Broward: Middle and High School Autism Program Needs

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From: Shhoaglund@...

Date: Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:00:09 EDT

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Subject: Middle and High School Autism Program Needs

Hello All,

As our summer begins and we start to look towards next school year, we are sure to be facing some issues related to the budget crisis in our schools. It is important to remember that regardless of the budget, our children's needs must be met and are protected under IDEA.

As Broward Schools often refers to Miami Dade County Schools as a point of reference, parents of kids with autism should be aware that in Miami Dade there are autism specific middle and high school programs. In fact there are 17 middle schools (31 classrooms) and 18 high schools (41 classrooms) of autism specific programming. See http://ese.dadeschools.net/autism/PDFs%202008/2008-2009%20Autism%20Program%20Schools%20Portrait-ORIGINAL.pdf for more information.

Broward Schools finds it important to provide "best practice" through offering autism specific programming at the preschool and elementary levels, and agree that these are much needed for our children. However, our children should be given the same tailor made programming when they are ready to transition to middle school and beyond. The structure and support that was important in elementary school continues to be a need, especially during years of adolescence and puberty. Actually, it is probably even more important during this time of maturation.

Please take a moment and write to your school board representative and ESE Advisory Chair and let them know that this is an important area where we are sadly lacking. From students in self contained classrooms, to students requiring autism specific inclusionary supports, our children require educational practices that target their specific areas of need.

Bob Mayersohn - ESE Advisory Chair GRfood@...

Go to Browardschools.com to find your school board representative:

mdinnen@..., jennifer.gottlieb@..., ktynan@..., rbartleman@..., phyllis.hope@..., skraft@..., ann.murray@..., marcia.simmons@..., ruth.lutz@..., ktynan@..., james.notter@...

Thank you for your advocacy,

Stacey