Hi -
We are considering moving to a southern Chicago suburb or NW Indiana and I am having a difficult time finding information about school systems (public or private) to help me narrow down areas. We have three kids and the oldest is seven years old and she has Asperger's. She is in Second grade and doing really well with a limited amount of support needed right now (she sees a speech therapist and intervention specialist a few times a week). We love the school that she's in here in Ohio and I am nervous to mess things up and have her possibly regress. Any ideas on which state would be better to move to - Indiana or Illinois? Any particular towns or public or private schools which are know for working well with children with Asperger's? I can't believe how challenging it has been to find information specific to the areas we are looking at. My husband would be working in Gary, IN (I know, I know . . . ). I would greatly appreciate any information to help me narrow down areas and specific schools to look into! Thanks!
I live in NW Indiana (Dyer) and my son is 13, dx'd AS/mood disorder. The Lake Central School Corporation encompasses three towns, Dyer, Schererville and St. John. Our Special Ed Cooperative is called Westlake (http://www.lakecentral.k12.in.us/westlake). I have been quite happy with my son's education thus far. He was dx'd in 4th grade. I have not had to fight like a lot of people here have for the basics. They seem to want to work with us. Dyer and Schererville are probably more affordable than St. John as their homes cost more. I've only had personal experience with Dyer schools and Schererville schools. Also, Munster has a very good special ed co-op and a very good public educational environment in general. I am a member of MAAP - a non-profit which gives info on ASDs/autism. Visit their website to get links/info - give them a call as they personally live in the areas as well and can give detailed info. http://www.maapservices.org/
I know most people that work in Chicago live in Valpo, Portage,Chesterton, Lake Station, IN. The cost of living in Chicago is really high. I lived in Naperville, IL as a child for a while. Your hubby will be working at the steal mill? I went to school in Chesterton at Liberty elementary and middle for 4 yrs. Schools were good but that was a long time ago. My brother got speech at elementary school and LD services in middle. I can't really give you more advice bec. I have not been back in 7 yrs. I'm going to have to return with in the next summer.