| Choosing the right school for any child can be | | | | you can take along and ask of the staff at the |
| stressful; finding one for your child with Aspergers | | | | school. |
| can be almost too frightening. Every child deserves a | | | | Some of these questions may include: - How |
| good education and the law provides that children | | | | integrated will the child be in the classroom? - What |
| with disabilities such as Aspergers be educated with | | | | techniques are used to support pupils if they are |
| teachers trained in handling such disabilities in practice; | | | | struggling to cope and about to go into "melt down"? |
| however, finding good teachers isn't always easy. | | | | - What is the plan for reducing arousal if necessary? - |
| Parents must decide whether or not their child will be | | | | Will your child be well taught both theoretically and |
| best managed in a mainstream school, with a high | | | | practically about coping and living in the community |
| rate of contact with mainstream children, or in a | | | | with others? |
| special or residential school, where the chances of | | | | Your child may want to know how teachers will talk |
| the child coming in contact with mainstream children is | | | | to him, what the other pupils will be like, what |
| considerably less. Special and residential schools may | | | | subjects and classes he will be in etc. Some of your |
| have better educational programs for autistic children | | | | choice in relation to schools will depend on the degree |
| but may not provide enough positive role models of | | | | of Aspergers your child has and his or her age. |
| more 'normal' behaviors. Some people also feel that | | | | Younger children will need very small class sizes with |
| special schools can encourage kids to mimic other | | | | early education so that, when the child reaches |
| children with similar problems. | | | | school age, he or she may be more integrated into |
| For most children with Aspergers I would consider | | | | the classroom. |
| that as a basic "rule of thumb" mainstream schools | | | | The 'right' school understands Aspergers and has |
| with support will be the best option for your child's | | | | methods in place for teaching children with Aspergers. |
| long term progression. This is because for children | | | | They carry a positive attitude about Aspergers and |
| with Aspergers the main issue is not one of cognition, | | | | place expectations on your child for progress, in |
| learning or understanding it is more the case of | | | | whatever way it occurs, in the school setting. The |
| challenges with social situations. So the child is best if | | | | greater is the likelihood that you'll feel your child's |
| supported well in an environment where typical peers | | | | needs are being addressed and that he/she will have |
| for the rest of his life (i.e. the general population) are | | | | a chance to improve along with learning important |
| around. Because obviously the much more "artificial | | | | social skills from other children. |
| world" of special schools and communities does not | | | | But once you have chosen the right school this is |
| prepare children as well for the general community. | | | | only really the beginning as you then need to work |
| But I must stress this is a "rule of thumb" as there | | | | closely with the teachers to ensure that they know |
| are certain institutions and certain individual cases | | | | all about your child. They may well know about |
| where this much more specialized approach would be | | | | Autism and Aspergers. But they won't know about |
| beneficial. | | | | your individual child. It is your job to be an advocate |
| Choosing the exact right school most definitely needs | | | | for your child and teach the school what they need |
| a visit to the school and a talk with the teachers | | | | to know. |
| who will be teaching your child. Before such a visit it | | | | So to summarize this article on choosing a school - |
| is essential to have considered your own fears and | | | | the major decision for parents is mainstream V |
| thoughts about the school experience for your child. | | | | special school. Beyond this the child and parents must |
| Even more importantly the thoughts and feelings of | | | | visit the schools with pre-prepared questions to help |
| your child with Aspergers. What questions do they | | | | make their decision. Then once the child is at school it |
| have, what do they want to know more about. You | | | | is essential for the parent to educate the school |
| can draw up a list of questions between you that | | | | staff further about the child. |