New Towson School Hopes To Give Autistic Kids Good Education

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- It's estimated that more than three and a half million Americans are living with autism. Parents of autistic children often face huge challenges trying to get their kids a good education.

Mike Schuh reports a new school has opened in Towson to help.

In Towson, the school day has begun--but Connor Feron is the only student in class.

Tracie Feron is Connor's mom. He's 19 years old, has autism, and for years, she's fought public school administrators to admit he needed more than his local schools could give.

"We weren't looking for a cure. We were looking to give Connor the opportunity to be the best Connor that he can be," she said.

Feron's expertise in getting schools to recognize the needs of autistic students has led her to help with a new school, called Tangram, in Towson. It's named after a Chinese puzzle.

"It's right no matter how you do it because there's so many different solutions, and it's moving each piece just slightly and putting it in its own unique place," said Jennifer Renault, Tangram vice presindet.

So now, with one on one instruction, Connor runs the school store and is on track to be employable once school ends at age 21.

"We want him to live the most independent, fulfilling life that he can," said Feron.

He can do algebra and has passed his high school assessments--something his mom was told would never happen. There are 15 other students at the school.

Tracie now works for the school. Given a son with special needs, she and the others there know that they're changing lives.

"It's pretty fabulous to be a part of something, an organization that believes in helping children and strengthening families," said Feron.

The folks there say they have the capacity and resources to double or even triple the size of the school--if necessary.

It can cost up to $100,000 a year to provide such an education to an autistic child.