One in every hundred American children has autism or autism spectrum disorder, according to a 2009 article in Time magazine. Symptoms range from a failure to establish friendships with children their own age, to delays in speech or no speech at all, to verbal outbursts and occasional violence in unfamiliar situations. If you have a child with autism, special schools are often essential, and there are several in the Rochester area.
History of Autism
The term autism, from the Greek word "auto," meaning "self," was first used in 1943 by Dr. Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist who studied the behavior of 11 children. One child in particular showed no interest for others, not even for his parents. "He seems almost to draw into his shell and live within himself," Kanner said. Schools for children with autism are meant to draw the child out of solitude and into a community with others.
Considerations
When looking for a school, consider the behavior of your child. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, symptoms range from the mild Pervasive Developmental Disorder, to a severe condition where the child has no speaking abilities, or they might fall somewhere in between, as in Asperger's syndrome. The Center for Autism and Related Disorder provides one-on-one analysis and therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Asperger's syndrome. One of its locations serves Monroe County in Rochester.
Developmental and Learning Disabilities
School of the Holy Childhood in Rochester serves children with developmental disabilities, including autism. They offer a comprehensive and therapeutic program to children ages 5 to 21. Referrals to the Children's Program are made by school district officials, parents, medical professionals and other community/school agencies.
The Norman Howard School in Rochester is an independent day-school teaching children with learning disabilities in grades 5-12. Parents of children with Pervasive Developmental Disorder or Asperger's syndrome might want to take a school tour to determine if the Norman Howard School is suited for your child's particular needs.
Residential Schools and Homes
For severe cases of autism, residential schools and homes are often sought. Mary Cariola Children's Center in Rochester offers five group homes across Monroe County where staff cares for six to ten residents on a 24-hour hour basis.
Size and Benefits
For children with autism to benefit from their training, class size is important. The Center for Autism and Related Disorders provides one-on-one therapy. At the School of the Holy Childhood, class size consists of five children to one teacher. At the Norman Howard School, the ratio is nine students to one teacher and students are grouped according to their individual educational needs in each subject.
