If you have a child who has autism, then you will already know how important finding them the best educational resources is. Unfortunately, the public school system in the United States does not always provide the best care for children with autism. This is where schools for students with learning disabilities come in to take up the slack. Not only are the staffed with people who have been trained for working with special needs children of all kinds, but they will always put the education, safety, and overall comfort of your child first since that is what they are there for. Here are a few facts you should know about schools for children with autism and special needs schools in general before enrolling your child in one.

Autism is a disorder of neural development characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behavior. Autism affects information processing in the brain by altering how nerve cells and their synapses connect and organize. Did you know that the diagnostic criteria for autism require that symptoms become apparent before a child is three years old? This can make education in a public school setting difficult if teachers are not properly trained. Special needs schools are staffed with people are trained specifically for working with special needs children.

Three to five year old autistic children are less likely to exhibit social understanding, approach others spontaneously, imitate and respond to emotions, communicate nonverbally, and take turns with others. This is another area in which educating an autistic child in a non specialized setting can be difficult. School for children with learning disabilities have teachers who have special education degrees that help them to understand the best ways to help your children get the education they deserve.

Unusual eating behavior occurs in about three-quarters of children with ASD, to the extent that it was formerly a diagnostic indicator. Common special needs include challenges with learning, communication challenges, emotional and behavioral disorders, physical disabilities, and developmental disorders. Students who are not enrolled in schools for students with learning disabilities often do not get the care and education they deserve since most teachers are not trained to handle these behavioral issues. More research here.