Hi KaaronS, I've learned that through Blue Cross Blue Shield, they won't cover therapy given by the school but only practices that are strictly ABA therapy. I had to call and get verification because The Shape of Behavior School tried to see how much BCBS would cover and the rep called me back and said that BCBS would not cover Douglas attending their school. I'm a bit bothered by it because insurance companies don't realize that treating Autism is not like treating substance abuse or solving the issue within a couple of 'therapy sessions', it's an ongoing thing. (sigh)

I think it may depend on how the school charges the insurance company as well like the proper codes that they use and so forth. So I really have no idea how the insurance works with the schools. Please let me know if you have any wisdom here.

I'm just grateful that Douglas has been able to adapt to his new class and he's learning:-) The behavior issues are still a challenge and he's still getting the ABA therapy for that and 1 on 1 tutorials.

Also, I saw earlier that you mentioned your little one is 4. In Texas, kids are able to start public school (and get a head start) at the age of 3 in public school. I started Douglas in the Project Tyke Program in Katy ISD at the age of 2 and when he turned 3, he started elementary school. The only thing is that the school district will want to test for eligibility and then that's when they talk about the services offered.

Thanks so much for your feedback.

-Tonya

Thanks a lot KaaronS. I went to tour Westview as well as Briarwood. You're so right about the tuition it is VERY expensive. Both schools are about $20k /yr. I'm not sure how the financial assistance programs that they offer work. The therapies such as speech or occupational therapy is extra. At Briarwood they don't even provide lunch lol. Right now we pay about $17k in daycare expenses a year for our 2 old & Douglas who attends daycare after school, so the price of going private i know will kill us! I'm also looking into touring The Shape of Behavior school and also the Aristoi classical school. I haven't heard of the Joy school but I will look into it as well. I'm not only touring these schools for enrollment purposes, but I want to also know what they are doing in comparison to public schools. Yes they have smaller classes, and that can make a world of difference but I want to know what programs they implement and if they've been proven to work. Like what percentage of their graduates are actually successful in mainstream?

Douglas has actually started doing much better since I changed his kinder teacher who obviously didn't know what she was doing & I've learned that her & her paraprofessional (aide) was not communicating. We also changed his schedule around because we noticed that he was getting over stimulated towards the end of day and that has really helped as well. So hopefully the rest of the school year goes well. The principal has really been cooperative in trying to figure out what works for Douglas and accommodating him in the classroom where he needs the most help.

Thanks for responding to my post:-)

-Tonya

My daughter attends the Westview School and it has changed our life. We absolutely love it. The teachers genuinely care about the students. It's worth every penny after suffering through public school for many years. I can't say enough good things about Westview!

We are moving to Spring Branch next year as we have heard good things about the district. Westview is a great school, but really too $$$ at this time for us. Good Luck.

We qualified for partial tuition assistance...it’s not much, but helps some. Contact the school and see what your options are.