Possible Relocation to New Orleans Area

[mei-mei]

I am a native New Orleanian as is my husband. My sixteen year old son is non-verbal autistic. I would STRONGLY recommend that you not move to this area. I'm not sure what it's like in Covington and Slidell in terms of education for the mentally challenged so I can't give you any advice. Both towns are lovely and are within a short driving distance to New Orleans.

I can tell you that I live in the heart of New Orleans and my son is now living in Indiana with my mother. After a heartwrenching search for some kind of education facilities that could help with my son we were told by the school system that there was no where he could go.

I love New Orleans dearly and my family has lived here for generations, but we are now searching for options in other states so that my son can get the care he needs. This is a beautiful, historic, unique city but I can't recommend it for the mentally challenged at this time.

[tofu]

Originally Posted by jwr

My wife is being recruited by a company in New Orleans. We currently live in Los Angeles County. Our 12 year old has a diagnosis of autism. Our 8 year old has expressive/receptive language issues. Is anyone on this board dealing with kids with special needs and can tell me what school districts are better (e.g., do anything about, aren’t openly hostile) at dealing with special education issues? Are there any good private schools that enroll kids with these needs?

They are both currently receiving speech therapy. Elder also received reading therapy and social skills therapy. He’s been placed in a private school at district expense. Younger is also receiving reading therapy at school in the resource room. So we are going to need to find replacement therapies. Any ideas here would be great.

Given the cost of living differential, we are not ruling out the possiblity of simply bypassing the school system and cobbling together a private or home school program, so anyone I would love to hear from anyone who might have done this as well.

In addition, if someone would be willing to talk more generally about life in New Orleans, I’d appreciate it. I’ve lived in California since 1968, except for 4 years living in New York City while at college, so this is a big step for all of us.

Don't do it. New Orleans was hardly progressive before the storm. Health care is one of the things people complain about causing long-time residents to leave. We have two things here. Great food, and very nice people. If you're looking for anything else, think twice. Good luck.

[vincentgangi]

Don't come, I have a grandkid with the same problems, mu daughter moved here before the hurricain from Marin County, they do not cater to special needs for special kids, it is in no way like California. She moved back, because her kids ment more than money!!!!

[Evans2008]

Hi. My husband and I are also thinking of relocating to New Orleans for employment reasons. We don't have children but hope to have some in the near future. I would like to know what are the families of children with autism and other disabilities doing about education and therapy. Are there any local resources?
I read the blogs and my heart goes out to you all. Are there are any special schools, therapist, etc?

[rgwp]

I live in St. Tammany Parish, on the Northshore and have two close friends who has been thrilled with the public schools and the programs they offer. One of the children has Down's Syndrom and the other, Fragile X syndrome. I'd be happy to give you more info if you want it as to the area their schools are.

[rajin-cajin]

Look at St. Tammany Parish for school system.

[alexolewis3]

Contact Sheila Ealey at Creative Learning Center of Louisiana she will be able to help you. Mrs. Ealey is on the cutting edge of autism research she can be contacted at sheilaealey@yahoo.com without a doubt she will be the person most knowledgable about educational opportunities for children with autism in this area.

[SpecialEduc]

Dear Tofu,
I am currently teaching in ST. Tammany Parish. My school is located in Cov. La. ST. Tammany Parish is an awesome school system. The programs for children with exceptionalities are strong. You can visit Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders Project: at LSUHSC HDC Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disorders Project (LASARD Project through LSU-Health and Sci. Dept and Autism Internet Modules | Welcome to AIM to help guide you. You can also call the STPSB special education dept. at 985-892-2276 to inquire about current programs for your son.

[MetroBTR]

The people saying do not live in the New Orleans city limits are correct on this one, I'm afraid. However, I will not discourage you from moving to the area. St. Tammany Parish (Mandeville, Covington, Slidell) is your best bet because it is a great public school system that also has a large population.

Other schools that might be worth a look are St. Charles Parish and maybe Plaquemines (Belle Chasse).