A new school for children with autism has come to the Bronx.

The New York City Autism Charter School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday evening to celebrate its expansion from Manhattan into the South Bronx at 977 Fox St.

Educators said they are proud to bring the school into an area they consider to be in need of educational services for kids with autism. Another branch is also located in East Harlem.

Educators say the wait list for the school indicates there is a significant number of families applying for autism services for their children. The school offers extremely small class sizes. Educators say they teach standard academic subjects, as well as life skills, personal care and personal safety. It is a 12-month program, and admission is through a lottery. Children in underserved communities are given priority.

Teachers say families of children with special needs often have difficulty finding services to help their kids, which is why the expansion of this school is necessary.

Officials say the school will be working with students ages 5 through 12. They also say this school is the first of its kind in New York state – a public charter school devoted solely to kids with autism.

Educators say one in 68 children is diagnosed with the disorder. Boys are almost five times more likely to be diagnosed with it than girls, and the prevalence of autism is the same across racial, ethnic and socioeconomic lines.