We currently reside in Wichita Kansas. We have 5 children the oldest, 9 years old has AS. We have lived here 5 years and the company is giving us an opportunity to look at Jacksonville Florida. Is there anything in a 50 mile radius that is worth looking at? What kinds of schools - public/ private- What resources are available. I believe this area would be better because I would be home more often to help with the family
The other area is North Carolina- I had heard to look at Chapel Hill. The only problem is the job is undefined and they are shooting for Wilmington area.
The third option is Boston area - we are from originally- but the job has yet to be created -Scary - I need the benefits and the job - Not comfortable with this as an option
any thoughts would be appreciated- Stressed
Tom
Hi Tom,
Welcome to the forum. I live in NC. Compared to another family I know in NJ, ASD kids in my county are shortserved. I live in Gaston County. Fred is closer to Chapel Hill. He will be able to tell you more about his county. I have heard several satisfied parents from the Boston area. I know there are more options for therapy, therapists and specialists there as well. But the wellbeing of your entire family is important. If Boston does not offer security for your entire family the stress would not help your ASD son. Since Chapel Hill is a university township, I think it would be better than some other parts of NC.
We have parents here from Florida. I think most of them are not satisfied. They will come along and speak to you more specifically about their locations. There have being several threads about this issue.
Before you get all the current response, click on the search button at the top of this page and search for states and services. You will be better informed if you speak to an ASD parent who has a child around your child's age and ability. It is not an easy decision. We are thinking of making some moves for the sake of my ASD son who is 51/2. Try this thread.
Where do you live and hows the SERVICES??
Concernedpa.
Although TEACCH, a very popular method of working with children with autism, originates in NC, the state is quickly becoming overtaxed in serving kids with special needs. People are moving to the state in droves and the economic system is not keeping up.
We have been in central NC since 1992... my son was born in 1994 and dx in late 1997. Getting services through school was decent in elementary school, but middle school where we are is horrible. Be VERY careful in considering NC!
Mary
I agree that services in NC are slim to none................and all are overpriced! It breaks my heart to see children get denied services they need because of Funding or waiting lists that last for years.....I am an ABA tutor and my goal is to change the laws in NC to mimic some of the more proactive states in the US. If you guys have any questions about home programs let me know. You can visit my website www.newautismawareness.com for more information!
IBBASS - you need to fight this OT problem to the core. The NC law states that after the age of 3 the state is responsible for providing and paying for services for OT, speech, and PT. You should have your private OT write a letter of why your son would benefit from services at school and what he is struggling with and why he needs OT. Then have your doctor write a reccomendation for OT services through school. The last step would be to call an emergency IEP meeting before the end of school so you can enstate these services for extended school year and the remainder of this year. The cannot deny you this services and you have to be a pain about it (but you can be nice hehe) to get the services that your child will need.... If this doesn't work you can threaten the school with a facillitated IEP meeting to get the services you need.
Let me know if you need any help writing your IEP presentation for services