Sending your child to the right school is an important decision that takes extensive research and time. No two schools are built the same and they all come in many different forms for both the parents and children in question. From private to public to homeschooling, the choice that is right for you and your family is determined by the unique needs of the students-to-be. Special education schools are one of many forms of ongoing education that assist children with autism, learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental illness. Everything in special education schools are specifically tailored to encourage, rather than stifle, their unique expression and accommodate their needs.
What Is Autism?
Autism is a disorder that continues to be better understood with each consecutive year of study. It is a form of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as other qualities like restricted and repetitive behavior. Autism is generally diagnosed and becomes apparent before a child reaches age three, though some find themselves diagnosed later in their childhood.
How Does Autism Work?
It’s thought that autism has a significant genetic basis, though this factor is highly complex and is still attempting to be fully understood by the medical industry at large. It’s not completely known whether ASD is influenced by rare mutations or a rare combination of common genetic variants, for example. Autism and its related forms, such as Asperger’s Syndrome, affect information processing in the brain by altering how synapses connect and organize.
What Are Autism’s Symptoms?
Autistic infants are less inclined to show attention to social stimuli, such as smiling at others or responding to their name. Autistic toddlers tend to differ from social norms, such as making less eye contact and having reduced communicative body language. Anywhere from 0.5% to 10% of individuals with autism will show unusual abilities such as the capacity for remembering obscure trivia to talents with music or building. These are not indicative of all autistic children, however, and all have their own unique needs, perspectives and abilities.
How Many Children Have Autism?
The amount of people diagnosed with autism has increased significantly since the 1980’s due to extensive research and evolving social norms. According to the CDC, an estimated one in 50 American school-age children are diagnosed with autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Thanks to recent advances in the medical industry, this number could very well be higher and more people could see helpful diagnosis improving their quality of life.
What Are Learning Disabilities?
There are many different learning disabilities, though some of the most common include dyslexia, emotional disorders and ADHD. Children with autism can also exhibit signs of learning disabilities, of which special education schools are designed to support through their complex and accommodating programs. If your child has special needs signing them up for a special education school should be high on your priority list.
How Can Special Education Schools Help?
Special education schools are specifically designed from the ground up to provide your child with all the opportunities and resources they need to thrive. From school programs with supportive learning environments to classrooms filled with similar children, your child with autism or a learning disability will thrive in a like-minded community. All special-needs students receive an Individualized Education Program (also known as an IEP) that will outline how the school meets the needs of individual children. Autism and learning disorders don’t guarantee a difficult learning environment for your child — with special education schools, anything is possible.
