Hello,
I am looking to relocate to PA and had heard some say that York County offers decent services for children with autism. My issue is this: my thirteen year old son is what they consider to be classically autistic. Although he is verbal (can indicate wants and needs through short subject-verb sentences), he does exhibit some very challenging behaviors (aggression, property destruction, self-injurious behavior). When I looked into York County, no one could give me any definitive information and from my research it appears as if its made up of about 10 or so boroughs (small towns) that fall under the auspices of IU 12. What I fear the most of small towns are the limited opportunities they often present. So, my mind began to wander to the Pittsburgh area (hope I spelled that correctly), which seems more urban, but I dont know anything about it.
My questions are as follows: Is York County or Pittsburgh a viable area for my son given his needs? If so, what borough/city/town, IU or school system should I specifically consider as a possible relocation site? What are the services outside of the school system like? Any and all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Pat
I live in Montgomery County PA (not far from Philly) and have been very happy with the 0-3 services. After 0-3, I think services vary widely based more on school district than on county. Our advocate told me that my school district (SPring Ford) is very good, primarily because ~10 years ago they were failing miserably in teh No Child Left Behind Act, and have since put in a ton of resources for ASD children.
PA also offers wrap-around services for behavioral (non-academic) issues if the child has Medical Assistance (no problem to get this with a classical Autism dx) and otherwise qualifies for this type of help based on the specific needs. I'm fairly certain that this is handled at the county level.
GL. I think PA is a great place to live!
Hello i live in philadelphia and have great servicesHi Laura, I grew up in Philadelphia, far northeast, I now live in levittown and i am pertty happy with the services here also. Is your son in an autism support preschool?
I'm not that familiar about how Philly does things, where was he evaluated??
Do you know of any developmental pediatricians in the area that specialize in Autism??
Hi Pat,
I can't speak for either York (which is not too far from me) or Pittsburgh, but I have 2 children served by my local IU 15. I much prefer the IU to what the local school district has to offer. My youngest age 7 with Autism, is in an elementary school building, he spends the majority of his day in a Life Skills/ Multiple Disabilities classroom. I hand picked this class specifically after looking at all my options including what my school district (Carlisle) had to offer. Connor goes to all "specials" with "typical developing peers": library, art, music, computer, and gym. I wanted a balance of special ed. time for all academics/learning and time spent with other peers. He is doing well. I find the difference between the IU and the school district to be the difference between taking your child to the pediatrician vs. a specialist. The IU's business is special ed. nothing else. They stay up to date with latest therapies/learning styles. My son started listening therapy back in pre-school (which was IU run).
My town would be considered small too.....I was born and raised in NYC, to me this town is small. I would say the benefit of small town services are smaller waiting lists and I find that for parents that are well versed in their rights get what they want. Big city living may have more options but probably longer wait lists.
I can tell you that Carlisle has a specific school for Autism. It is run by Northwestern Human Services. I know people who regret placing their children there and I know people who are thankful this school was brought here. It opened last year and had kinks to work out....don't know where it is at now.
Hope this helps
Good luck!
We live in PA, and 3 through pre-K is handled by our county's intermediate