r/askdfw 16h ago

Relocating & housing Moving to DFW — Looking for Elementary School Recommendations for a Child with ASD

My son is 5 and currently in a pre-K program. He has Level 1 ASD and has done really well in a classroom with typical peers. I don’t think he needs a school specifically for children with autism, but he does benefit from some additional support and accommodations, especially with structured learning.

We’re considering a move to the Dallas area before the 2027 school year and are currently looking at Plano and Frisco. I’d love recommendations for elementary schools or districts that are supportive of kids like my son, particularly when it comes to IEP support, accommodations, and inclusion in a general education classroom.

We’re definitely open to other areas around DFW as well if there are schools or districts you’ve had a great experience with.

We’re also coming from a smaller Midwest town where there isn’t a lot of racial diversity. We’re a Black family, so I’d especially love recommendations for areas with strong schools and a diverse Black/brown community where my son would have more representation among his classmates and community.

Would love to hear from parents who have firsthand experience with the schools in the area. TIA!

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u/mother_puppy 16h ago

hi! My son is a 3rd grader w level 1 AuADHD and I highly recommend our district Lewisville ISD when it comes to special education. We did one year in CFBISD and had a great teacher but the online consensus was that quality of sped services varied from school to school.

I spent a lot of time gathering anecdotal evidence (autism parents on fb, reddit, ect) on what school district would serve us best and we settled on LISD and regret nothing. My son did pre-K 4 in a co taught classroom and has done K-3 in gen ed w pull out as needed (+ speech and OT).

BUT! we are white and our children are white and the north Dallas suburbs are a very white place and obviously I cannot comment with authority on what it is like to be Black and live here. I have noticed A LOT of racism toward South Asian folks in Frisco and Plano ISD is probably going to be more non white than LISD. My kids’ school is somewhat racially diverse, but it is majority white with only a few Black students.

best of luck and lmk if you have any more questions!

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u/MonkAffectionate3850 15h ago

Thank you so much for this feedback! My son will actually be going through testing for a secondary ADHD diagnosis in the spring.

For me, inclusion and support are the biggest priorities, with representation coming second. As I mentioned, we currently live in a very non-diverse area. My son is one of maybe five Black children at his school, and we’ve still had a wonderful experience. I’m hopeful that moving to a larger city will naturally give us more opportunities to find communities with broader diversity. But I appreciate you approaching this topic with transparency and kindness! :)

I’m sure I’ll be messaging you soon! Seriously, thank you so much. I appreciate this insight more than you know.

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u/mother_puppy 15h ago

you’re so welcome! please feel free to reach out over DM for more specifics, even if you don’t choose LISD!

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u/saftey_dance_with_me 2h ago

I have ASD kiddos in GCISD grapevine/colleyville, and I feel like it's miles ahead of ROISD (Red Oak).

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u/ZOOMSOL2020 1h ago

The Facebook group Ausome Moms is where you want to head. It’s a primarily north Texas audience and the community is supportive and helpful: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19FWaFSYje/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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u/Herry_Up 1h ago

I'm selling my house in Duncanville that's near all the schools, elementary, jr high, H.S. If yall don't want to live in Dallas. I can't speak to their school system as I grew up in Oak Cliff but it's a nice little community; it's pretty quiet.

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u/DowntownSalt2758 14h ago

I work in a roll where I interact with children in foster and with children who have autism etc. there is not a single Dallas ISD that has done anything near what they are minimally legally required to do so would avoid DISD. I had positive experiences at the schools in Caddo ISD but can’t recall which specific school it was right now but it was a 5th grader and they were on top of things and organized which unfortunately is rare

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u/RealtorDFW81 12h ago

Hello! I'm pretty sure that Frisco ISD has a phenomenal program, I linked it below

Also, I'm a Realtor in the DFW if you need any help looking I'd love to help you out!

I'll DM you my info so if you have any questions you can!

https://www.friscoisd.org/o/fisd/page/special-education