ADHD & Aspergers Forum

ADHD, Aspergers and related disorders :- Post your questions, or just make your opinion known. Tell us if you have ADHD/Aspergers and what life is like for you. Or are you a parent who would like to share your experiences or need advice from others. Feel free to post your comments but remember to consider the feelings of others. The opinions expressed here are those of individuals and not those of professionals and may not reflect the views of the host. Discression is advised when ascertaining the validity of message contents. Stay safe - do not give out your address or phone number. :-)

ADHD & Aspergers Forum
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Special Needs Schools

I am one of the 3 founders of schools in Ohio which specialize in the needs of children with Asperger’s and ADHD disorders. We are now 6 years old, and by next fall will have a total of 47 schools within the State of Ohio. We, rightly or wrongly, pride ourselves on the successes we are having with these children and also just as important, with the parents.

Our schools are registered as non-profit and are known as “Community Schools,” or you may have heard the name “Charter Schools,” which also has been a term commonly used. We are publicly funded and receive financial income from the government on a per-student basis, with a weighted factor related to their disorder.

We have a great desire to spread our educational approach to The United Kingdom. Our schools are named “Summit Academies”…the name being self-descriptive. Our talented staff is comprised of Doctorates and other experienced specialists who are familiar with the education and treatment of these disorders.

I have been charged with investigating the complexities in opening schools of our specialty in the UK. Please provide me with any information you may have in this regard.

If we feel we can’t set up publicly-funded schools over there, then we will consider opening private fee-based schools. In that case, is there is a funding strategy for children whose families can ill afford to meet those fees. Any further information or contacts you could provide would be deeply
appreciated.

Below is an unsolicited letter just recieved. Well worth reading

Sincerely,

Donald J. Thorne
CFO & Chief Development Officer
Summit Academy Schools
1111 West Market Street,
Akron, Ohio 44313
(330) 752-4330
www.summitacademy.info

Re: Special Needs Schools

i for one would welcome this my asperger child suffered within mainstream school here in the uk ,the teachers are not trained to deal with our children and you need a atatement to get your child into special school .My child was withdrawn from school and is now home educated but beleive me my child would benefit from a school like this.
tracey

Re: Re: Special Needs Schools

Dear Tracey
If you would give me your city I will tell you if our plans are to open there or not.
Thanks for replying
Don Thorne
Summit Academy
www.summitacademy.info

Re: Re: Re: Special Needs Schools

There is a definate need for these schools in the UK, my son is one of the forutnate ones who does attend a school for Aspergers and ASD in Hillingdon, Middlesex. This school has made such a difference to his and our lives, when he was in mainstream he just could not cope, he almost became school phobic, was depressed and self harming, the doctors said that the only thing left for him was Prozac. After a long battle with the local authorities they finally agreed to let him go to this specialist school.

He is know like a different child - his panic attacks have stopped his anxiety levels have decreased, his is more confident and his self esteem is much higher, he is now taking part is sports and works as part of a team, all of these things he could not do before.

Yhe more schools like this the better but unfortunately the government we have today believes that inclusion is the only way forward. I agree it might work for some but not for all. definately not for my son.

Good luck


Jackie

Re: Re: Re: Special Needs Schools

my city is nottingham.
regards tracey

Re: Re: Re: Re: Special Needs Schools

I have a son who is now 19years old. He did his schooling in the main stream and we were not encouraged to get a statement on his disability which we now think is AS. We live in London. If there are any crash courses in the USA we would like my son to attend. We would very much welcome and give any support we can if a similar establishment as the one in Ohio is set up here in England.
Regards farouk