Looking for Public or Private School for ASD Child

How frustrating!!! Are they following his IEP? Are you having a hard time getting things added to his IEP?

I don't think private school is the better option. Most private schools do not have the services your son needs. They usually don't have the funding to provide OT, PT, speech, etc. My sons go to a private school and they have one lady that just does a little speech therapy and reading help. I'm not sure if she's even full time.

I don't know anything about the Plano ISD, but it sounds like you're a terrific advocate for him!!! Keep it up!!

My son is high functioning ASD with sensory seeking issues. We're at White Settlement ISD and I'm pretty happy. They seem very responsive and proactive. Richardson ISD was also very helpful when he was at preschool level. Perhaps that would be worth looking into, as it is closer and you might not have to move?

You might look into St. Timothy's in Plano. My son goes to St. Anthony's in Carrollton also. Collin just liked St. Anthony's better. You will "know" which one is right if you go visit them. From what you describe, skip Shelton. Their approach is more for just dyslexic kids.

I highly recommend Newfound School. Dr. Marsha Guernsey is who you want to talk with. The number for them is ###-###-####. We started there when our son was going into the 5th grade after a horrible 3rd and 4th grade with the public school system. Our son flourished and graduated from there...and he is now 22! Loved the Executive Directors (it was a husband and wife team and the husband passed away but she is still running the school).

If you are interested in a private school, the Shelton School is supposed to be fabulous....largest private school in the nation for learning different children, can get therapies right at school including the OT, etc. The kicker is that it is very pricey. I think there are scholarships or financial assistance available to help the costs.

Plano certainly has the resources to be generous to your child. I don't think any other school district would have more funds. There have been cut backs across the board though. Still some school districts are known to be more generous with their help than others. I have heard Birdville is more generous than Keller but everyone still has to fight for their child's best. I don't know how you would shop around for them.
If you have the funds, you can consider private schools and I think it would be open to telling you about accommodations.
Homeschooling is always an option if push comes to shove that would settle his distractedness and different learning styles but the services would be entirely paid by you.
I think this is going to be a difficult journey for you. Your expectations are high and rightly so, but it's not going to be an easy thing to accomplish.
Good luck!

Carroll ISD in Southlake has been really good so far to my boys who are 6 and both have ASD. Great job advocating for your little guy!