Raising a Child with Special Needs in Wellesley: A Parent's Guide to Schools, Therapies, and Support by Teri Adler
When my daughter was turning three it was time to start looking at preschools. Since we lived in Boston, we always assumed we would go through the process and apply to the private schools in the city. We were determined to become an urban family. That script was rewritten though, since we learned early on that our first daughter had special needs. Back then it was called a developmental delay. It was clear our next step was to move to the suburbs west of Boston where countless experts told us the programs for children who need services was the best. We bought a home in Wellesley, Massachusetts and started to settle in. I am here to share my experience with the hope it helps you as well!
Even at the young age of 3 as we were transitioning away from early intervention through the state, the hard work began to support my daughter Allie. PAWS is the integrated preschool in Wellesley which started in the basement of the middle school. This is one of the first places for young parents to meet other parents who are on the same unexpected journey as a special needs parent. It’s also a school where teachers are uniquely skilled to work with children whose milestones are not where typical children are. Their guidance and strategies come at the right time and are a springboard into the world of speech, occupational and physical therapies. The classes also include neuro-typical children, in fact my two other daughters also went to PAWS. They served as great role models for Allie and other kids, and in the end everyone is taught valuable lessons about inclusion and differences.
Other towns including Newton, Natick and Weston for example also have similar pre-schools that are equally helpful to friends and clients alike.
After pre-school the Metro West towns continue to be there for their special needs students. Wellesley’s elementary schools are home to specialized learning centers whether there are emotional, intellectual or physical supports that are needed. For example, Allie is intellectually challenged so learning is really difficult for her. She attended Sprague Elementary School in the ISS program that served her well and her peers. Another school, Hardy Elementary school, helps children on the Autism Spectrum, and the Hunnewell School helps kids with emotional needs.
For Mom’s and Dad’s this extra layer of complexity in being a parent can be overwhelming, isolating and sad. After attending a few meetings at the Wellesley Mother’s Forum (WMF) I realized it was hard to relate sometimes to other Mom’s who were on a different path than me. I started a small group called the WMF Special Needs Group. The first meeting was in my dining room with about 6 people. 20 years later it is a thriving group within the WMF and I am so glad that they Moms still have this place to connect.
The PAC- Parent Action Committee- is also a group of parents advocating for their children. This is more closely tied to the school district, but they also hold meetings and it was helpful many times for us.
In terms of activities for Allie- she found great joy in horseback riding at Lovelane Special Needs Horseback Riding in Lincoln. She also thrived at the TOPS Soccer and Basketball program in Wellesley that allowed her to participate in sports, just like her younger sisters.
I encourage you to reach out to me if you are planning to move to the Metro West section of Massachusetts. Wellesley, Weston, Wayland, Needham, Dover-Sherborn and Natick. I have helped many families get settled into this area and connected them with services and groups that help their special needs children feel connected in their new community.
https://www.wellesleymothersforum.com/Special-Kids-Discussion-Group
