The biggest question is how does the CP affect his developmental and cognitive areas? If developmentally he is close to his chronological age and he can handle the class work (with the assitance of an aide as needed) than you should definitely try integration. However, if he has developmental issues, is working at a cognitive level signifigantly lower than his peers, has any health issues which may be difficult to address in regular school (feeding tubes, respiratory complications or health issues that would make exsposure to colds and other childhood illnesses that abound in a class) and/or other issues (behavioral issues, seizures, etc) you may want to consider his being placed in a classroom where teachers and aides have been trained to assist him, where the enviroment is more controlled. Keep in mind that toileting issues have no bearing on integration…because of the CP he would be paired with an aide who can assist him as needed.

Talk with other parents you may know in similar situations. Look at the school district’s track record. visit the schools in question. Talk to your pediatrician and any other specialists working with your son. In the end, listen to your gut. If it turns out, the other option is better, you can always adjust later.

Socially I would choose to send my child to public school. It would really help him, you may be surprised at how kind some children can be. I would love to say it is going to be a perfect society and he will never have anyone say anything, but I have witnessed the cruelty, of even adults, saying some stupid off handed comment. Please don’t let the chance of someone saying something influence of you decision. If you let this influence you, you may as well keep him indoors for the rest of his life, because someone on somewhere WILL say SOMETHING.

But this is a decision that is all yours (try to involve your child, if he is able to tell you what he likes and what he doesn’t). If you can’t make a decision, go to the schools and ask if you can have a sit in day. This is where they allow you to sit in the classroom (your son also if he is not so severe that is would disrupt) and view how they react with the children. Choose which YOU think is best for YOUR child. Look at the other students that will be in his class, are they developing well? Is this how you want your son to develop? Also don’t be afraid to ask what they typically learn, how much material they cover. Ask questions it is your right not only as a mother but as your sons protector to give him the best oppturnity at an education.

First thing that comes to mind is Can he function in a normal school. Some kids are too hyper to function in a normal school and disrupt classes. Second thing is…. Is the a special ed program in the school or school district.. if so talk to the teachers or school counciler and see what they have to say. Talk with other parents in the same situation at the school see what they have to say about the teacher and class experience. Lot has changed in 30 years since my step daughter attended a special ed class. back then they didn’t have the training they have now. One girl with CP was suppose to be allowed to crawl around a couple hours a day in the classroom. Their version was to make he craw to the other end of the school to use the bathroom and if she slowed down the teacher would kick her in the rear to make her move. MY step daughter was in casts or braces to the waist for 18 years and wasn’r suppose to take PE but was forced to do everything the regular kids did. Often undoing 100 k operations on her legs. So its important to know what others know about your school. I don’t care what a kid has they need to inter react in a normal setting if at all possible to be able to do so in the adult future… Good Luck

That’s a good question–I tried to find something online that would compare special classes and what is called “inclusion” or “mainstreaming.” The article I found below has some very good advice.

Basically, the advice is to work with your doctors and your school district to assess what will work best for your son, and to develop an Individualized Education Plan for him.

This article refers readers to the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (I linked to it below), where you can find more information about how to get the process started and also to know what your rights and your son’s rights are.

Don’t forget that your local public library also has books and other resources that may be helpful.

Best wishes to both of you!

My son went to a special school until 6th grade..the went to a regular school and graduated with honors. There were a couple of incidents, but he learned not to care about that type of person. It’s something we all have to learn, and the more learning, the better off we are. Give him a hug for me!

If you could send him to a normal SCHOOL, i think it would be more helpful in the long run…this world isn’t made for the different….it isn’t a kind or helpful place

I would choose special school.

Public schools are VERY CORRUPT when it comes to special ed.

A special needs school would be better,as there he wont be made fun of.

Kids can be very cruel!!.

Where do you live?

I was an educator in the United States.

Edit: Please don’t listen to those who say he will be bullied. Being around other kids is an absolute plus for your child.

i dont know wat cerebal pasy is , but a normal school, in my middle school, the people in whell chairs and disabled people are more known, and they never get bullied,and they are more popular and every one knows them.