Connecticut: 57% increase in students with ASD in past 3 yrs; numbers outpacing resources

Oct 13, 2026, NBC CT: How Connecticut schools are trying to meet the demand for special education needs – NBC Connecticut

VIDEO:

Well, the number of students who require special education is outpacing the resources available in some schools across the state, according to school leaders. . . .

Here is Meriden, the assistant superintendent of schools says they’ve seen an increase of 57% of students with autism over the last three years.

It’s an issue that’s not unique to Meriden. In Manchester, Adelbrook Academy is also seeing their waiting list continue to grow.

At Adelbrook Academy in Manchester, you will likely see more adults than students in one classroom in order to provide a high level of individualized care. . . .

Lately they say space has been a challenge.

Currently, we serve 36 students. The needs are extreme, so we have had many referrals.

Most recently, 55 students were referred to the Manchester campus, but they were only able to take in six, creating a month’s long wait list.

In order to meet the growing demand, the state awarded the Adelbrook Academy $2.5M in September to expand their campus. . . .

We’re going to be opening four new classrooms here in Manchester.

In Meriden, the assistant superintendent of schools says they too are seeing a significant growth of students in their autism and nonverbal program, particularly in kindergarten and first grade.

Last year Nathan Hale had two classrooms, but now there’s three.

Hanover actually will be going from seven to eight.

And John Barry also has three.

Even with those additions , we still need to add another teachers. . . .

. . .it costs the district $155,000 for out-of-district placement. . . .