Allegan County schools will change autism program structure

Autism education in Allegan County is undergoing changes due to space limitations in schools. Starting in fall 2025, Level 3 autistic students will attend classes in their home district's special education classrooms instead of gathering at Otsego Public Schools. Currently, these students have classes together at Otsego through a program by the Allegan Education Service Agency (ESA). Level 3 autism is the most severe form, and students often face communication challenges. At Otsego, they receive speech services, curriculum support, and individualized plans from teachers and aides during their school day. Superintendent Bill Brown assured that the necessary support will continue in the new settings. Each student's individual needs will be assessed, and staff will move to the districts where students will be attending. Students will also have opportunities to socialize with their peers without disabilities. The shift comes as Otsego Public Schools does not have the capacity to host the program anymore. The school has seen increased enrollment, leading to fewer available classrooms. The Allegan ESA program currently serves 17 Level 3 autistic students across two elementary classrooms and one middle school classroom.