Preschool for child on the Autism spectrum

Hi guys,

My son's diagnosis is PDD-NOS and is non-verbal. I would say he is "moderate". We are currently going through the transition from EI to CPSE and after touring several schools, I have narrowed the possible schools to:

1. ACLD/Kramer
2. DDI Huntington/Starting Early
3. Building Blocks

DDI Huntington was my first choice, but b/c of the distance from my house & my other child's schedule, it's now my second choice.

ACLD/Kramer is my first choice now and since I don't hear as much about Kramer as I do about other schools, I was wondering if anyone has any information they could share (good or bad!).

Also, if you have an opinion about whether or not Building Blocks' program is sufficient enough for a nonverbal child who has moderate Autism.

This has been the hardest decision I have ever had to make!

Thanks!

Re: Preschool for child on the Autism spectrum

My DS went to Building Blocks (he's also PDD-NOS). He was 27 months when he started the EI seperation class. He was non-verbal and by the time he went into their pre-k class, we couldn't get him to stop talking LOL.
He was there from April 2009 until this past August.
I cannot say enough great things about BB.

My DD is currently in DDI/Huntington and since September has made amazing progress.
She has Down Syndrome, so, really can't compare to PDD. I CAN say that the staff and therapists there are AMAZING as well.
Don't know where you live, but, if you're farther East, there is a DDI/Ronkonkoma location as well.

FM me with any questions.

Re: Preschool for child on the Autism spectrum

My DD went to ACLD Kramer and I worked there for 2 years.
Feel free to FM

Preschool for child on the Autism spectrum

Builiding Blocks or DDI are the first School I recommend to the Parents I work with. Buses can be provided to make travel easier. I can't say enough about Building Blocks. If you are in Nassau, Variety Child is wonderful and I also like Little Village.

Re: Preschool for child on the Autism spectrum

Not sure if you are in Nassau, but Variety is outstanding! We drive our son 25 miles each way just so he can go there. The staff is exceptional in every regard. My son had few words when he started and now he has far too many to count. He had a very hard time separating at first and now happily tells me what day of the week it is and that its time to go to school! The communication between classroom staff, therapists and myself is way more than I ever expected. My son has faced many challenges throughout the year, but the staff has met each one with a solution and "plan of attack." They also have an open school policy, so you can visit your child's class/therapy sessions whenever you want. Each room has a two-way mirror. There is an active parent organization if you are interested. I just feel so comfortable leaving him there each day and each day he comes out smiling. Can you tell I'm in love with this school?? Good luck with whatever school you choose.

Re: Preschool for child on the Autism spectrum

DS attends The Opportunity pre school(TOPS) in Hauppague and I am very happy with their program. He is in the inclusion class.

Re: Preschool for child on the Autism spectrum

My DS (PDD-NOS) goes to DDI/Huntington. Amazing progress!!!

We get him bused all the way from our home in Port Jeff. It is so worth it.

Re: Preschool for child on the Autism spectrum

Every kid I have seen who has come out if Building Blocks had made THE most outstanding progress. And I've seen hundreds of kids come from various programs. I can't say the same about any other school listed.