special ed vs gen ed

[Guest guest]

My son is 8 and in third grade. He was recently diagnosed with aspergers... experiences some adhd symptoms, anxietyYesterday we met with an educational advocate who went over our test results and also advise on an IEP meeting that's coming up.My son started off the school year poorly; We just moved and he was exhibiting some bad behavior; I've pushed the school to do an FBAwhich they are now doing. Academically he's mostly fine -- a little problem in math but otherwise fine; His biggest issues, of course, are social.Where I live there are several funded non public schools that you can fight to get your child in if the Department of Ed. can't accommodate their needs.I've been told by lawyers that I have a case since my reports reflect that

he needs a particular classroom that they do not offer. I should mention that all the doctors and psychologists are in agreement that he needs a smaller classroom. The advocate, based on what we said about how he's getting along now -- advises against the non public setting because he won't be working along "non-disabled" kids ... They'll all be special needs and since he's mostly getting along - he needs to learn those skills of getting along with non disabledkids by being around them. His class is 29 kids right now - which is too much but she says moving him to the private sector -- he'll be in a class of maybe 10-12, all special needs kids and it'll be a shock to him.I wanted to push for the non public but since I have yet been able to tour any of them.. I can't be totally sure. Plus a lot of my fears are based on the future when everything gets harder in school -- middle school -

particularly. My husband, was always on the fence is now swayed to keep him where he is ... I'm just wondering what people thing about this situation ... thanks for your feedback.