I am also in NYC and can relate. I went through the turning 5 process last year. I was told to apply to several schools while awaiting the IEP meeting which occurred sometime in May. Afterwards I received a placement letter for a district 75 school which wasn’t really where I had hoped for mainly due to not having a choice in the school selection. I was told in the IEP meeting school placement is based on what would be best for my child’s needs. So far the school is ok and he is getting the services, but I am also constantly searching for other schools that may also offer more support and resources. I know the feeling all too well about talking to school staff who seem clueless and dismissive. It can make you feel even more overwhelmed on top of everything else. I want to encourage you to keep looking into schools that are listed to offer the support and therapy’s your child needs. If he has an IEP meeting coming soon make a list of all the therapy he needs so it can be documented and implemented this will be how they find a school to place him according to his needs. I also spent a lot of time trying to tour schools before having the IEP meeting which also made it hard to select a school without knowing if they offered Speech, OT & PT. Sending hugs your way!

I’ve had the same experience with my son who will be five in February. This is the last year he can attend his ABA program so we are looking for a school but they are all impacted ( or so they claim).

His pediatrician suggested we hire a lawyer who advocates for those with special needs making sure their rights are not infringed upon. I’m angry about it because I’ve had to fill out soooo much paper work and my son had to have numerous assessments only to have them tell me they have no school for him to go to. :(