autisic daughter no receiving the help she should already have

[dandevder]

Originally Posted by Charlotte ePro

I don't have kids or personal experience with Autism, but here are some local links that may be useful

http://www.supportworks.org/cat767.htm
http://www.autismsociety-nc.org/
http://www.parkerautismfoundation.org/

I wouldn't rely on the information the public school system tells you, considering Autism is a widely misunderstood disorder. I think the best source of information would be other parents of autistic children here in the Charlotte area.

Afwew more useful links:

http://www.unioncounty-autism.com/
http://teacch.com/
http://store.appcomm.net/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=SFNT&Store_Code=ASNC (broken link)

Most of the counties are getting much better at services for children on the Autism Spectrum. The TEACCH center does offer 2 parent advocates to help parents navigate the whole educational process for our children. They will even attend IEP meetings to make sure our childrens needs are being met. In Union County we have an Autism Specialist. She is an excellent resource to tap for help. She has worked with my son's teacher to make sure his day is asproductive as possible. She also does county wide trainings for our regular ed teachers.

We have come a long way in working with these children, but there is always room for improvement! Coming for the northeast, NC blows them out of the water in the services they provide!

[saralee]

Originally Posted by chakia

I am the mother of a 9 year old autistic child. She does very well. I am writing because I would like to move to the charlotte area sometime in june. As a parent of a special needs child, as I am sure you know, everything revolves around her getting the proper education. I would really appreciate any feedback anyone copuld give me. this is n\my first move away from home and I have no clue what else is out there. I love my daughters school (here in nj) but New jersey is becoming to expensive and I am originally from the south anyway. Sorry to ramble, I know that NJ isn't the only place t o find a quality education for my daughter but I don't know where to start. Any help anyone could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Chakia

Services for those with autism is one thing New Jersey gets right. We fought and fought and fought for services for my son when we lived in New Jersey (whose impairments are other than autism) but I was very impressed by the many, many schools and agencies that addressed the needs of children with autism.

That being said, Union County has been very, very good to us. I initially worried that moving to Union County, as opposed to Mecklenburg might be a mistake due to availability of services but, on the contrary, we remain impressed, and our lives are more fulfilled. And it's a direct result of the support we are now receiving. It's just one more reason that I'm sure we'll never return to Jersey. And even though I left family behind, I don't even miss it. Once again I can imagine a future for my son. Life is simply too good these days.

Good luck!

SL

[mm_mary73]

Look here. May be of some help: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec/

[wmspeep]

If you have a special needs child I would go with Union County most definitely

[rcarro]

I have an autistic daughter 9yrs old and live in Charlotte. She attends the Meck (CMS) school system in a mainstream classroom setting. She is a high functioning autistic with an IEP and 504. We have the hardest time with the school she is attending. When the say "No child left behind" they really mean No child with out any special needs. I would love to move her to a more understanding and helpful school but I don't know how to begin. I can not afford a private school (which her current school suggests) because I also have a son that is a diabetic. Does anyone have any advise for a better equipt school in the CMS school system?
Thanks,
rcarro

[laurai]

I work in Charlotte at Metro School which is a school for children with special needs. It is a great school although it isnot appropriate for all children with autism or other special needs. I know that CMS as well as Union COunty schools have some great programs. Once you get into NC you want to talk to someone with Medicaid services to sign your chil up for the Cap Program. The cap program provides numerous programs sucha s respite and community and home support services.

[dabhs]

Originally Posted by dandevder

We moved here to being affraid of our son not getting services he needs. But we were wrong, they offered us more services here. Everyone in the local schools have been very supportive and helpful. It was actually the best move we could have made for our son. We are actually inUnion County...right next door to Charlotte, but I have heard some of the schools in the Charlotte area are great for kids with special needs. Please fell free to pm me with any specific questions you have...and best of luck!

Hi
Reading your post, I could not keep myself from asking few questions.
I have a 6 yrs old son with autism and epilepsy who is non-verbal and very severe developmental delays in almost all of the areas.
We live in suburb of Pittsburgh,PA
He is qualified for Medical Assistance(Medicaid?) regardless of parents income given his disability.
Since school district does not have enough services in regular classroom, the SD sent him to a private school which specializes in autism services. He goes to school for 6 hrs and gets wonderful services in terms of OT and Speech.
My husband has been offered a job in Charlotte and thinking to take it up however our biggest concern is our son getting services he needs and receives now, will he be getting that in NC?
We are open to move to any county(Union, Macklenburg) around Charlotte.
My questions are (1) How does medical assistance(MA) work? Does he get MA regardless of parental income and private health insurance through parents?.This comes very handy with wraparound services and co-pays.
(2) Which school district is the best known for Autism services?
If you or someone could throw some lights, We would really appreciate.
Thank You
Neha

[LLN]

I have been to a number of conferences on high functioning autism and other similar conditions. EVERY SINGLE TIME the presenters make a big deal that NC is the best state in the union as far as providing services for autistic children. Not sure that is true, but it certainly very, very consistent. Still, I bet a lot depends on the district and the individual school and, in fact, specific staff.

Good Luck

[Slakkie]

Originally Posted by rcarro

I have an autistic daughter 9yrs old and live in Charlotte. She attends the Meck (CMS) school system in a mainstream classroom setting. She is a high functioning autistic with an IEP and 504. We have the hardest time with the school she is attending. When the say "No child left behind" they really mean No child with out any special needs. I would love to move her to a more understanding and helpful school but I don't know how to begin. I can not afford a private school (which her current school suggests) because I also have a son that is a diabetic. Does anyone have any advise for a better equipt school in the CMS school system?
Thanks,
rcarro

My son had learning disabilities that mimicked Autism but he was not Autistic. I was at Torrence Creek for Elementary and they were FANTASTIC. Saying that I pulled him out at Middle School to private because IMHO the middle schools are not set up for IEP kids.

I suggest trying now to get into Charter Schools if you cannot do private.