Help with finding State that provides good services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Question

We currently live in Houston, but we were told that the NE US is the best place to be for finding resources/services/programs for kids with ASD. I would be grateful for any information about which States offer the best services and any advice about the best locations to live in to help kids with ASD.

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

I have a son, now 20, with autism and we have moved a lot, sometimes specifically to find a good school/district.  I would say that in general, good school districts in (hate to say it but true) more affluent communities close to the best universities have the best services.  But in the end, it's a c**p shoot because it ALL DEPENDS ON THE TEACHER YOU GET. You could move to the greatest district but then Wonder Teacher goes out on maternity leave or goes to another program and you get whoever they can find.  

I think New England & NJ have good reputations, NC (urban areas) are good, suburban Wash DC.

Email the parent support groups in the areas you're considering.  

Good luck. Be diligent and demand what's right for your child and s/he will do well.

Answer 2

Until recently I lived and worked on Long Island, NY.  There are several different programs for children with ASD ranging from Public School Programs to an extensive home therapy program, and private programs. From my experience there, programs are also funded by state and county, with very little parent expense, depending on location and IEP specifics.   I now live in Washington State, where great programs can be found in the major areas,(Seattle/Spokane) but in the more rural areas programs are harder to find.  I would imagine that most states would be the same way.

Answer 3

i wont be of much help to you as you live in america i am a special needs teacher in the uk i have taught learning disabilities for years autisim being a part, the spectrum is huge and all need special assessment ,we are all individuals there is no set criteria for autisim it is vast, i live in Birmingham uk we are the only provider for over 16 if you e-mail with more information i may be able to help, but i do hope you have found the help you need in the usa

Answer 4

my son is considered moderate to severe autistic.but has the best medical,counseling,teaching,and support any where.we live in washington state  mt lk terrace to be exact.they have the best teaching program and teachers than any one they are the best in the country.and then the seattle childrens hospital and behavioral health department of the u.w and w.s.u are also the nations best.and if your low income they still offer these services to you.lots of good jobs available.nice housing and the best views,and recreational hot spots in the world. if i could go any where in the world i would go to the western washington  north seattle area.

Answer 5

I live in MA and I am a special education teacher.  I have worked in 3 different districts in the special education departments.  I am a big fan of our sped departements however, its hit or miss with some cities and towns.  Check out behavioranalysts.com and research their school called STARS.  It looks like a good program and the founder of this program is an exceptional behavior analyst and amazing teacher with amazing staff.  I had the pleasure of meeting him at conference.  I highly reccomend this program for any child with autism.  Results are amazing!  Good luck!

Answer 6

I also live in Mass.  I am about to move because the public school system isn't giving my child the education she deserves.  There are amazing schools in PA, which we will be moving to.

Answer 7

Hi, I live in Massachusetts and my experience with the special education system has been fabulous. My child is undiagnosed with many autistic-like traits. He is 12 and in the 6th grade.

He attends public middle school in my town and is fully integrated into a 6th grade class. He has a 1 on 1 aide who either alters the assignments to suit him, or takes him out of the class when they are doing things that don't apply to him. She also watches his interactions with peers and steers away anyone 'undesirable' (teasing or teaching him things he shouldnt know etc).

He has full run of the school basically and is welcomed with open arms into any class he'd like to try. He spends his time in the woodshop, the cooking room, the band room etc. He takes drum lessons and is in chorus/choir.

He's got a 3 wheel bike that he rides in the hallways of the school during bad weather, and the spec. ed dept takes him and other kids on 'field trips' several times a week to the local post office and CVS store up the street. They practice life skills, mailing letters and buying small items and giving the correct $$ etc.

The school takes them snow-shoeing and they go to a farm once a week to do therapy horseback riding.

I have health insurance through my job, but because my son has been deemed 'disabled', Massachusetts gives him additional medical coverage through MassHealth. It covers everything 100%- any co-pays, surgeries, testing, dental, any therapies outside of school like speech, PT, OT.

He could also receive SSI (supplemental security income) but I think we make too much money to qualify. Once he turns 18 he will be elligible to receive it.

Kids are entitled to attend public schools until the age of...I believe 22. I live right on the New Hampshire border, and I know of people who have moved across the border just for the education for their child with special needs.

We also have a great Special Olympics organization. Ours has every sport you can imagine.

I am thrilled with what Mass has to offer. (not to mention the amazing hospitals with autism programs in Boston)