If you have a kid with autism & live in The Bronx – please take a few minutes to take this survey & share this post so that other parents (whether or not they live in The Bronx) can take it too.
The NYC Autism Charter School is the only charter school for kids with autism. They have 32 students between the ages of 5 & 21.
Six years ago I remember touring this school for Norrin. It was one of the several schools we applied to but we didn’t make the lottery.
When we were looking at schools, the only options in The Bronx were within District 75 schools and The Horizon Program at a South Bronx Public School. And it didn’t seem fair that I had to look at schools in Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn.
It took us two years to find the right place for Norrin. And it’s not in The Bronx. It’s not even in any of the 5 boroughs. Is it ideal? No. But it’s the most appropriate place for him and I am extremely grateful for it.
RELATED: Turning 5: Finding The Appropriate School When Your Kid Has Autism
Back in October, I met with the executive director, Julie Fisher of the NYC Autism Charter School. She gave me another tour of the school. The work they are doing is phenomenal. They do academic work as well as focus on life/job skills. They partner with local vendors and seem to be in touch with their community.
During our meeting I learned that they are considering expanding the program to The Bronx and asked if there was a need.
Would parents be interested in an Autism Charter School in The Bronx?
I assured her that there most definitely is a need & an interest.
The Bronx is the most underserviced borough for kids with autism. Our kids need more schools, therapeutic services and recreational options.
And an Autism Charter School could really make a difference.
Since our meeting, a brief survey has been developed and distributed to Bronx families and community members to establish the need for a program like ours and to get some initial feedback on program design elements.
The more people they hear from, the better.
Please take a few moments of your time to fill out the survey – I already have.
The link is here: Bronx Survey (English) and here: Bronx Survey (Spanish).
Check out the NYC Autism Charter School for more information.
This is a good news for parents with autism child that lives in The Bronx. The School is surel specialized in teaching children with special needs.
I’ve been reading your blogs since my son was going through the turning 5 process. I have to say reading your blogs have always brought a little ray of sunshine when the days were tough. I too, share the same concern as we live in Staten Island and the programs for children on the spectrum are not only limited but kind of kept secret. The ASD horizon/nest program were not even an option that was given to me during the turning 5 process( I actually found out about it via your autism wonderland blog). I just wanted to say many thanks for sharing your experiences and I hope that with you bringing to light all of “gaps” in underserved boroughs in NYC, that all children with disabilities can attend schools where they can learn and grow! 🙂