Help finding a school in Augusta, GA...

We just moved to Augusta, GA and know nothing about the area...my 5 year old son has high functioning autism and several behavioral issues. I am struggling to find a good school for him, is there anyone on here that can suggest a place where he can get what he needs? He is very smart, starting to read already, LOVES music and is very sweet. He does struggle with some sensory concerns, can be aggressive at times, particularly when he is having a hard time regulating his emotions/sensory issues, and has a very hard time sitting still. I need help finding a supporting and nurturing environment for him to learn, I feel as though in these large city schools that he will be overlooked, or treated as though it is a behavior issue rather than a legitimate medical issue. I would appreciate any assistance you can provide...

Thank you!
  • Cheryl Knox
    Hi, I as well am looking in AUgusta, GA for the same type school, putting children in the main stream of classrooms is not the way to go. I have been fighting our school system to get him what he needs. I have found a school that is suppose to be up and running for 6-12 grades next year called Olive Tree Academy....
    My son as well struggles with sensory processing disorder, has anybody suggested you send him to an Occupational Therapist....my son started in January going to GRU- OT - Beth Bishop....wonderful and has made a difference.
  • KimmityM
    Yes, he is currently going to an Occupational Therapist through the school system. Grades 6-12 won't help for my son, though (he is 5 years old, Kindergarten this year). We ended up sending him to a charter school in a town about 20 min from here. It is small, and brand new, so they are still struggling to find a place for him. The special ed teacher is nice, and cares a lot about his well being I think, but they seem pretty unorganized. They are a brand new school, and I'm sure trying to find their way somewhat this first year, but I am having trouble even getting a lesson plan out of anyone! My son is very smart, he just has sensory issues and can't sit still. They refused to put him in gen ed because he wouldn't sit still for them or be quiet, but then they don't really have a dedicated special ed room for him either. Right now he spends most of his day with the special ed teacher and one other student. He goes for little bits of time with the Kindergarten class in gen ed for several activities, but most of his day is one on one with the special ed teacher. He seems to like it so far, but I am concerned that I can't seem to get a straight answer about what the lesson plan for him is. I worry that it is really just a daycare for him and he's not really getting an education. I have explained to her that he can read a little bit already, but so far they have been only working on ONE LETTER per WEEK. They do read books focusing on that letter, write that letter, etc., but I feel as though this isn't enough. He knows his letters already, and what sounds they make. He needs to be READING. My son has an excellent memory and remembers everything. They need to utilize that strength and build on it. I am hoping that she will step it up a bit and start teaching him more, the way HE learns. I am trying to be patient, especially knowing that this is a brand new school, but I am having a hard time when I suspect the issue may be affecting his overall education. Sorry for the rant! I just don't understand why she's moving so slow when he is clearly capable of learning new things at this point...I will investigate the Olive Tree Academy for the future though, thank you for the information! :)
  • Cheryl Knox
    Your welcome and if i hear of anything else i will post