Where is the best place to live if you have a child who has Autism?

Question

My son is 6 years old and was diganoised with PDD on the Autism Spectrum. He was also non-verbal, but is starting to try to talk now. Where is the best best to live where I can get him the best help as far as school, therpy, programs...ect. I am currently In jacksonville Florida....and use to live in NJ and Texas.

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

I live in DE, have 2 autistic spectrum sons and the neurologist always says, how about moving to NJ?  I also know a parent of an autistic child living in NJ and their autism support is really good.  I don't know about other areas though.  The neurologist says PA is good too.

Answer 2

I would start by trying to get connected with Autism resources online and in your area. Start by going to http://www.autismspeaks.org and look under Be Informed and Community. I have a nephew who is autistic and I have taught autistic students in the general ed. classroom and that is where we started. Also talk to your child's pediatrician and he/she should be able to get you connected with someone who can help you. There are many great resources out there to help you and your child. Just ask for help. I am sure that there are also many other online resources as well. Your child's school/Special Education Department may also have some good info.

Answer 3

Im not sure about the best place to live in US for kids with autism.  If you are looking for support and advice can I suggest a link to try??

http://www.mdjunction.com/autism

I wish you the best in your search for the perfect area!

Answer 4

Don't move because of your child's autism. Do look for the best provision you can find in your area and make sure your son gets access to it. Children with autism rely on routine a lot of the time to give them the security they need so moving just for the sake of it could do more harm than good. Do find a support group for both parents and children in your area and find out what other parents think are the best services and schools after all they are the ones that have experience of these services. Good luck.

Answer 5

I live in New Jersey and it is awesome.  Not every area in New Jersey has a great program.  I live in Middletown.  Don't be so quick to move.  Check out schools in your area.  Some special ed programs with put autistic children in classes where there a children with other disabilities but I believe that children need to be in a class for just autistic children.  My son is severe and he is 12.  There are only 3 kids in his class including himself.  He has a teacher and then an aide for each child.  It is a self-contained classroom and he gets speech, behavior, and occupational therapy at school.  The school system will take care of him until he is 21.   Good luck to you.   I would contact the board of education.  They can tell you about public school programs in the area.  My son is in a public junior high and the program is excellent.  Most kids are diagnosed between 2 and 3.  Your son must be mild if he was diagnosed this late. It is great that he is trying to talk.  My son is non-verbal.

Answer 6

One thing to think about  - your program that you are moving to could be cut with one major budget change.  Weigh that against your current situation before moving.

Answer 7

A lot of school districts offer autism units (where the students get specialized education for autism) and the special ed teachers work closely with them in small groups.  He will need a lot of repetition and the smaller environment will help him with this.  I would first check with your school district and surrounding districts to see what types of services they offer for autism.  Also, since he was just diagnosed, does he already have an IEP?  If he's non-verbal or has limited verbal skills, he definitely needs to be on one.  It is basically your legal contract stating exactly what, how and when they will do to help your child meet typical goals.  The site listed below is the federal law on students with special needs.  It's quite large, but try to read it, it is your child's rights in school on a document!  So when you go into a meeting with your child's school, or you inquire about other districts, you will know the law, and what rights your child has!  The topics to the left of the screen (on the IDEA site listed below) will be the parts you will want to read! Good luck!

Answer 8

i dont think you should move to another state just because your child has autism. its not like you live in biafra or something. all of those states should have excellent resources.