Re: Schools in Dallas area?

[Guest guest]

Hello

Thanks for all of the awesome advice. We are trying to narrow down some

districts that will work with the parents and our educational plan for our son.

Our son went to a private ABA school for a year, and now he is in a pre-k

program in public school. He is in a regular pre-k classroom and goes to a

classroom with four other autistic students for two hours every day.

He integrated into a regular classroom with no problems. He's verbal and able

to function in a regular classroom setting. Some days are better than others,

but for the most part he does fine. He's reading, counting, and eager to learn.

He struggles with some sensory issues and socializing.

My husband and I will visiting the Dallas area to tour schools before the school

year is out. I hope we are fortunate enough to find a district that will work

with us. Again, thanks for all of your help.

The White Family

>

> Hi

> We lived in Duncanville for several years when our son was in late teens.

While he did not enter an " autism " program, he did thrive in a classroom which

enjoyed a prominent space in the high school, where the teacher was very active

both mentally and physically promoting her kids' progress. Of special

importance was the wonderful swimming pool available to them.

> Also all the faculty there and the kids too knew the " special needs "

population and welcomed them in their midst. When possible they were phased

into regular classes for study with LD and other kids

> This stands in sharp contrast to other experiences in other places both here

and in other states...we had many because we were a military family.

>

> Best advice: you or your spouse go exploring in these schools; perhaps not

necessary to call ahead, but just go and indicate why you are interested and

FIND OUT whether or not you will be welcome to visit your child's classroom when

he or she is enrolled there. DO NOT be put off by claims that, no, we cannot

admit you to the classroom because of privacy needs of other children. If you

find resistance to this request, then walk with your feet. That is what my

husband did back in ninety one when he came to TX to go school shopping.

>

> Best Luck to you,

> Cedar Hill should be good...

> As to Plano, I have heard they are big on ABA, but have not first hand

knowledge

>

> One small district by the name of Katy ISD I believe is supposed to be good as

is also South Lake School district not sure of name, but check for yourselves

>

> Hope I got the names right.

>

> Cornelia

> Schools in Dallas area?

>

>

>

> We are possibly relocating to the Dallas area this summer. My 5 yr old son

was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, high functioning. I need advice on schools in

surrounding area with the best programs for autism. I've heard great things

about Duncanville, Weatherford, Plano, Cedar Hill, and Frisco. Any suggestions

out there?

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sharon... We have definitely learned our lesson about relying on the

reputation of the district. We will be touring schools in Dallas before the

school year ends.

>

> >

> > Best suggestion I got is don't put you kid in public school here in TEXAS

most of the schools here are not good for our kids. Move to California instead I

hear they have the best programs in public school for our kids. I am sorry I

ever moved away from there!!!

> >

> >

> > To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

> > Sent: Thursday, March 22, 2012 5:09 PM

> > Subject: Schools in Dallas area?

> >

> >

> > We are possibly relocating to the Dallas area this summer. My 5 yr old son

was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, high functioning. I need advice on schools in

surrounding area with the best programs for autism. I've heard great things

about Duncanville, Weatherford, Plano, Cedar Hill, and Frisco. Any suggestions

out there?

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Haven... You have provided me with some very helpful tips and advice. I

am ordering those books tonight.

>

> My experience with Frisco ISD is not a good one. I have seen a lot of

> people calling themselves " autism specialists " who really don't have a

> clue. this district has exploded population-wise and new schools have been

> built, and kids have been shuffled around and it seems no one knows why

> this kid or that hasn't been taught to read.

>

> Yours is the first post I've seen to even mention that these districts have

> good " autism " programs. I wish I had better news for you, but I don't want

> you to be blind-sided. These schools have " special ed " programs. Few

> schools in Texas actually have autism programs. Very few (and I have yet

> to find one in Texas, so if someone knows of one please let me know) use

> ABA, TEACCH, RPM, Floortime, PECS (though they might use some other form of

> visual support it is usually not enough).

>

> The special ed programs are usually one size fits all, and though you may

> spend hours in an ARD coming up with what looks like a good IEP, chances

> are that they will throw it in a drawer and teach to the lowest functioning

> child in the room.

>

> Your child is five. You did not say whether your child was verbal, nor if

> he is verbal how verbal he is. In this state, not being verbal is very

> often equated with " unteachable " except for very basic life skills. I have

> seen many educators who think and operate under the notion that a child

> must talk before the child can learn academics, and this is horribly untrue.

>

> I speak from knowing that TEXAS ranks 49th in the nation for educating

> special needs children. Georgia ranks fiftieth. My guess is that where

> autism is concerned Texas is fiftieth and Georgia is forty-ninth as they at

> least have autism vouchers (they allow children with autism to get a state

> voucher for funds to help pay for private school). We have fought for this

> in Texas but it is going nowhere. Texas appears to be happy residing at the

> bottom of the barrel.

>

> You can go around and check these schools you mentioned. It is best if you

> go unannounced as schools will often put on dog and pony shows in order to

> get those special ed dollars.

>

> You have to decide now what it is you want for your child. Do

> you want your child to learn academics and be prepared to go to college,

> become independent, hold down more than a menial job? Then you have to

> start NOW to learn to advocate effectively for your child. It is a full

> time job in Texas for parents to hold schools accountable to an IEP. If

> you have not yet acquired a cope of Pete 's book, " From Emotions to

> Advocacy, " I suggest you do so as soon as possible.

>

> Texas schools are notorious for postponing the teaching of academics to

> special needs children, and prejudice about the capabilities of student

> with autism is rampant -- especially if they cannot talk and even after

> they do acquire speech if it is delayed.

>

> I have talked with many parents who believed their child was doing well

> only to find out when they are sixteen that they cannot read well enough to

> pass the written portion of the driving test. It is a tragedy. You cannot

> trust grades.

>

> There are some very good private schools in the Dallas area if you can

> afford them. Two of the best, IMO, are Vanguard; which is in North Dallas

> and Focus on the Future; which is in Plano.

>

> My idea of a good (appropriate) program for a child with autism is one that

> uses a combination of the methodologies I mentioned above. Your child can

> begin to learn academics (Pre-reading and pre math and writing skills)

> using the Rapid Prompting Method, which just has positive research

> published.

>

> The book, " Behavioral Interventions for Young Children With Autism " and

> also the new RPM book have curriculum guides in them that can aid you in

> designing an appropriate IEP for your child that includes academic skills.

> Be very wary of any committee that tried to tell you your child is not

> ready for this or that. YOU know your child best.

>

> Is your child potty-trained yet? The Director of Focus on the Future

> Training Center has written a book called " The Road to Independence. " In

> it you will find a plan that is very effective for teaching potty training

> skills to special needs children. Batts also gives seminars on this

> topic and many others. With this plan, our son was potty trained in three

> days when doctors had told us it couldn't be done.

>

> The BIFYCWA book can give you a clear plan for beginning, Intermediate, and

> advanced skills your child needs to learn, and idea on how to break these

> new skills down so your child can learn them.

>

> I am rather surprised they are still giving the PDD-NOS diagnosis and this

> will change when the new DSV-V is released. If your child is then

> diagnosed with ASD by this new standard, he will be entitled to services

> under the " autism supplement, " but since you say your child is

> " high functioning " that could leave him out in the cold. It is worrisome.

>

> You need to know that districts very often find the newest teachers out of

> college to teach special ed. They are the cheapest. Sometimes they are

> alternative certification candidates. You need to see the teacher's

> credentials. Teachers in this state are poorly trained regarding autism

> specifically. All that is required is a special ed certificate. A teacher

> in this state must undergo more training to teach Limited English

> proficient kids (ESL) and get a separate endorsement to be able to teach

> these kids, but to teach a child with autism requires nothing more and no

> ExCet exam in this specific area.

>

> The special ed ExCet has little testing for autism specifically. the

> training teachers and aides get here is usually provided only by the

> educational service centers as this training is " free. " Districts rarely

> pay for training regarding autism.

>

> Parents who advocate for their child with autism in this state are often

> vilified and alienated. You have to become a tough cookie or you may

> crumble. It is difficult here to get researched based programs for children

> with ASD, difficult to get appropriate extended year services at all, and

> difficult to get any concrete and substantive data that an IEP has been

> implemented as written. Beware of " observation " as a means for

> determining mastery. That is their favorite in this state.

>

> If you find that school, that truly provides an appropriate education to

> your child and meets his unique needs, I want to hear of it. I know that

> Trina on this list got her district in Austin to provide training to her

> son's aide for RPM.

> I will let her tell you her son's story as it is pretty amazing.

>

> If you must rely on public education and you cannot afford private or

> afford to home school, then start immediately to follow what is learned in

> " From Emotions to Advocacy " so that if the time comes and you must do what

> you must do to see your child gets a FAPE, then you will be prepared.

>

> All the districts you mentioned are rather large districts. This is a

> factor in advocacy, as well. larger districts have more tax payer money to

> hire lawyers to fight special ed parents. Smaller districts are often more

> willing to compromise or mediate. Keep in mind that Texas schools, during

> a period from around 2002 - 2006 (I'm not sure of the exact dates as I

> don't have the report in front of me) but during this period, public

> schools spent about 58 MILLION dollars in legal fees fighting special ed

> parents. Of course those funds came form the tax payers. 58 million

> dollars could have been put into a trust, invested wisely, and provided one

> of the best special ed/autism programs in the country. But Texas schools

> would rather " win " than dig itself out of the pit in special education.

>

> They are year after year designated by the national Office of Special

> Education as " needing assistance. "

>

> I wish I had better news for you, but I want you to come in with your eyes

> wide open. Be wary of the " smoke and mirrors. " Read the FETA book and

> start learning and preparing to advocate effectively for your child. His

> future depends on it.

>

[Guest guest]

It is exceedingly difficulty to quantify what constitutes a good district to

locate to for special education. While Texas districts as a whole have rarely

maintained full compliance with IDEA in good economic times, things have gotten

progressively worse due to crippling budgetary cuts. A district that once

provided good special education services now likely provides mediocre services

at best. The advice that I give parents is things may be ok today, but it

likely will be different next year. So moving into a district that historically

has provided good services is not a reason to move. To me, a better meaurement

is when things are not going well, how flexible is the district in negotiating

with you if the case ends up in due process? As a general rule, I would tend to

avoid districts that utilize in house counsel for due process hearings.

Louis Geigerman

http://narda.org

> >

> > Hi

> > We lived in Duncanville for several years when our son was in late teens.

While he did not enter an " autism " program, he did thrive in a classroom which

enjoyed a prominent space in the high school, where the teacher was very active

both mentally and physically promoting her kids' progress. Of special

importance was the wonderful swimming pool available to them.

> > Also all the faculty there and the kids too knew the " special needs "

population and welcomed them in their midst. When possible they were phased

into regular classes for study with LD and other kids

> > This stands in sharp contrast to other experiences in other places both here

and in other states...we had many because we were a military family.

> >

> > Best advice: you or your spouse go exploring in these schools; perhaps not

necessary to call ahead, but just go and indicate why you are interested and

FIND OUT whether or not you will be welcome to visit your child's classroom when

he or she is enrolled there. DO NOT be put off by claims that, no, we cannot

admit you to the classroom because of privacy needs of other children. If you

find resistance to this request, then walk with your feet. That is what my

husband did back in ninety one when he came to TX to go school shopping.

> >

> > Best Luck to you,

> > Cedar Hill should be good...

> > As to Plano, I have heard they are big on ABA, but have not first hand

knowledge

> >

> > One small district by the name of Katy ISD I believe is supposed to be good

as is also South Lake School district not sure of name, but check for yourselves

> >

> > Hope I got the names right.

> >

> > Cornelia

> > Schools in Dallas area?

> >

> >

> >

> > We are possibly relocating to the Dallas area this summer. My 5 yr old son

was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, high functioning. I need advice on schools in

surrounding area with the best programs for autism. I've heard great things

about Duncanville, Weatherford, Plano, Cedar Hill, and Frisco. Any suggestions

out there?

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Great advice.

It is exceedingly difficulty to quantify what constitutes a good district to locate to for special education. While Texas districts as a whole have rarely maintained full compliance with IDEA in good economic times, things have gotten progressively worse due to crippling budgetary cuts. A district that once provided good special education services now likely provides mediocre services at best. The advice that I give parents is things may be ok today, but it likely will be different next year. So moving into a district that historically has provided good services is not a reason to move. To me, a better meaurement is when things are not going well, how flexible is the district in negotiating with you if the case ends up in due process? As a general rule, I would tend to avoid districts that utilize in house counsel for due process hearings.

Louis Geigerman

http://narda.org

> >

> > Hi

> > We lived in Duncanville for several years when our son was in late teens. While he did not enter an "autism" program, he did thrive in a classroom which enjoyed a prominent space in the high school, where the teacher was very active both mentally and physically promoting her kids' progress. Of special importance was the wonderful swimming pool available to them.

> > Also all the faculty there and the kids too knew the "special needs" population and welcomed them in their midst. When possible they were phased into regular classes for study with LD and other kids

> > This stands in sharp contrast to other experiences in other places both here and in other states...we had many because we were a military family.

> >

> > Best advice: you or your spouse go exploring in these schools; perhaps not necessary to call ahead, but just go and indicate why you are interested and FIND OUT whether or not you will be welcome to visit your child's classroom when he or she is enrolled there. DO NOT be put off by claims that, no, we cannot admit you to the classroom because of privacy needs of other children. If you find resistance to this request, then walk with your feet. That is what my husband did back in ninety one when he came to TX to go school shopping.

> >

> > Best Luck to you,

> > Cedar Hill should be good...

> > As to Plano, I have heard they are big on ABA, but have not first hand knowledge

> >

> > One small district by the name of Katy ISD I believe is supposed to be good as is also South Lake School district not sure of name, but check for yourselves

> >

> > Hope I got the names right.

> >

> > Cornelia

> > Schools in Dallas area?

> >

> >

> >

> > We are possibly relocating to the Dallas area this summer. My 5 yr old son was diagnosed with PDD-NOS, high functioning. I need advice on schools in surrounding area with the best programs for autism. I've heard great things about Duncanville, Weatherford, Plano, Cedar Hill, and Frisco. Any suggestions out there?

> >

>

=

[Guest guest]

Yes, and it also depends on the individual teacher. We had a great teacher

last year and my son thrived, however, we had to remove him this year

because his teacher wasn't able to work with him at all. so you never know.

Marilyn