I live in Los Angeles County and am part of L.A. Unified School district.
I've had one terrible experience and one wonderful one. I have my DS in
the right hands now with caring and knowledgeable people who not only
want what's best for him, but are able to steer me on the right path of
cutting through the red tape and getting him the services he needs and is
entitled to. These people don't just provide him an education. They see
my DS's full potential, and constantly go that extra mile for us.
My sister just stepped down to prinicapal after being a superintendent in a small district outside of LA. She would be glad to help. She has taught there for 40 years and has been an invaluable resource for me.
If you'd like to PM me I'd be glad to do what I can.
pat
Hi
I live in Tehachapi California. I like his teacher and all. However, we have been having trouble getting him one on one with a speech therapist. Last year they had only two part timers. Apparently this year they have more speech therapits. However, we are going to get some outside help. I met her last year and she appears to be a wonderful, and a very patient person. She showed me how to each AJ to sign "eat" in just that little time we were there. She KNOWS he needs one on one and not to be put into any sort of group as of YET. Oh, and one more thing, she allows me to take part also. cool, huh
I have a three year old who has autisim. We visited the public schools in Michigan, and the teachers were very open and supportive. They invited us right down to the school to see a class. Also, 3-5 year olds study all day. The goal is to get kids into a regular kintergarten, even if they need some assistance.
We also could live in California, where we still have a house. However, the schools seem less friendly. They just give you a date in the future a few weeks from now and note that they are only required to do the IEP and assessment within 50 days. They won't let you visit a class until your kid has been evaluated. Also, the kids only study half a day. I get the feeling that the public schools in California are overburdened in special ed, and the programs are not as good in Michigan. Also, I see a lot more advertisements for private instruction in the home in California (Card, AST, etc.). So, I have the impression that parents of autistic kids in California rely more on private sources of education than public source.
I could live either place, but it is hard to decide. Does anyone here have thoughts on California and whether my conclusions are true? THanks!
Hi Tom Welcome to the board!
I don't have any personal experience with either state, but I know there are board members here in both states who may be able to share their experiences. Keep in mind one town in either state may have TERRIBLE services while the next may have AWESOME services, so check around as much as possible.
ALso you can go to www.unlockingautism.org and click on Parent 2 Parent Network and it will give you a map to click on the area you want and come up with a list of reps in that area who can help connect you with resources for that area.
I do know that California seems to be having the highest rises in classic autism cases so that unfortunately may be some of the problem with your experience.
Good Luck with your decision