Re: Schools in Dallas area?

March 22, 2012

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?

March 22, 2012

just want to make a comment regarding Katy ISD (right outside of Houston) since I live in that district....don't put your hopes in any district...they may have a few schools that somehow get it but overall, they are not any better off than any other district I have seen. To be quite honest, one of their specialist in the high schools told a dear friend of mine that once they move past elementary and into middle school and high school, they (ASD kids) are just "guinea pigs" because they don't know what they are doing with them. Sad but true. Also, the district has had some shocking incidents in some of their schools....one child was kept in a box, another child was forced to put vinegar soaked cotten balls in his mouth as punishment......sad but true.

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Thu, March 22, 2012 8:59:21 PMSubject: Re: Schools in Dallas area?

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?

March 22, 2012

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.

March 23, 2012

ï»¿

Thank you for correcting me about Katy ISD -- I am not a native Texan and my knowledge of schools is very limited. I do know that there is one small district south of Dallas that is reputedly very good. See I was completely off the mark. But you are so very right: years ago we put all out faith in the wonderful reputation of Fairfax County schools and moved there with such high hopes when my husband was transferred to the D.C,.area; in the Fairfax program we met up with a teacher who told me proudly she believed in squirting lemon juice in kids' faces and pulling the fine hairs about their faces...as behavior mod., negative. Oh yes they have a great reputation: for kids who are Natl Merit Scholarship winners and can make them look good.

Our son was nearly destroyed by the negative behavior mod practiced there, and they further modify Moms by putting them in jail if they are not licensed teachers and try to home school.

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?

March 23, 2012

I highly recommend Wyatt Elementary in Plano. My son has PDD-NOS and they will do anything and everything to help your son succeed. They are very experienced and well trained. The principal is forward thinking and will do everthing in her power to get the necessary resources. The speech pathologist uses video modeling, the SuperFlex program, and other innovative methods. They have a very nice sensory room and excellent teacher aids. Although, my favorite teacher aid is moving this summer. If you do choose Wyatt, ask for Langely as your Special Ed Coordinator; Bonnie for Speech; and see if you can get Music Therapy, Weekly Counseling Sessions, etc. They offer us a lot!

Thanks,

Misty , Founder

Pathways to Sensory Awareness, LLC

mistymroberts@...

www.pathwaystosensoryawareness.com

---- Original Message -----

From: TomekaW

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?

March 23, 2012

ï»¿

There are some districts that are trying to do the right thing, like making resources available to teachers and students, getting classroom staff trained in ABA, etc. But, sometimes the execution of well-intentioned plans isn't great. This year my son's teacher went out on maternity leave, and that ended up being a huge problem. So, even if you find a great district or a program with a great track record, there's no guarantee that things will pan out the way you expect.

Personally, I think it's a good idea to try to understand how the district is supporting its teachers and autism programs. There are some really great, dedicated teachers who cannot get support from their district, for example:

-providing trained subs to work with students while teacher goes to ABA workshop

-reimbursing teachers for continuing ABA education

-providing ABA consultants to conduct FBAs

-staffing classroom with paraprofessionals

Without that type of district support, it's really hard for teachers to be as good as we need them to be.

Geraldine

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?

March 24, 2012

I will piggyback on Haven's excellent post. I live in Arlington, TX which is

close to Dallas and it really boils down to the teacher you get and fighting for

your kid on a daily basis. I'm in the Mansfield ISD.

>

> 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.

>

March 24, 2012

Stay away from Keller ISD!!!!!!!!!! To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Friday, March 23, 2012 9:41 AM Subject: Re: Schools in Dallas area?

ï»¿

There are some districts that are trying to do the right thing, like making resources available to teachers and students, getting classroom staff trained in ABA, etc. But, sometimes the execution of well-intentioned plans isn't great. This year my son's teacher went out on maternity leave, and that ended up being a huge problem. So, even if you find a great district or a program with a great track record, there's no guarantee that things will pan out the way you expect.

Personally, I think it's a good idea to try to understand how the district is supporting its teachers and autism programs. There are some really great, dedicated teachers who cannot get support from their district, for example:

-providing trained subs to work with students while teacher goes to ABA workshop

-reimbursing teachers for continuing ABA education

-providing ABA consultants to conduct FBAs

-staffing classroom with paraprofessionals

Without that type of district support, it's really hard for teachers to be as good as we need them to be.

Geraldine

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?

March 24, 2012

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?

March 24, 2012

My daughter just moved back to Texas from the Oceanside/San Diego area of California because the school system was so terrible there. Schools all over California are now suffering from severe funding shortages and services for special needs children are drastically being cut. In contrast, our little school district in Mexia, Tx has one adult for every two children in a class of 10 for K-1st grade. Our granddaughter has made tremendous progress in the 6 short weeks she has been in Texas. Visit the classrooms and the teachers before you move. Don't depend on the reputation of the district.Sharon Kerstencreeksidechristianretreat.com

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?

March 24, 2012

We have had some people with great intentions, people who say they try but seem to lack the ability to learn how to help, and others who deny that my child has a problem, it is a discipline issue. They ended up putting the "right" things in place, but the execution was atrocious. With the help of our attorney, and some folk with good intentions who lacked the skill set to work with our son, an outside consultant was hired. Are things perfect, no. But we are so far away from where we were 3 months ago. We are in Lubbock. I was at the school hours at a time and the tone of this letter would have been much different a few months ago. If it were not for the consultant who is there overseeing the activities

of the staff who are supposed to be trained, I would still be very unhappy. My son is very high functioning but he still has very specific needs that have to be addressed to be successful.To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Sat, March 24, 2012 9:51:41 AMSubject:

Re: Schools in Dallas area?

My daughter just moved back to Texas from the Oceanside/San Diego area of California because the school system was so terrible there. Schools all over California are now suffering from severe funding shortages and services for special needs children are drastically being cut. In contrast, our little school district in Mexia, Tx has one adult for every two children in a class of 10 for K-1st grade. Our granddaughter has made tremendous progress in the 6 short weeks she has been in Texas. Visit the classrooms and the teachers before you move. Don't depend on the reputation of the district.Sharon Kerstencreeksidechristianretreat.com

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?

March 24, 2012

I have heard that California is better, but now they are far worse regarding demanding vaccination. They are quickly moving to remove exemptions, and now evidently they can vaccinate a girl at school for Guardisil without the parent's permission.

If we don't have to worry about one thing then it is another.

March 30, 2012

Thanks Misty... You have been helpful!

The White Family

>

> I highly recommend Wyatt Elementary in Plano.Â My son has PDD-NOS and they

will do anything and everything to help your son succeed.Â They are very

experienced and well trained.Â The principal is forward thinking and will do

everthing in her power to get the necessary resources.Â The speech pathologist

uses video modeling, the SuperFlex program, and other innovative methods.Â They

have a very nice sensory room and excellent teacher aids.Â Although, my

favorite teacher aid is moving this summer.Â If you do choose Wyatt, ask for

Langely as your Special Ed Coordinator; Bonnie for Speech; and see if

you can get Music Therapy, Weekly Counseling Sessions, etc.Â They offer us a

lot!Â

> Â

> Thanks,

> Misty , Founder

> Pathways to Sensory Awareness, LLC

>

> mistymroberts@...

> www.pathwaystosensoryawareness.com

>

> Â

>

> ________________________________

> ---- Original Message -----

> From: TomekaW

> >To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

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

> >Subject: Schools in Dallas area?

> >

> >Â

> >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?

> >

>

March 30, 2012

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.

He's receiving speech therapy at the school and also at home from a speech

therapist once a week. He also receives occupational therapy once a week.