Seeking Schools with Good Special Ed. Dept in San Antonio

I would first look at North East ISD. Large but very good special ed dept. Has a really good autism program

C.

I have a child with severe autism. We move from NISD to NEISD. We are still having problem but this school is really working with us. Word out here is Alamo Heights school District and Comal have good reports. Try contacting Brighton (ECI program). They have a parent advocacy program called PALS. Get in touch with a lady named Pam. She is amazing.

Brighton's web site www.brightonsa.org

Also get in tough with Any Baby Can. They offer good support in many areas to parents of special needs children.

My name is M. . Feel free to contact me if you need anything else. My daughter is 4yrs old.

____@____.com
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GOOD LUCK!!

I have a girlfriend that has been a teacher in San Antonio for over 5 years, and the information she provided to me is below. Best of luck to you! San Antonio is my hometown and I miss it dearly.....

I would tell her to move to the Northeast district. There are tons of schools that have autism programs, and almost ALL of them have monthly support meetings, as well as info into the SA area support. Here is the website for NEISD special ed:
http://www.neisd.net/special/index.html

I would highly recommend the Northeast Independent School District. I did teach for 8 years in the San Antono ISD, however I know many teachers and counselors,including family members who work for NEISD and can tell you that their system of Sp.ED far exceeds the others.

We lived in San Antonio about nine years ago and then moved (we are also a military family) so when we ended up coming back to Texas, we looked at cities outside of San Antonio but still within a relatively reasonable commuting distance with great schools, and that is how we ended up in New Braunfels. I saw your post this morning and this afternoon, my son brought home the district paper and there was an article titled "Comal ISD provides services to children with special needs..." so I thought it might be a sign. If you aren't set on San Antonio, the POC for the screening program is Pat Hermes at ###-###-#### (if you are set, then it looks like you have received a lot of good info from others). Best of luck either way, and welcome to the area!

I have an Aunt who is an Aid with the ELS program, and she LOVES her job, I know some of her co-workers and they all agree that Northside ISD has one of the better progams out there. Hope this helps ;)

I'm the mother of 2 Autistic boys as well (10 & 4) and I've been very happy with the support we've gotten from the North East ISD. Of course... I do not have any experience with the Northside ISD (these are the 2 biggest districts in San Antonio), but I can tell you that when there have been issues with my boys (be it behavior, teacher issues, etc.), the district was always very quick to jump on the problem. Here is the link to the 2 school districts:

http://www.neisd.net/

http://www.nisd.net/

A couple more organizations that you might email to get testimonials on the different districts (plus lots of support info) are:

The ARC of San Antonio
http://www.arc-sa.org/

Any Baby Can (has great Autism support network)
http://www.anybabycansa.org/

The ASA Chapter of San Antonio
http://www.autismsocietysa.org/index.html

Here is a PDF resource guide from Any Baby Can that might help you with finding doctors, neurologists, respite, etc.:

http://www.pediatrics.uthscsa.edu/pdf/AppendixFamilySuppo...

Hope this helps. Good luck with the move :-)

Alamo Heights in north part of San Antonio

Hi C.! I live in Corpus Christi & belong to the Coastal Bend Autism Advocacy (CBAA) but receive support & training info from the San Antonio area as well (ASGSA). Their info is: ###-###-####, 6914 Forest Park, San Antonio, TX 78240, http://www.autismsocietysa.org/index.html. The 17th Annual TX State Conf. on Autism will be held this year on Dec. 4-6, 2008 in Arlington Convention Center Arlington (right outside of Dallas), TX. http://www.autism.esc2.net. San Antonio has several support groups for parents of children with special needs and/or Aspergers; so, I encourage you to contact the ASGSA via their phone number or website. You may be wish to check out the "DAN" doctors at this Austin Clinic and website: http://www.thoughtfulhouse.com/

Also, I have a friend in the Corpus area with a 12-yr old son on the autism spectrum. She happens to be Portugese. You might like to connect with someone with whom you can speak Portugese! I spoke Czech for a few years, but if you don't use it - you lose it. :~(

Lastly, and you may or may not be interested, last summer I decided to get SERIOUS with my 8-yr child's supplement regimen and to gradually change her over to a gluten-free diet. The differences in her health, attention, socialability, learning abilities and behavior has been PROFOUND, that I can't help but want to share this with you. Since last year, she's gone from mainstreaming 50% in K to 80% in 1st grade. She had 10 sick days last year. At the semester awards ceremony in Jan., she received awards for perfect attendance, good citizenship and made the "A" Honor Roll (she's in the top 5% of her 1st grade class per her teacher at our parent-teacher conf!). She no longer plays w/ sticks by herself under the tree or digs her nails in the mud at recess; rather, she skips out to recess and joins her classmates on the slide. I might mention, all this newfound socialability, despite being non-verbal - she uses a communication device in the classroom. If you want to know more about the products or company that has made such a PROFOUND difference for our family, feel free to contact me. ____@____.com

I hope this info is helpful, and I wish you the very best on your relocation. S.A. is a nice place - you'll enjoy it! Let me know if you'd like my friend's number so you can chat in Portugese.

Here just about every district has a special ed program. If you looking for what parts of town to live in paired with school. You get that small town feel in Alamo Heights ( NEISD) The classes are small,my son is going to PPCD with peer modeling and there are only 6 special needs children and total of 12 kids in his class ( one teacher and two aides). There are two elementries here Woodridge and Cambridge. Also not very big...I have been also in the Stone Oak area and its a newer area with lots of nice houses.

Good luck
V.

I have a very good friend who grew up and lives in Boerne. She has three children in the new Elem. school and lives in the new KB subdivision. If you are interested I would be happy to get you in touch with her. I also have an autistic son and know how hard it is to find a school willing to go the distance for our autistic children. Good luck!

Hello C.,

The North East ISD in San Antonio is one of the better school districts. In the Northeast ISD district there is also subdivision with less crime. I also have a teaching certification and can tell you that Northeast ISD is a very sought out school district both by parents and incoming teachers. If you have further questions or need further assistance please feel free to email me ____@____.com. I also sell real estate and can help guide you find a home that accomodates your needs. Good luck,
M.

C.,
My name is Tacy and I am a special education in the Killeen Independent School District.
Since your usband is military there is a support group under the EFMP program. The state of Texas also has the CLASS program...they provide spplies, respite care and equipment for home if needed. However there waiting llist is a mile long. Also try MMHR. Their program is similar to the CLASS but services to you should be available right away.
Both of these programs are offered any where in the state of Texas.
Hope this helps! God Bless!

Hello C.,
I have had two recommendations from friends in San Antonio for the Spec Ed Dept and they like the NW district in NW San Antonio. Hope this helps!
C.

Dear C.,
Hello and welcome to South Texas (in the near future). I have a son with learning issues and after much research and lots of interviewing we have choosen a private school. River City Christian School is located on Blanco Road just inside IH 410. This school is small, only about 150 students, on purpose to give our students the attendtion they need. This school addresses many different issues but they have a wonderful program for children with autism. I know that you were asking about public schools but I would incourage you to check RCCS out. My family actually lives in New Braunfels and we make the drive back and forth because it is worth it. I hope you find just what you are looking for. PS. I have a lot of family living in San Angelo. In fact we use to live in Sterling City. HA! Blessings on you and your family as you look for just the right fit for your sons.
M. D.

I live in the east central ISD, my son goes to harmony elemenary. my son has mild cerebral palsey, the school he was in last year for kindergarten was in te north east isd, it was ridgeview elemtary. I would recomind the school he is in now, because they contacted us the second week of school to see if there was anything that they could do to help... a teacher had noticed his stiff walk, and clumseyness. they listend when I said if at all possible I want him mainstreamed... I am very happy with this schoool

I have worked with autistic savant artists for the past 30 years and have access to many resources for parents, doctors, and teachers. Please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com might want to consider Austin rather than San Antonio. Austin has a wonderful Parent Autism Forum (people come from San Antonio to attend) the first Wednesday of each month. Contact Dianne Doggett at ____@____.com for information and get on the email mailing list. Also in Austin are two of the best treatment centers in the U.S. One is The Thoughtful House (founded by Marshall Ball's family. Marshall is the author of KISS OF GOD see www.marshallball.com) and the second is My Care Clinic. Both are located on Bee Caves Road in Austin. There will also be a major Autism & Asperger's conference in Austin September 4-7, 2008.
Laurence A. Becker, Ph.D.
Creative Learning Environments
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Hi, C.,

My name is B. Richey, I was born and raised in SA, never haved left except to travel! All of my children went to Northside ISD, it is a wonderful school district. I was would highly recommend it and the area is great! I was also an independent school photographer for many years and did many of the NISD schools which I was in contact with the Special Ed teachers they were all great with the children-loving, caring with each and attended to each one's special needs. I did all areas in SA area and would highly recommend this school district above all others.
Also, I have a health product you might be interested in for you, your husband, and your children. We have some documentation of a child with autism after drinking this all natural product what it did for him. I would love to send that info, you can buy this product and become a wholesale buyer and be paid rebates back! If you enjoy helping others, this product has changed my health and many of my family and friends as well! (And you can make some extra money at the same time. If your husband is getting ready to retire this is a great opportunity for both of you, it is working for my husband and I) If you have some time please lease go to my website: myxango.com/healthytxans4life.

C.,

You may also want to take a look at Ewing Educational Center. Their phone # is ###-###-#### and I am pretty sure you can find them on the web too.

I spoke with a mom of an austic child and she told me her son has really had a break through their and is doing very well.

Also, if you need help finding a home I am a licensed realtor.

Good luck to you and your family.
H. Calame

Dear C. B,

My mother has been involved in the special education department of SA's Northside Independent School District for over 30 years. I know that it is one of the largest special education school districts in the state, which I think is due to the number of military families who get stationed there for the medical center. The district has an excellent reputation for working with parents, for ongoing training of their faculty, and for the internal support systems for the teachers.

HI
Try contacting The Arc. I live in Sugarland and only have this number but since it is a nationwide organization there may also be a local chapter in San Antonio. Hopefully they will have some info that can help. They deal specifically with with your needs.
The Arc of Fort Bend County
123 Brooks Street
Sugar Land, TX. 77478
Phone: ###-###-####
Fax: ###-###-####

Hi C.. It's so odd, I just joined this yesterday and here I am already responding to someone's post. Lucky you! ha :o) Anyway, the reason I'm responding is because I live in the NISD San Antonio school district and I am aware of one school that might meet your needs. The school is called Virgina A. Myers Elementary school. It has an a specific autistic program within their school. Whether or not it's better than other autistic programs in other districts is beyond me, but I still think it's worth looking into. A friend of a friend's son is in the program and she is very happy with it. My son who has his own obstacles to overcome is currently attending RABA ELEMENTARY school, he takes speech therapy there and I am quite pleased with the progress he has made in such little time. This area in NW San Antonio is fairly new and there are a lot of little new subdivisions popping up everywhere. My husband and I, who moved here from Italy (non-military) in March 2007, are quite settled here. There is affordable housing, good school district, low crime rate (in this area). Can't complain much. Hope this helps. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to be of help.
Ciao!
Dani B-C
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Hi C.,

The San Antonio Northside Independent School District (NISD) probably has the best services for kids with special needs. Their special ed department even has a high school called the Nellie Reddix Center that accepts all levels of disabilities from ages 18-22 and is national reknown. Your boys may or may not need those services, but it is good to know they are there. I have a 17 year old son with PDD-NOS, Tourette Syndrome, and Aspergers who attends a a small special needs school housed in University United Methodist Church. He is fairly high functioning, but needs support services and still will be able to get them after he graduates if he needs them. Good luck on your upcoming move.

M.

Hi C.,

I am a mother of 2 Special Ed children. In grew up in SA although I no longer live there. Northside ISD is your best bet as far as I am concerned. Northeast ISD does have more money but it is not as focused on Special Ed at Northside.

Where ever you go, you have to stay on top of things with your child. Question always, what the schools are doing and why. Ask what other programs are out there that you child is not in. I have found unless you stay active and question they let your child fall into the proverbial "cracks". I believe it is a shame that we as parents have to fight for the right for our children to learn as much as they can just because they might bring down the schools TACS scores or GPAs. The public schools are so worried with their standings that they will hold your child back to make their statistics look good.

My experience was that as the children got older the less the schools wanted to do for them. My children are not Autistic, they are MR. I do hope that you will not have the same problems in the schools allowing your children to be ALL they can be and not holding them back because they have disabilities.

Good Luck and Good Life.

W hen my daughter, who is mentally challenged started school we lived in the northside school district, and I was very pleased with their program

Hi C.! My name is P. and I too will be moving to San Antonio soon. In May infact. I have a 13 year old daughter, and though she is not special needs, I have been researching schools in the city to find a good one that will keep up with her pace. She loves school. I have found that the schools in the Northside Independent School District are alot better qualified and friendly. I don't know if that helps any but it could be a start.

I taught in San Antonio for 10 years. Your best districts are Northside and Northeast. Northeast is especially well funded and covers a large geographic area. Another superb option is Boerne. I taught there also and their schools are superior, with great programs. The catch is that it is a very affluent area. However they have recently opened a very nice KB subdivision that has reasonable housing. They have built 4 new schools since 2000 and will open the 4th, the high school this fall, I think. They are 30 miles northeast of SA on I-10 (closer to San Angelo) but with growth they are basically a suburb now. It is only 20 minutes to big shopping areas with new ones moving in and they have plenty of resources in town that you never have to leave.

Sunshine Cottage School for the Deaf provides wonderful education for children with all types of problems. Also, piano is wonderful for the brain. It has been my experience to help all kinds of cognitive skills by piano study.

I am a teacher in Northside ISD and although I am not familiar with all of the programs offered, I would start by contacting the different school districts to speak with them. I know that we do have autism specialists who work throughout our district and I am sure that msot of the school districts in San Antonio would have the same types of services. Good Luck!

My boys, 7 and 4, both require special needs services. They are not autistic, but both have behavioral and speech issues. My 7 year old didn't even hardly speak until he was 5, and my 4 yr old is still mostly non-verbal. They get very good special ed services in the northside school district. They were both taken as soon as they turned 3 yrs and I have always been happy with the help they have received in this school district. Its the reason I have never moved out of the area, because I'm afraid they wouldn't receive equal services in another school district. In fact, I know they wouldn't. Northside ISD is probably the largest school district in the city, it covers the entire NW side of town. Oh, and I sometimes visit this support group on the web that I really like. Its a group for parents of autistic children. Here's the link: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AutismNCD/
Hope this helps.

Hi C.. I am originally from San Antonio, Tx. and I have a little brother who is 8 years old (9 in April(:) and he also has autisim and downsyndrome and a.d.d. My Mom has him enrolled in the Northside Independent School District and he has done wonderfully! He's now even able to "streamline" with all the other kids in his grade level for half a day! I'd also try to get in touch with ABC (Any Baby Can)###-###-#### (anybabycansa.org) and the Easter Seals ###-###-#### and see if maybe they might be able to give you some more information on schools that would be fun for your little ones. We had alot of help from both organizations since he was a baby! I know there was also a special summer program through the Respite Care (respitecaresa.org)###-###-#### - 605 Belknap Pl, San Antonio, TX
That's the center he had gone to for a while. He progressed wonderfully and made several friends there as well. They can also help you with additional services as well. Best Wishes!