Before You Make Choices About Autism and School

Autism and school: what are your options?Which educational setting is best for your autistic child? Your public school district will almost certainly have some specific ideas, but before you say yes and sign on the dotted line, you'll want to explore your options.
Autism and School
You can just register your autistic child for kindergarten at the local public school and assume the school will make all the right choices; however, before you do, be sure you really know what your options are, including the pros and cons of each.

* What Are the Educational Options for a Child with Autism?
* What Is a Good Educational Setting for a Child with Autism?
* Choosing the Best School Setting for Your Child with Autism

Autism and Public School
Your local public school has several great advantages: it's nearby, free and it's required to provide your child with an education. There are some down sides too, though. Read about the pros, cons and basic legal concerns connected with public school and autistic children.

* Public School for Children with Autism: Pros and Cons
* FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education)
* Individualized Education Program (IEP)

More on Autism and Public School
Most families start their children off in the public schools. Even when you've made that decision, sometimes, you've barely scratched the surface. Now you'll need to consider whether your child should be "mainstreamed," "included" or in a specialized classroom. What does all of this mean? Read on to get the details!

* Autism Education and Inclusion Classes
* What Does it Mean to Mainstream a Child with Autism?
* Autistic Support Classrooms in the Public Schools

Autism and Non-Public School
Many families find that the public schools are a poor fit for their autistic children. When that happens, there are other options, such as private school and homeschool. Are these options right for you?

by Lisa Jo Rudy

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