[mom79]

Also moving to fl have a 6 yr old w "moderate" autism...were considering either the kissimme or suberbs of Tampa...any help w school info would be appreciated...just wanna do what's best for our son..thanks...also doesn't insurance cover all of the treatments??

[rodgersx4]

Depends on where you live "up north". Services for my son are not available. Or if they are you literally feel as if they got their license from a cracker jack box. My son is in the least restrictive environment for him. He needs to be in a small class setting and thats what i meant as far as schools. We dont have "centers" here for autistic children so he's not schooled to a label. He's in the same school as my other children are but he cannot be in a reg class all day as its too overwhelming for him.Believe me...i dont let anyone push me in the school district. I fight for what he needs all the time. That is why i wrote asking for help as im not in the area yet so not sure what is considered the "best" school for him or neighborhood to raise him up in.

[meow13mix7]

If you must move to FL aim for Oviedo, Altamonte Springs. Kissimmee is the worst

[blitzpooch]

Again folks....please think long and hard before you move to FL. Services are NOT like up north. You will be placed on a 10 year wait list for Medwaiver, that is how the services are delivered outside of public school services unless you qualify for Medicaid otherwise.

We got it after six, only because I became disabled. So now I get respite, therapies and behavior supports. We live in the New Tampa are and it is growing as far as social and athletic opportunities for our kids. So it is okay for us though we are considering going back to NY bc our medical is much better there than FL.

I have heard very good things about Pepin Academy, everything else is hit or miss. We have had an ok experience with our elementary school in ASD but still not as much inclusion as I'd like. However, he does get overwhelmed in the gen ed classes he does take.

[ao'smom]

Originally Posted by RMD3819

My advice is to stay where you are.

If you search the Florida forum you will find several threads with a common theme: educational services for special needs kids in FL are awful compared to school sytems up North. You should prepare yourself for that.

You may want to post this in the Tampa forum.

Why are you moving to FL?

I was moving to florida because i love it there, and jobs seem easier to get (my husband already has one) but our house in pa is not selling, andwe were told we should stay put because of the services available tous in PA. The doctor seems to think that with the right therapybhe could be "undiagnosed" in a few years, so we decided to go back while we still could and do whatever we can for him. Better to jgo back now than to wait bunt school starts. We have another child too whois gifted and she is excelling in her current PA school. Looks like Florida is out for now (boo).

[RMD3819]

Originally Posted by ao'smom

I was moving to florida because i love it there, and jobs seem easier to get (my husband already has one) but our house in pa is not selling, andwe were told we should stay put because of the services available tous in PA. The doctor seems to think that with the right therapybhe could be "undiagnosed" in a few years, so we decided to go back while we still could and do whatever we can for him. Better to jgo back now than to wait bunt school starts. We have another child too whois gifted and she is excelling in her current PA school. Looks like Florida is out for now (boo).

Thanks for answering my question.

I'm glad you have a realistic picture of what is actually available in Florida schools and have made a decision based on that.

You would be surprised how many people on here will deny and rationalize-and even argue-with other posters about Florida issues when it contradicts what they want Florida to be like. Some just want the sunshine no matter what the cost.

[DT113876]

I am an adult with Asperger's. Do not move to Florida, the services for autistic individuals in Florida are sub-par. I was diagnosed several years ago and the support I have received has been inadequate to rehabilitate me. In addition, the Rehab program here has actually resulted in me losing abilities, not being rehabilitated. It's frankly sick. Look, your child will have to grow up at some point and need vocational rehab.. think about thisbefore you move here.

[blitzpooch]

Originally Posted by RMD3819

You would be surprised how many people on here will deny and rationalize-and even argue-with other posters about Florida issues when it contradicts what they want Florida to be like. Some just want the sunshine no matter what the cost.

Yes. I've had this conversation multiple times.