Raleigh, NC: Quality of schools re ESE, autism? General input on area?

[Brotherjohn]

Cary in particular, but generally, anyone know anything about the school system there and how they handle autism/Asperger's and similar ESE children?

Are they well funded? Do they have the resources and skills to address special needs children? etc? My son is high-functioning Asperger's, but the doctor's are leaning towards changing the diagnosis to high-functioning autism (not really much difference, though; Asperger's is basically a form of autism).

Here in FL, they don't even yet recognize Asperger's as qualifying for much of the aid available to autistic children, and our school system if horribly under-funded. Are things funded more evenly in NC (state-wide?), or is at the whims of local sales taxes?

Also, anyone have any general input on the area? Is Cary nice (it seems like it)? How is the proposed I-540 loop expected to affect things? Are the museums and downtown Raleigh as nice as they seem?

Any input is appreciated.

[BurgherHoldtheLies]

1. Will PM you with some info nt

[Spangle]

2. you need to

Post this question in the educational fourm. A lot of teachers hang out there. I don't know what the fourm is called. LOL! But teachers move around, so a teacher who is working in another state might also have the answers, etc.

And you might want to start the thread in the evenings. Those who are in the know, are at work. That way it might be on the front page and they will see it.

I"m in Florida and not an educator. So I'm no help.

[mzteris]

3. Let me just say

there are rapidly increasing numbers of AS/autism children entering the realm of homeschooling in Wake County.

[mzteris]

4. that said, however.....

http://www.wcpss.net/Instructional/psychological_services/psychespecialareas.html

http://www.mariposaschool.org/

[Vox_Reason]

5. My son is at Mariposa in Cary

And doing very well. Excellent staff led by a dedicated and tireless founder.