Is Away Ever Better?

I was reading an interesting website about a specialized boarding school in the United States for girls with Non-Verbal Learning disability and/or Asperger’s Syndrome. It has teachers who are specially trained in dealing with the unique learning styles of these individuals, a 2:1 student-teacher ratio, therapists to work with the children on communication and social skills, and a chance for these girls to be with peers who they can relate to. However, I wonder if being away from their family and community for years as a child and being in an isolated “special needs” community will have some negative implications for these girls as well. Readers, what is your opinion and/or experiences of residential schooling for students with special needs? I know it is commonly done with students who are blind or deaf.