Relocating to PA for Autism Support, where is the best schools and less crime areas for children with Autism??? (Lancaster: 2014)

[fourkidsandamigraine]

Mod note- This thread is from 2014


Currently in Eastern NC Greenville area and I am having the most difficult time to get the schools to comply to the needs of my children. I have 3 kids with Autism along with other issues. All their doctors are on board, written letters etc but because they have medical and educational separate, they are using it as an excuse to deny needed services. The schools are treating them like because they have Autism and LD requirements, putting them in a corner is easier then trying to actually teach them. I do believe they even inflated my sons scores so he no longer qualifies for an IEP even when his IQ tests that were done via Private Medical Psychiatrists proves he has learning disabilities. But again, they say they "considered" it but their tests done by a school psychologist proves that he is fine. Its a joke. My son went into Kindergarten on level and is entering 1st grade 75% behind. They rather suspend him from school or isolate him into the library since they do not want to provide him with special ed to help him. I am at my ropes end with them. No matter what I say, they do nothing but patronize me. If I continue to fight, my sons education will continue to lower and he will continue to suffer. My girls are having struggles too. We recently went to visit Hazelton, Wilkes Barre, Poconos etc to see how the towns are. Even though they are very different from what we are use to living like now, I am wanting to move for the better of my kids. I am hoping all the good things PA has to offer for kids with AUTISM is true and we can find somewhere with good public schools (or private) with a low crime area and affordable housing (less then 1000 a month). What cities are a good starting point? I do not like Wilkes Barre inner city schools but the area seems good. Just do not know what neighborhoods would be safe to live in for what school. Same goes for the any other cities. I am open to live anywhere as long as its safe and my kids are educated. I would need to be in a city or within a 30 minute drive to one with Occupational, Speech and Physical therapists to do in school and privately. I also will need developmental therapy and respite services as these are currently the services my kids receive. Are schools easier to deal with? Is it hard to get services when you have medical documentation to back up all things needed? What city neighborhood has low crime and schools with great education for Autism? Thank you for any suggestions.

[Wells5]

Check the website link below.

ASERT PA Autism

[snmh13]

Stay away from Franklin county. Proper school services are difficult to get and outside services are hard to find. I've heard good things about the Lancaster area. Contact the Autism Society of Greater Harrisburg or Autism York.

[JettaPA]

York County is pretty strong for Autism services.

[sak9210]

I lived in Chester County when my son went through the early intervention program. I was very happy with his therapists, and also loved the preschool program as well in West Chester, PA. Also, he went to Theraplay for OT, speech, and feeding. They have a bunch of locations around PA. Make sure you get Keystone Mercy medical assistance (doesn't matter what your income is), and all doctors appointments and therapies are free! No copays! I recently moved from PA to NJ, and really miss having that medical assistance.

[Wells5]

I shouldn't really be telling you this because 3 kids with autism will cost the taxpayers of the local school district and the state as a whole a lot of money, but moving near the Geisinger Autism and Developmental Medicine Center in Lewisburg will provide the best treatment and remediation programs for kids with autism found anywhere. See link below.

Home - Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute (ADMI) | Geisinger Health System

[dalediamond0403]

I currently live in Luzerne county and I have one child with autism and my other two have behavioral problems. My one child with behavior problems receive tss services and had straight A's on their report card. My child with autism is currently doing fabulous. I couldn't be happier with the progress I see.

[LusterLeaf]

Following- I'm currently in NY (Long Island) and looking to relocate because the cost of living here has been insane. I heard PA does not have waiting lists for Medicaid and other services, is that true? What are the best counties in either central or eastern PA for services and schools w/ support?

[Flyers Girl]

LusterLeaf - This is a four-year-old thread. To get the best responses for your situation, you should probably start a new thread. Good luck!