TL;DR: Finding the right autism school in New York requires considering factors like teaching methodology, class size, staff qualifications, and location. New York offers excellent options including charter schools (NYC Autism Charter School), private specialized schools (Manhattan Children’s Center, Rebecca School), and therapeutic programs (Anderson Center, QSAC). This comprehensive guide covers the top autism schools across NYC and the Hudson Valley with detailed information on programs, services, age ranges, and contact details to help you make an informed decision.
If you have an autistic child, you probably already know how challenging it can be to find the right educational environment for them. As autism spectrum disorder presents differently in every child, there’s no universal solution. However, understanding your options and following these evidence-based guidelines can help you choose the best autism school in New York for your child, regardless of age, diagnosis, or specific needs.
When evaluating autism schools in New York, these factors should guide your decision-making process:
The most effective autism schools utilize scientifically proven approaches. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is scientifically proven to result in consistent progress for children with autism. Other successful methodologies include the DIR/Floortime approach and TEACCH method. Look for schools that can clearly explain their educational philosophy and provide evidence of student outcomes.
Every student should have a customized curriculum addressing their unique strengths and challenges. Quality schools conduct regular assessments and adjust programming based on data-driven insights.
Seek schools staffed by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), licensed special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other credentialed professionals with specific autism training.
Smaller class sizes enable more individualized attention. Optimal ratios range from 6:1:3 to 8:1:3 (students to teachers to aides), depending on student needs.
The best programs integrate multiple services throughout the school day, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and social skills training.
Schools should provide sensory integration spaces, quiet areas for regulation, and accommodations for students with sensory processing differences.
As students mature, quality programs increasingly focus on independence, vocational skills, and community integration to prepare for adulthood.
Strong schools maintain regular communication with families, offer parent training, and view parents as essential partners in education.
Locations:
The school’s commitment to individualized education plans was evident in every classroom, where highly skilled teachers engaged students with innovative teaching methods. The school boasts a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology and sensory-friendly spaces.
Age Range: 5-21 years
Programs:
Contact:
Why Choose This School: As a charter school, it’s tuition-free and provides exceptional resources typically found in private schools. Their dual locations offer options for families across NYC.
Location: 211 West 61st Street, New York, NY 10023
The Manhattan Children’s Center is New York City’s premier private school for children ages 5 to 21 with autism spectrum disorder and related neurodiversities. MCC’s unique Transdisciplinary Behavioral Model® includes speech, occupational therapy and social skills programming.
Age Range: 5-21 years
Founded: 2007
Current Enrollment: Over 110 students with 200+ staff members
Programs:
Contact:
Success Story: In 2025, MCC made history when Jay became the first student to complete the United Airlines Half Marathon, showcasing the center’s commitment to holistic development.
Locations:
Rebecca School is a therapeutic day school for children ages 3-21 with neurodevelopmental delays in relating and communicating including autism. The curriculum is based on the Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) methodology developed by Dr. Stanley Greenspan.
Age Range: 3-21 years
Unique Approach: DIR/Floortime methodology
Programs:
Facilities: The new 71,747 square foot facility has 21 custom-designed classrooms, music, art, and transition rooms, multiple sensory gyms, and a rooftop playground.
Contact:
Location: 11-20 46th Road, Queens, NY 11101
AYM is a state-of-the-art ABA school for 5-15 years old students. They provide Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Counseling services while incorporating Social Skills training using a behavioral approach.
Age Range: 5-21 years
Approach: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Programs:
Contact:
Location: 252 West 29th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001
Atlas School is a non-profit, non-public New York City school serving children and young adults aged 7-21 years diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other developmental differences. A truly individualized full-day educational program is developed for each student using a multi-strategic approach, data analysis as well as evidence-based and cutting-edge interventions.
Age Range: 7-21 years
Facility Size: 7,300 square feet
Programs:
Contact:
Locations:
QSAC was founded in 1978 to provide services for children and adults with autism, and their families, throughout New York City and Long Island. QSAC offers a center-based school age program which provides children between the ages of 5 and 21 with an appropriate education based on CSE recommendations and current IEP.
Age Range: 5-21 years
Enrollment: 74 students in 12 classrooms (Whitestone location)
Programs:
Contact:
Location: 57 Willoughby Street, Floor 3, Brooklyn, NY 11201
A private, non-profit school dedicated to providing high-quality education to individuals ages 5 to 21 with Autism using ABA, 1:1 instruction, and highly individualized curriculum.
Age Range: 5-16 years
Student Population: 24 students
Student-Teacher Ratio: 1:1
Programs:
Contact:
Location: 25 Chapel Street, Downtown Brooklyn
The newest K-12 school designed specifically for students on the autism spectrum, bringing Gersh’s decades of experience in autism education to Downtown Brooklyn.
Age Range: K-12
Opened: 2025
Programs:
Contact:
Location: 4885 US Route 9, Staatsburg, NY 12580 (Dutchess County, Hudson Valley)
The Anderson Center for Autism accommodates preschool, children’s and adult’s services throughout the Hudson Valley. Anderson’s certified NYS 853 School welcomes 138 children ages 5-21, across 23 classrooms with a ratio of 6:1:3.5.
Age Range: 3-21 years
Campus Size: 100 acres
Student Population: 138 students
Staff: Nearly 900 employees
Programs:
Recent Investment: Governor Hochul announced $3 million in capital funding to rebuild an 11,000-square-foot carriage house for workforce development and training.
Contact:
Locations:
Established in 1976, Eden II Programs began with just six students and one special education teacher and today serves over 500 participants in New York City and Long Island. Eden II opened a new, state-of-the-art autism center which serves 68 participants, ages 8-21, in elementary and secondary education programs.
Age Range: 3-21 years
Programs:
Staten Island Programs: Serves 130+ families across education, residential, and adult services
Long Island Programs: Genesis School serves 30 students ages 5-21
Contact:
The Autism Nest Program is a partnership between NYC Public Schools and New York University’s Nest Support Project that serves autistic learners in a classroom with general education students.
Age Range: Elementary and middle school grades
Approach: Inclusive education
Features:
How to Access: Contact your local school district’s Committee on Special Education (CSE)
Contact: Visit steinhardt.nyu.edu/metrocenter/nest for more information
| School Name | Location | Age Range | Methodology | Class Ratio | Tuition Status | Contact |
| NYC Autism Charter School | East Harlem & Bronx | 5-21 | Evidence-based/ABA | Varies | Free (Charter) | 212-860-2580 |
| Manhattan Children’s Center | Manhattan | 5-21 | Transdisciplinary Behavioral | Small | Private tuition | 212-777-5966 |
| Rebecca School | Manhattan & Mt. Vernon | 3-21 | DIR/Floortime | Small | Private tuition | 212-810-4120 |
| AYM School | Queens | 5-21 | ABA | Small | Private tuition | 646-670-5999 |
| Atlas School | Manhattan | 7-21 | Multi-strategic | Individual | Private tuition | 212-256-0846 |
| QSAC | Queens & Bronx | 5-21 | ABA | 6:1:3, 8:1:3 | Private tuition | 718-747-0136 |
| Brooklyn Autism Center | Brooklyn | 5-16 | ABA | 1:1 | Private tuition | 718-554-1027 |
| Gersh Academy Brooklyn | Brooklyn | K-12 | ABA + Comprehensive | Custom | Private tuition | 347-498-2084 |
| Anderson Center | Staatsburg (Hudson Valley) | 3-21 | ABA | 6:1:3.5 | Private tuition | 845-889-4034 |
| Eden II | Staten Island & Long Island | 3-21 | ABA | Small | Private tuition | 718-983-5250 |
All children with autism are entitled to free appropriate public education (FAPE) through their local school district. This includes:
Pros: No cost, legally mandated services, inclusion opportunities
Cons: Large class sizes in some programs, varying quality across districts
Private autism schools offer specialized environments with smaller class sizes and intensive services.
Pros: Specialized expertise, low student-teacher ratios, comprehensive services
Cons: High cost (though may be funded through school district placement), waiting lists
Funding Options:
Charter schools like NYC Autism Charter School provide specialized autism education at no cost to families.
Pros: Free tuition, specialized programming, smaller than typical public schools
Cons: Lottery-based admissions, limited locations
Ensure your child has current psychological and educational evaluations documenting their autism diagnosis and educational needs.
For public school placements, contact your local Committee on Special Education (CSE) to initiate the IEP process.
Visit schools, attend open houses, and speak with current families. Key questions to ask:
Most schools encourage visits. Observe:
Once accepted, work with the school on transition planning, including:
Early intervention is crucial. Programs are available starting at age 3 through preschool programs. The earlier children receive specialized support, the better their long-term outcomes. However, students can benefit from autism-specific education at any age through age 21.
Private autism school tuition in New York ranges from $40,000 to $80,000+ annually. However, many families don’t pay out-of-pocket. If your school district’s CSE recommends a private school placement, the district covers tuition costs. Contact schools directly to discuss funding options.
Yes, many students successfully transition to less restrictive environments as they develop skills. Schools should include transition planning in IEPs and work collaboratively with receiving schools to ensure smooth transitions.
Quality autism schools employ:
Trust your instincts and observe:
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the only teaching method scientifically proven to result in consistent progress for children with autism. ABA uses evidence-based techniques to teach new skills and reduce challenging behaviors through positive reinforcement and data collection.
The DIR methodology proceeds from the core belief that relationships are the foundation of learning. This developmental approach focuses on building emotional connections and following the child’s interests to promote growth in communication and social-emotional development.
Yes, several programs offer residential services:
Residential placements provide round-the-clock support and are typically recommended by CSEs for students requiring intensive intervention.
Quality autism schools use positive behavior support strategies, including:
Schools serving students ages 14-21 must provide transition planning, including:
School District Placement: If your CSE determines your child requires a private school, the district pays tuition.
Medicaid Waivers: May cover some services and supports.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Financial assistance for eligible families.
Scholarships: Many schools offer need-based scholarships.
Choosing the right school for your autistic child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. New York offers exceptional options ranging from free charter schools to specialized private programs, each with unique strengths.
The keys to success are:
Remember that the “best” school is the one that best fits your individual child at their current stage of development. Many families try different settings as their child grows and changes.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to schools directly, attend open houses, and connect with other autism families. The autism education community in New York is strong, collaborative, and dedicated to helping every child reach their full potential.
Ready to take the next step? Start by contacting 3-5 schools from this list that seem like potential fits. Schedule tours, ask questions, and trust the process. Your child’s educational journey is unique, and the right school is out there waiting.
This guide was last updated in November 2025. School information, contact details, and programs are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with schools.
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