What school can meet my Asperger Syndrome daughter's sensory needs in Tampa?

Question

I have 3 children: 4th grader w/ Type 1 on an insulin pump; 2nd grader w/ Asperger's Syndrome on the Autism Spectrum, and a 2.5 yr old baby. I moved to Tampa late Jan and home-schooled the rest of last yr. In another state, my daughter was in a mainstream classroom full-time with a shared aide, and had scheduled (and as-needed) sensory breaks in the school's Autism Spectrum Disorder classroom, with a trampoline and Occupational Therapy trapeze swing, where she could get sensory input enough to organize her thoughts so she could learn. I can find local schools who'll accommodate Type 1 Diabetes, but they're saying they'll "find someone who'll take her for a short walk" and are really pressuring me to put her in a self-contained classroom with severely disabled, nonverbal peers; this would be regression for her. Do I move to another county? PLEASE HELP if you have any ideas, or experience with Hillsborough County, especially! Anyone out there with a child on the autism spectrum having a SUCCESSFUL experience in the Hillsborough County Public Schools? The families in our local support group have had to switch schools every year or so, to try to find services. Thank you.

Answer 1

I am originally from Tampa.  However I attended Pinellas County schools for elementary.  My daughter has high funtioning autism and sensory integration issues.  I would call the school board and get an EIP for her.  They may call it something different there but it is a plan where the teacher is involved and so are you.  They will have an occupational therapist and speech classes.  I would recommend joining a yahoo group in your area that deals with the spectum.  Where I live there is not a special classroom, just a plan.  Good luck.

EDIT:  I went to a great private school in Tampa.  I can not remember the name entirely but it has the word "college" in it.  They work one on one.  They have all grades.

Pinellas County schools, in my opinion, are WAY better.  Dunedin is a wonderful little town with great teachers.  Clearwater is good too.