There are goods and bads with either situation however a private school is not mandated by the state the same way public is. Also even with the ABA there the school can dictate how much time they are allowed to work with the child. You also have to think about behaviors because a private school will often use that to kick you out if there are disruptions to the class.

In public you have far more rights and if you get an IEP there are even more. In public you will not have an ABA with the child all day it would most likely be an aid of some kind. Public will include ABA, Speach, OT, and PT in increments based on the IEP. Now all this is controlled by the school and some schools or districts are better than others.

When it comes to inclusion it depends on the child. If the child can handle mainstream it is great but if you pull your child out of special ED it is hard to get them back in so be careful.

When my son started school he was in a mainstream class as there was no space in the asd class with a special needs assistant and his speech and social interaction improved significantly but he found it hard to do work independently without the sna or group work without her. He then got a place in the asd class and his confidence and speech and social interaction improved greatly . I was always afraid he wouldn't be challenged enough there but he's so much more comfortable and happy there and he has made close friends . There are positives to both options I guess . Good luck !!

I would seriously suggest taking a good look at both schools and take into consideration your child and the school district. No one knows your child like you do and you'll always be his strongest advocate and ally. That said, I am very lucky to be zoned for one of the most amazing schools out there in regards to students with special needs for Elementary school. However, everyone has recommended that I consider other options once he reaches middle school age.

Find out what the public school has to offer in regards to their IEPs and special needs programming. My son is mainly learning to socialize in school. He is pulled from class during what they consider "non-essential" times and does physical & speech therapy, as well as OT and counseling. If he gets to the point he just cannot sit still, they allow him to take time in the OT room with the swing and exercise bike. They set up "playdates" for him to allow him 1 on 1 social interaction with kids that both have the same interests as him and those who do not. And possibly one of the most amazing things his current teacher is doing is using my child to teach the class tolerance! He also has his own Paraprofessional that is with him 95% of the day, he greets him when he gets off the bus with a huge smile and eats breakfast with him every morning even. They use weight blankets and vests as well as special chairs to keep him focused and grounded. Every day I receive a journal where they tell me how his day has been and what he has worked on. It's very tailored to HIM, and he is in a mainstream classroom.

I would ask what both schools can offer your child based on his individual needs. If he isn't severely hindered, I would ask the public schools if it were possible to receive a paraprofessional and have him attend a regular classroom. I think for many kids this is an invaluable part of learning to socialize appropriately with other students.

If they are unwilling to budge - I may personally put him in the private school.

Again, you know your boy better than anyone. No specialist, doctor, "expert" is going to know what is best for him, only you! :)

I want my child to get a service dog to take to public school with him. Do some research.