Dear MomBlue,
On earlier treads there are states who offer more in services and I am sure
they will tell you of their experiences. I live in California and have to say
that the services differ depending on the school district. I do feel for you.
It is so hard when your child does not learn but regress with the wrong
placement. I know that there are some members on this board who are
from Florida. Best of Luck.
It was a brutal awakening when my son left a wonderful intervention program many exist nationwide our children progress through constant therapy ect..The majority of school adminstrations are not aware of what happens when you take away necessary therapy, when you close a child in a room that is high functional with less functional or even children that are at similiar levels..that you have worked with to eliminate hand flapping and other behavior...They parrot the behavior of those around them and regress..My son can not write well but had progressed to making lines and circles...Now he does not. His behavior issues are substantially worse.Communication with the school system is negative and my child is treated as though he can not achieve anything so why bother...He was promoted to first grade yet he can not write..my child was denied recieving an education last year.I could file numerous complaints..or spend ,000 on attorney fees and file due process..Advocates are expensive.Then where do I place the child during this process??I reside in Florida in my county resources are terrible there are no respite services...at personal expense yes..a few good samaritan groups offer a few hours off a month for a mom which is great...Medical insurance options are horrible and even daycare centers refuse to accept my child before they even meet him.Both of our lives are paralyzed.The options for higher functional children are like heaven or hell. It is my hope that perhaps the State of Florida is behind the times...A doctor suggested relocating to Wisconsin.Is there anyone out there who is achieving success or could grant some insight???
Hi MomBlue - Here is a link to a list of the top 5 states for autism services. New York is not on this list. However, there are many families on this board who are happy with the services there. Also, as KathyK pointed out, you need to also consider the school district. There are good school districts in states that did not make this particular list.
http://www.autismkey.com/best_states_for_autism.htm
Here is a recent thread about the IDEA report cards:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=17360&am p;am p;PN=1
Also, here is a thread about the best states to live if you have a child with autism:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=7978& ; ;KW=best+states
You mentioned in your post that a doctor suggested that you relocate to Wisconsin. One of the reasons Wisconsin is considered a good place for services is it's waiver program. To qualify, you need a diagnosis, and your child cannot have assets over ,000.00. The parents income and assets are not considered. Currently, the wait for the waiver is about a year and a half. I'm not sure if families who relocate to the state have an additional wait. Also, I believe the age cut-off is 8 (could be 7). Services don't stop after a child turns 8. However, you need to apply for the waiver before then. The waiver is administered at the county level, so if you have specific questions, you need to contact the county's Department of Health and Human Services. Here is a link to Wisconsin's Department of Health and Family Services web pages concerning autism services:
http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/bdds/clts/index.htm
Wisconsin is decent for services. However, I honestly think that states like New Jersey and New York have more to offer. One of my son's therapists told me she feels the east coast states are more progressive and currently doing more for autistic children.
Best wishes to you and your son.
Edited to add - Here is a link to the Autism Society of Wisconsin: