Where Is the Best Pre-K for Highly-Functioning Autistic Child?

A.,

My 8yr old daughter has PDD-NOS (a form of autism) and she went to pre-school in the public PPCD program. The school should have talked with you about that. When she was there only a 1/2 day I found a local church program that took her the other 1/2 day. From 8:30-11:30 she was with "regular" kids and from noon (bus trip in between) she was at the elementary until 2:30 with teacher who knew how to guide a "special" kid.

There are several wonderful groups in this area, you might want to join for the support. Having a special kid is hard at first. (my older child has special needs too) I heard something really neat about it the other day. It's like planning a vacation to Italy (regular parenting). You get on the plane, (preggie part), have all the broshures, (parenting books)and you get off the plane and there in front of you is another country!! (maybe Holland) You REALLY wanted to see the leaning tower of Piza, and those guys pushing their boats, darn it! But after a while you notice Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips!

People ask me if it's hard raising two special needs children. After a pause and a deep breath, I say, "Well, the view is just a bit different but still pretty amazing!"

You'll make it through this panic time (and believe me there will be times where the panic comes back to visit). Things will be okay, just different.

I hope this encourages you and feel free to e-mail me if you'd like.

S.
(mom in the trenches)

Hi A.,
Let me introduce myself, I am P. DelUcia and I work at South Shore Montessori in League City. I do not know if you know about the Montessori philsophy, but I would recoomend this type of atmosphere for your child. Last year my daughter had a child in her class with a simliar dignosis, this child grew and begin reading, it was amazing to see how well he did in his class. I would recoomend you read up on the philsophy and see what you think. I teach in the other preschool class and the one thing I can tell you is that he will not be taunted or teased, the children at our school learn respect for differnces and accept each child as an individual. If you are intrested , you can email me directly and I could be there, or you can contact the school directly at ###-###-####. I hope that helps!
P.

I live very close to where you wil be moving- different district though.

I would meet directly w/ the principal and get a feel for her (my oldest just completed kinder). I don't know where your son falls on the spectrum but you may want to put him in a private pre-k (if so, look for one NOW since reg began in Feb-ish). I would also talk to your pedi and get her advice.

Good luck!

Hi, I send my son to Kinder care on meadow bend and 518 in league city. We love it!! My son has Down's Syndrome and although he is 20 mos old isn't walking yet. Most daycares want to bump him down to a room of kids that aren't walking "So he'll fit in better" but that's not a good environment for him. He needs to be with same age peers ans see that everyone else is walking so that he's encouraged to do the same. Kindercare put him in the class he should be in by age and gave him a push toy to walk around with. They know he has down's and it's not an issue. They don't treat him like the "Special kid". SO I would try there.
hth
J.