I have taught self-contained programs for years. I disagree that it is not "best for anyone", because I have seen many kids who can learn in a self-contained class, but they can not learn in the over stimulating (loud, decorations everywhere, movement, talking, peer behavoir/social, pace, ect) general education environment. So it is a team decision where your individual child can learn! And I don't think it is honestly a "setting" question sometimes...sometimes it is a teacher question. Good luck. A mix of time may be good and help come up with SPECIFIC accomedations that help in either or both environments.good luck

Unfortunately that is the way most Elementry schools handle their special needs classes. There are just not enough teachers, resourses and sometimes special needs students to have their own grade level. My son was in a class like this starting from k as well. And it was like that until he started intermidiate school. Since then he has been in self contained grade lvel class rooms.

Inclusion should be tried first. Not only have I taught a K-5 self contained classroom I have a son who was placed in a self contained classroom. A K-5 self contained classroom is not fair to anyone involved. The needs are too diverse and someone is always sweep under the carpet. I tried my best when teaching that type of classroom to be fair to all students but I have to honest and say the squeaky wheel always got the most attention. A child that is academically fine and has good behavior is often forgotten in a self contained classroom. Now on a personal note. My son was placed in a self contained classroom for half of K and all of 1st. He entered school with only minor delays and by the end of 1st he was considerably behind his peers. He is a very quiet child who often disappears into the corner so he was often forgotten. We fought hard to get him placed in an inclusion classroom and eventually removed him from that school. He is currently in a 3rd grade inclusion setting with the assistance of an aide. Fight to get your son into an inclusion setting now so you don't loose a year like we did. Then if inclusion doesn't work ask for pull out of resource services. In my opinion full self contained is not best for anyone.

@A MyAutismTeam Member let me clarify, I'm not against self contained but K-5 self contained. And against not trying a child in other environments before putting them in self contained. And I believe all children need some exposure to their peers. Might not be instructional and might be for small controlled periods but they need some exposure.

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A MyAutis...

I talked with a local autism advocacy group and the education coordinator helped me craft an email to get the principal, counselor, and his teacher to meet to discuss how to best meet my son's needs. I hope this will help, and pray that we can work together. So nervous that this might set an adversarial tone...the special ed teachers I have encountered are all dedicated professionals. I am disappointed in the administrative side, though.