Finding the right school placement for a child on the autism spectrum can be very challenging for parents. There are many factors that need to be taken into account, including but not limited to, the severity of the child's challenges, whether or not the child has a combination of disorders beyond the ASD diagnosis, age, education level and costs when looking at options outside of public schools.
In Chester County, Pennsylvania, one of the best first stop resources for families moving into the area or facing a new diagnosis is the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). A call to the CCIU Educational Service Center at 484-237-5000 can help to get things started with a new evaluation, or referrals to other services in the area. The CCIU itself also runs several programs that are ideal for children on the spectrum including the TEACH program at the Child and Career Development Center (CDC) in Coatesville, PA. TEACH is a 'partial hospitalization' program, which means that mental health services are folded up into the program. TEACH focuses on giving kids with behavioral problems, including spectrum kids, tools for emotional self-control, and integrates management of sensory processing disorders into the day-to-day experience. Alongside these techniques, academics are also maintained with the long-term goal to return the child to a mainstream setting with support services within the home school district. CDC also has an autism support program and an autism early intervention program. If parents suspect the possibility of a spectrum disorder, the early intervention program can help to target a diganosis and recommend resources and possible placements.