Hi there and welcome to the site. I'm in Canada, so I'm afraid I can't help you with the name of a school. When my son (whose now 20) entered the regular schoole system, I had a choice of taking into a bigger city where they had more established special education programs or to our local rural school. I met with the principals and found I was just more comfortable with the attitude of the one at the rural school. Despite some difficulties, I never regretted my decision. I would suggest researching all of your options in your area and go with the school you feel most comfortable with.

As for her aggression, there are a number of things you can try, but what will work to resolve it really depends on what is motivating her behavior in the first place. You haven't said anything specific, so I would start with a thorough observation and analysis. Try answering questions like: Does she scratch absolutely everyone who comes near her all of the time? If not, who and when does she not scratch. Are there lots of people in the room? Lots of noise? What smells are about? (i.e. is she responding to a sensory sensitivity?) What happens just bebefore she scratches? Is there any pattern? Sometimes this sort of indepth questioning helps an answer to just pop out; other times it takes some trial and error, and still other times the details should be discussed with her therapist or psychologist to brainstorm a game planning for reducing/fading the unwanted behavior. Sometimes your detailed observations can really help her therapist or psychologist come up with a first-class solution. There are a number of books on autism educational approaches that describe ways for recording and analysing your observations.

Medications are also a legitimate alternative, but whether or not you want to use meds is a decision that can only be made in colsutation with your physician.

Sounds like my son. Im in San Antonio =) Welcome to the group. We're fun & a lil wacky.