Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional Atlanta public schools, aspergers, placement

My 12 year old son has Aspergers and we are in the process of finding him placement within the Atlanta Public School system. We just had his first IEP meeting and the staff is trying to find an appropriate place for him. He needs a self contained class room with one on one instruction (or nearly one on one). His past catagory of service was EBD but we're getting it revised to Autism/OHI. His private school with a four to one ratio closed just this summer. There have to be other kids who have high functioning autism who go to Atlanta Public Schools! Not all parents can afford private school. Where are middle school students being placed when there are emotional, behavioral needs, as well as, sensory and gifted/high IQ needs (90th percentile) which need to be met? Thanks

Bumping. Does anyone have any advice for this poster?

Hi Jen8,

I would ask that question of the school district, whatever person is in charge of Intervention Services.

In our district, the kids with disabilities that affect education most strongly are typically clustered: all the deaf kids are mainstreamed at one particular elementary, the autistic kids at another. I am not recommending this practice; but suggesting that if that's the case where you are, you want to find the middle school fed by the place where the elementary autistic students are clustered.

I would not want my child with autism in an ED program; the needs are different.

Do you have a private therapy team who can advise on school placement? We bring ours to all meetings. It has helped ensure appropriate placements.

Is there a local parent support group? Or an advocate who has worked with a lot of people in your district? Both of those could help you get the lay of the land of what's "typically done" and what's possible.

HTH,
DeeDee