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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
North Arlington, NJ

Hi
I have a 4.5 years old son.He goes special ed in public school in NJ.He is in spectrum.I need full time extanded school for him.It is very hard make him busy.We are in spring break now.It is very hard for me take both children to the park at least:((I have a 3 years old doughter also)I started work..I dont know Summer time How can I take care of him?When I was work Who can help me? I need full time summer program.Can I ask this one from school district?Where can I apply?I m very very… read more

April 11, 2013
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent struggling to find full-day summer care for their child with autism, with the overwhelming consensus being to... Read more

Members rallied around a parent struggling to find full-day summer care for their child with autism, with the overwhelming consensus being to advocate strongly for Extended School Year services through the child's IEP by emphasizing regression when out of school. Several members shared that ESY programs in New Jersey typically run half-days in July and sometimes into August, prompting recommendations for additional options like local respite care programs, special needs camps such as Camp Excel, and applying through DDD for support. A recurring theme was the importance of persistent advocacy with the school district, including mentioning plans to involve advocates or media if necessary, while acknowledging the financial and logistical burden many families face when cobbling together care without extended family support.

A MyAutismTeam Member

If your child qualifies (and I would use "regression" when advocating for your son) the school district can have him enrolled in an extended school year, most schools have that for childrenwith special needs so that they do not loose all that they have gained throughout the school year and it provides them with more intensive social skill building. It's worth talking about it with the special ed director where your son attends school.

April 11, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

If he has regression or other issues you can ask for extended summer services (NOT summer school) if your child has the need he can get in. REMEMBER its not summer school the district is not bound by the summer school scedual. If the district doesn't offer any summer services and your child has the need then they can hook you up with adifferent district that will. www.wrightslaw.com

April 12, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

Most schools can provide an esy(extended school year) for your child if he qualifies. Contact the school district or your case worker and they should be able to help you. Esy usually lasts between 4-6 weeks during the summer.

April 12, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

I also live in NJ and my son did the extended school year program this past summer. It is helpful to have him maintain the routine that they have throughout the year, however, it is only 1/2 day and not full day. Our program ran from the last week of June until the first week of August but each day ended at 12:30 PM, so we still needed to have someone care for him until my husband could get home from work each day.

April 17, 2013
A MyAutismTeam Member

My 16 year old son has always had extended school year in NJ. Push hard with the school district, in his IEP insist on the full year, mention that he regresses when out fo school, and if none of that works tell the district that you will discuss it with your advocate ( even if you don't have one) and let them know you will be in contact with the major paper in your area and every advocacy group. They never want bad publicity! If you do't get anywhere, please let me know and I'd be happy to help.

April 13, 2013

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