How to Pick a School for a Child With Asperger's Syndrome

Treatment for a child with Asperger's Syndrome often includes attending school for the purpose of exposure to both education and social interaction. Since students with Asperger's Syndrome frequently experience a high level of stress when attending school, choosing one that suits your child's needs is important to his development and treatment.

Instructions

• 1

  Call or visit your local school district office to find out what special services it offers students with special educational needs, specifically Asperger's Syndrome. Federal law mandates that public schools offer appropriate educational services to students with disabilities. Your local public school should have some sort of special-education program in place.

• 2

  Try a private school. While many private schools don't offer much in the way of special education resources, there are some private schools that only receive special needs students. Locate one or two and give them a call to get more information about their programs.

• 3

  Arrange a meeting with the prospective school personnel from each school you're considering. Talk about your child's needs regarding Asperger's Syndrome. Ask lots of questions and listen carefully.

• 4

  Gather as much information about the services each school offers to students with Asperger's Syndrome. Clarify which of the services offered will best suit your child's educational needs.

• 5

  Contact references. Ask the school's special-education representatives if they can offer some references. Potential references may vary from education professionals to other parents whose children have been enrolled in the school's special-needs program.

• 6

  Make an informed decision. Since children with Asperger's Syndrome often have difficulty with changes, you may have to make the call without the input of your child. Use all the information you've worked so hard to gather and choose the school you think is best for your child. No one knows your child better than you; choose wisely.