Parents of young autistic children often struggle to find resources with information about the best way to raise their children. There are so many questions, and it seems like there are so few answers…
One of the first questions you'll make is whether to send your autistic child to your local developmental preschool.
The question is complex! While preschool can be great for socialization, it can also be a daunting step that leads to some big challenges.
Does your child really need developmental preschool? Or can they succeed with other strategies?
This article will help you figure out whether developmental preschool is right for your autistic child.
What is Developmental Preschool?
Developmental preschool is a free preschool program offered by local school districts that specialize in teaching children with behavioral challenges and/or developmental delays.
Children enrolled in developmental preschool receive specialized training and therapies. This may include teaching strategies for self-help, sensory integration, social skills, communication, and language development, as well as techniques for managing behaviors that are a challenge to the school system.
While its goal is partially to help your child develop some of their lagging skills, its primary objective is to get children prepared to participate in a public school setting.
How do I know if Developmental Preschool is right for me and my child?
The first question you need to ask is if you plan to put your child in public school for Kindergarten...if not, then Developmental Preschool probably isn't the best choice for your family. Your child is likely to get more therapeutic benefits from pursuing private therapies (see this post for more information on what our family did in the early years).
Then, think about the benefits for you and your family if your child were to attend the program...does it mean more time for them with other children their age? Will they have access to special programs or therapies you aren't currently enrolled in?
Does your child attending Developmental PreK mean you'll have more time for yourself or other children in the house? It's ok to need a break, and if sending your child to PreK gets that for you, that alone is a good reason to give it a try.
I would encourage you to visit the school, ask questions, and meet the teachers. If you’re part of a local group for Autism Parents, ask around about the program and other parents' experiences there. You may discover the program is full of wonderful teachers and routinely gets great outcomes for the students, or you may find different information. The main thing is to make an educated decision about your child’s education.
What are the challenges of Developmental Preschool?
The main one is your child may struggle with the transition, especially if they have sleep issues. You may see an increase in meltdowns and challenging behaviors as they get used to their new routine and schedule.
Also, you will have less time with them...which may be a good thing if you need a break! Attending Developmental Preschool also means less time for outside therapies. You will have to balance their need for private therapy with the need for them to be inside the classroom.
If your child is non-speaking or struggles with communication, you face the additional challenge that they may not be able to tell you if there is a problem or if they feel unsafe...and that can have severe, lasting consequences.
Finally, kids are impressionable! In any Developmental Preschool classroom, your child may pick up on behaviors and attitudes from other students that you aren't used to. This can be mitigated by having a good student-to-teacher ratio so that distractions and big behaviors are handled quickly and appropriately.
Are there alternatives to Developmental Preschool?
There are! You can choose from one of these three options:
- Do nothing. Keep them home with you, doing outside therapies as needed. As far as I know, no state in the US requires either Developmental or Traditional Preschool, but you should check with your State Department of Education (find yours here).
- Enroll them in a traditional preschool, with or without additional support. If you think they need socialization without an emphasis on therapeutic intervention, this may be a great choice for you.
- Homeschool! Whether you go the Therapy Unschooling route or try to do a curriculum of some sort, doing PreK at home is a ton of fun (and easier than you may think).
Conclusion
In conclusion, a developmental preschool program can provide your child with the support he or she needs to thrive in a structured classroom setting. However, a developmental preschool may not be the best choice for your family.
Finding the right educational fit for your child requires a thorough assessment of their strengths and needs, as well as a careful review of the school environment where they’ll be learning.
That’s why I’ve dedicated an entire series of articles about the US educational system and how it relates to autistic students, so you can make the best, most informed decision for your child.
The last article in the series will be published on June 11, 2023…check back then to get all the information you need to make the best education decisions for your autistic child.
In the meantime, drop a comment below and let me know…did your child attend DEvelopmental Preschool, or are they currently enrolled? What’s been your experience? I’d love to hear from you!
Meet your self-care coach!
