Comments about ‘New help for autism’

Although the tax payer is inundated these days, some things have to be done and this is one of them.

What a wonderful story.

What a wonderful story. I'm glad that people are starting to recognize how important such programs are to help these children to grow to their potential.

Even though these kids need some mainstream experience, the learning process is going to be different and I'm glad that this school can cater to their needs.

It's about time!

This article made my day!! It is about time our beautiful autistic children are to be recognized for their abilities and the amazing potential that each individual has. My grandson attends Pingree School for autism and he has excelled in so many ways! I have seen so much improvement both in the social and educational progress.Thank you for recognizing these special children and for giving them a chance to progress and reach their full abilities in all aspects of their lives. Vicky Rodriguez S.L.C. Utah

That's great! I would suggest that the school hire a resident massage therapist because massage therapy has helped autistic children.

I love this article! Having worked in public schools for many years, I have seen the unfortunate sad but true picture that many autistic kids do not have a place to fully fit in. Now, to have a school where children with these challenges can enjoy ALL the academics, sports, clubs, events, etc. is so wonderful to hear!!

Thank You just what those kids really need. My one boy would benefit this need which was too late which he now going to graduate in college after this semester and will go on to get BS degree next two more years.

This is so awesome! My grandson who is 7 has Aspergers and lives in Texas. He could benefit so much from a classroom situation like this. How can we get our state to provide this type of school for the autistic children in Texas? Thanks Karen Lisle

I have 2 sons with Asperger-autism. Denmark has special schools for these children. As far as I have learned, the ratio of autism is 1 - 3% of any given group of 100.
Some may benefit from ordinary schooling but most not.
AND you do not grow out of autism - you learn to live with it - people without an arm does not grow one just because they leave school, neither does autistic children "grow" normal leaving school.

"Aspie"-mom Helle

that this is a good idea. I have a son that is 32 years old and has Aspergers. Public school was not the answer either. The problem is that they pick up in a negative way all that is in their surroundings. If they are not exposed to normal behavior how can they ever act normal. Everyone that has an autistic child or knows of someone must research ABA which is the only proven way to help the autistic child. My daughter has been doing this for years and has helped many children. She has been able to take the most severe case where the child couldn't even talk and eventually can function normally in many situations. They must be diagnosed early and worked with one on one for a several years. Autistic children not function well in group settings I don't care what kind of school you build how much money you spend. Unless they are well trained in ABA and know exactly what they are doing and I am sorry I do not trust the gov to provide that. Do some research before you blindly turn you child over to anyone. I wish I had!

I'm glad that there's more public exposure to these issues. So long it's been a solitary issue for families, and outsiders are excluded, thus keeping them from understanding and opportunities to assist needy families.

"The truth is, a lot of children just don't thrive in a traditional school environment...For some kids, 'different' is just what they need in order to learn... its, by public school standards, a bit unconventional...tools to help the children excel."

This ought to be the aim and goal of EVERY school.

MANY children who don't have autism, nevertheless have great difficulty learning by so-called 'traditional' methods.

ALL schools should help ALL children learn. If if takes some 'different' ways--then do it.

Don't just herd children through what is easy and traditional and hope for the best.

The waiting lists were not mentioned in this article. Our child has been on the waiting list for a year-and-a-half, with no luck. We're told the "lottery" is scheduled for next month, when we'll find out if Spectrum will be an option for next year. Does the mom in the story already know that her son will get in?

Spectrum's website indicates that the school accepts students with Asperger's Syndrome and high-functioning Autism. What are the options for the lower-functioning students with Autism? And if someone who disappears repeatedly, and has to be dragged into school is high-functioning, where do you draw the line?

My daughter went to Spectrum for 7th and 8th grade. They are much better equipped to help autistic and Aspie kids learn-- both social and like skills, and the elementary school curriculum. She's already a sophomore at West. I wish the high school was open now so she could continue in the Spectrum atmosphere! West is a nightmere for kids who can't handle crowds!

Great how do we get our grandson in this school

@Functioning Levels:

We have a son with low-functioning autism. We moved from Granite District to Jordan District so that he could attend the special school that Jordan has for children with difficult intellectual or physical issues. This school, the Kauri Sue Hamilton School, is exactly what our son needs. I keep hearing that Granite District plans to open a similar school, but so far, they have not.

RE: In response to the comment "NOT SO SURE THIS IS A GOOD IDEA." First off, actions from autism SHOULD NEVER be addressed as "not normal." The fact is they don't act as "typical" as most children. Look, most parents know ABA is the answer. But MOST parents cannot afford the one on one treatment. This school IS by far the best thing that could happen for my little boy. Props to everyone involved in getting this going!!!!

I'm excited that there are more opportunities opening up for parents with autistic children. As for "Not So Sure's" ABA comment, ABA is fantastic, but it is not the answer for all children with autism. My newphew started in ABA, but after a few years my sister and her husband found a program called Son-Rise which worked miracles. They are now working with another program to see if it can help. The more choices and more awareness, the better these children and families will be. All autistic children are not created equally -so the more options the better. I say way to go Spectrum for providing yet another great opportunity to our community. Hopefully more will follow.