A Sudbury school for an Aspergers child

[Michele Lehane]

I have recently learned about the Sudbury model for education, and I'm
curious about how it might work for a child with mild Aspergers. I
have been homeschooling my daughter (almost 9) for a year while also
being involved in many HS groups and various activities for
"socialization". While my daughter's AS is mild, she has difficulty in
social relationships. For her, social skills have to be learned and
are not intuitive. The best way for her to learn these things is to be
constantly involved in and participating in "real life". She is
extremely self-motivated when it comes to things SHE is interested in
and doesn't require extra supervision. It seems like a Sudbury school
would be a wonderful fit in many respects, but I would be interested
in what other people who are more familiar with this model might say.

[The Highland School]

Hi Michele,

 My experience with children diagnosed with Aspergers has been very positive overall.  Sudbury schools value respect for individuals and provide opportunity for social interactions with a wide variety of ages and interests.  I would suggest looking for a school in your area.

Best wishes,

Candy Landvoigt, The Highland School

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The Highland School
Route 83 Box 56
Highland, WV 26346
(304) 869-3250
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[Jayme Mi Amor]

My 8 yr old son is ADHD and Aspergers. I would LOVE to have him attend Sudbury. He is so unhappy with public school, just as I was. I am totally for the model, especially for AS children - they are free to continue learning what they already have an intense interest in PLUS learning to socialize in a natural setting. I've been considering moving or trying to find another school with a similar model but have been unsuccessful.

If you have the opportunity - GO FOR IT! :) 

[Bruce Smith]

Michele,

Having spent years staffing in Sudbury schools, and having been around students who self-identify along this spectrum, I know that sometimes, at least, it can work. Our schools certainly make possible an intense education in social relationships, so it could well be the perfect setting for your daughter. In general, I'd say it depends on how ready/willing she is when it comes to learning to read social cues and practice self-discipline without adults constantly present to monitor or intervene.

Best wishes as you explore this option for your family.

Bruce Smith
Alpine Valley School

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Alpine Valley School
Real Learning for Real Life
www.alpinevalleyschool.com
303-271-0525

[demian schwartz]

Hi Michele,

I have had several VERY successful experiences with students with Aspergers over the years at Blue Mountain School- what I mean is they were happy and successful at school and were able to engage socially in a way that they wouldn't have been able to in a traditional classroom. And now years later as the mother of a nearly 8 year old who thrives in a Sudbury setting, but not in traditional ones- I highly recommend it. 

Demian