How special education works in the nation's largest school system — public District 75 programs, specialized inclusion models, and private autism schools — and how NYC families actually access them.
New York City runs the largest public school system in the country, and its special-education machinery is correspondingly large and complicated. Between District 75, the ASD Nest and Horizon programs, private special-education schools, and the CSE process, there are real options — but the paperwork and advocacy involved are significant.
This page explains the main pathways for autistic students in NYC, from public specialized programs to private placement, and how the Committee on Special Education (CSE) process fits together.
The DOE's citywide network of specialized schools and programs for students with significant disabilities, including many autistic students, across all five boroughs. Placement runs through the CSE as part of the IEP.
Visit siteAn independent day school serving students roughly ages 4-21 with neurodevelopmental differences including autism, using the DIR/Floortime relationship-based model with a transdisciplinary team of teachers and therapists.
Visit siteAn independent school for neurodivergent students ages 5-21 with mild to moderate developmental or cognitive disabilities, offering a strengths-based program with embedded speech, OT, and counseling services.
Visit siteTuition-free public charter schools serving autistic students using ABA-based instruction. As public charters, seats are typically assigned by lottery; check current admissions on their site.
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