I had a positive experience with my twins at AFE.
W – AFE is a public alternative homeschool with optimal classes and lots of flexibility to create. We love freedom farm school and have tried everything.
D – I have had a good experience at Twin Lakes. They have met my son where he’s at, adapted assignments as needed (he’s a super concrete thinker) and the science teacher has done great working with him to get him to turn his work in (he hates to turn his papers in afraid that he will never see them again). My son has been there since 2nd grade and is only leaving TLCS because he’s graduating. If you haven’t already, I highly encourage doing a big meeting with all of their teachers at one time. It was definitely helpful for them to hear about his growth/development and for me to hear what they were observing.
Y – If you’re already home schooling Ocean Alternative might be a nice transition. It’s a public school home school hybrid so two short class days a week with lots of additional activities to connect with class mates, but home school to cater to your child’s learning needs and allow time for activities that they enjoy unique to them. We have tons of amazing friends from school and my kids have time to create community at a bunch of other activities.
B – My AuDHD has done really well at Ocean Alternative in Live Oak. In person class offerings at least two days a week, with clubs and field trips.
O – Hands down- Kirby! Go check them out. I’m enrolling both of my boys there in the fall. My 14 yr old is “undiagnosed” autism (currently going through the formal process). He is very noise sensitive, doesn’t enjoy a lot of chaos in a classroom and has a very rigid thought process. After pouring through all the options in the county- I decided Kirby was the best fit for him. Class size of 12 with teachers experienced with bright neuro-divergent kiddos. Their fab lab is very impressive as well as their teaching styles.
T – Mount Madonna School has been life changing for our son. We now have our neurotypical child there and are extremely happy
H – My son is the same and he’s currently at Aptos Jr High at 12 years old. It’s going ok but I would love for him to meet up with other kids his age as connections can be challenging. You’re doing great reaching out and I get how hard it is and wish you the best of luck of finding the right fit.
Q – Chartwell is far, but worth it!
