Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

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Georgesmom 06/01/2017

I currrently live in a small town in Mississippi. The school system here has all of the children with disabilities ages K5-6th grade in one classroom and receiving no individualized assistance. I want to move out of Mississippi with my 3yr old nonverbal son by the time he gets to K5. I am having a very difficult time figuring out where we should go. Does anyone have any suggestions regarding a good public school system to start him in that offers EIP and therapy in school? I need to start planning the move asap and figure out my job situation. I'm an attorney, but I am only licensed in MS. I'm seriously considering a complete career change

Jersey_of_Oz 06/01/2017

Man, I wish I could help, but I have fought schools from the time my son could attend. He still doesn't have an IEP even though he meets the qualifications according to Gov't guidelines. Can I suggest looking into a private school or an autism specific school. Public schools are a pain. here is a great private school I found http://www.clelianheights.org/ - maybe there is something this good near you. Can you get hooked up with a child advocate. They help with the fight and often know local resources.

Georgesmom 06/02/2017

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I will take a look at the school.

sambod 06/06/2017

does your child have an individualized education plan? because if he does, then there are or should be provisions constructed to your child's individual needs that a school must follow no matter what their size. They may tell you that they don't have the funding which btw, is illegal according to IDEA.

I have lived in KY and SC and I can tell you that all states are going to have their share of problems regarding special education.
any school system should be able to give therapy if a doctor or speech therapist order it. He may also qualify for early intervention. Contact your local autism society there to see if they can hook you up to resources.

Newby2MCTD 06/14/2017

If your child is only 3 yrs, check to see if there is a Division of Develop mental Disabilities (DDD) or Early Intervention Program. Schools often only get involved once they turn 3. In Arizona, I found that even our pediatrician did not know about the Early Intervention Program which provided evaluation, intervention and free therapy to children birth to age 3.

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