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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WENDYT 10/30/2008

We were wondering what states offer the best services and schools for individuals with Autism and similar disabilities? For ex.
our 3 1/2 year old daughter who is Autistic, currently attends an excellent private school called the Preschool Learning Center (League for the Handicapped) located in Springville , NY . It is totally state funded. We also recieve Medicaid, although sometimes I have a hard time getting them to pay for certain things. They say their "funds are depleted" until the start of the new year.
My husband is in the U.S. Coast Guard, and we may have to move in June or July of 2009. We would prefer to live somewhere where there is a good school or schools available that our daughter could possibly attend. That is extremely important in making our decision. That's why we are trying to find out what states offer the best services and schools.

If anyone has any info. about this, we would really appreciate it because we may have to make a decision on choosing a new area to live within the next month or two.

Thanks
Wendy

deleted_user 10/30/2008

Well, Iowa has good state funded services but the schools are not that easy to find, atleast not in my area. As for the services Iowa is one of the top for funding and support for autism and other disabilities. I have two friends who moved here from Washington State because they wanted to be able to get better services. One had family already here one did not but now her family has moved here too. But I am not sure how much we have with the Coast Guard here, we are pretty far from any large bodies of water, other than the Mississippi.

deleted_user 10/30/2008

Hi there, I live in Northern NJ and I am very very happy with the services that my boys get. They are both in public schools but I think that our district has really taken care of my children and given them the best care. Hugs Denise

deleted_user 10/30/2008

No Mass. for sure.

deleted_user 10/30/2008

East Central Florida has some good schools (public). Most private are pretty pricey and sparse. Services such as Speech, OT,and such are expensive here. Most of the few don't take our insurance which is Cigna. I do know that Children's medical services does take medicaid and their services are ok but the wait is long.

Nemours in Jacksonville Florida supposedly has excellent Autism programs. As far as schools in Duval county, I don't know. Their public schools have a poor track record. Neighboring Clay county has a pretty good school system.

Here in Brevard is a large Air Force community. Jax is Navy with 2 bases. Good Luck and let me know what you find out. We want to move too.

deleted_user 10/30/2008

to be honest, i think every state has great services, its the schools that make it so hard to get. see, its the schools job to save as much $$$ as possible, some schools thinks making sure kids that need services come forst at all times, as it should be in my opinion, other schools, want to keep the hidden away as if they are ashamed of them. i dont see it as a state thing, i see it as an individual school thing. in my county we have many, many schools, some are great with specials needs kids, others should be shut down. they all have the same bosses, county, city, and state level to answer to, most of the time they get away with it because they do not inform parents of their rights and will not be proavtice like other schools in the same district. just my opinion. being a proactive parent can turn an uncaring school into at the very least a law abiding school.

deleted_user 11/04/2008

So Wendy, just wondering what's going on with the possible move? Hugs Denise

sambod 11/04/2008

nc has pretty good services. unfortunately everyone flocked to north carolina and the waiting lists are unreal now. i hear new jersey has the best but i also understand cost of living is outrageous there.

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