A Special Education Vent (Autism)
Every parent wants the best education for their child. I’ve become increasingly aware that “special education” in our public schools more closely translates to “sub-par education”. Not by fault of the teachers or staff, but the whole system. How can a child that requires extra attention, be expected to perform when they are mixed with a group of kids ranging in ages from 5 to 10 in one large classroom? With Autism, the less distractions, the better. How well can I expect my daughter to do in a dark, gloomy classroom away from the rest of the “normal” classes and students? Why is the education system in this country always based on a minimalist approach? It’s horribly unfair to our children. It’s daunting when you start looking into private schooling costs or uprooting and relocating your family (3 kids) for a school that specializes in autism when you may or may not be able to get some kind of funding to help you pay the $50k+ a year tuition. The education system in our country makes me sick.
The Camp Hill schools in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are worth looking into. Your daughter would live on campus and learn alot more than just reading and writing. A friend works at one in PA and I visited there several times and it was a real eye opener. Deep compassion and a a profound committment to the whole person is there. Their guiding principle is “We are spiritual beings haveing a human experience” and that really comes out in the interaction between teacher and children. The nod will always go to money in our public schools and can you imagine teaching in one? Not that there aren’t some good teachers in public school, but for overall peace of mind for you and the wellbeing (now and into the future) for your daughter you can’t beat Camp Hill. http://www.camphill.org/
@Rich
Thank you for your reply. That school looks very refreshing!
Is your daughter seeing a DAN doctor. My daughter was severely autistic and is now essentially cured. We followed our doctor advice and implemented GFCF diet, a host of supplements and B12 shots. My daughter is now functioning as a “normal” kid and does not require special assistance in school.