Autism (Philadelphia, Williamsport, Mars: apartment, houses, school districts)

[Marschinka]

We currently live in Ohio and have two children with autism. Our area of Ohio has very few resources and little funding for our needs. What is available must be paid for out of pocket. I've heard that Pennsylvania is friendlier towards special needs and that parents of autistic children can receive full therapy services such as ABA, speech therapy and even respite care without spending anything out of pocket. I'm wondering if this is true and if so, where to start if we want to pack up everything and start a new life in PA?

[Tarah24]

You might want to do some research in Williamsport, PA. Philadelphia's resources are very limited but I've been told about a lot of progams and agencies that specialize in autism in that area... Williamsport is about 5-6 hours outside of Philadelphia. Depending on where you are in Ohio, it might not be much further from you.

Center for Independent Living of North Central Pennsylvania
210 Market Street, Suite A
Williamsport PA 17701 - 6633
Ph: (570) 327-9070
Toll Free: 1-(800) 984-7492

This is one of the agency's, I believe they contract services for home specialist.

[J&A'sMOM]

Have you called any of the Main Line public school systems? Try calling Wayne PA and see if you can speak with the school's child psychologist. I'm sure they would give you a full detail of what is offered for the school district. Also check out autismspeaks on line - I'm sure you have! They have resources listed. Try finding a well funded school system which would have money for the OTs PTs and a great special ed program. I just visited Wayne and loved it!! People are sooo friendly and there is a big mix of apartment dwellers vs. home owners and all different sizes of houses.
good luck

[diana82085]

Originally Posted by Marschinka

We currently live in Ohio and have two children with autism. Our area of Ohio has very few resources and little funding for our needs. What is available must be paid for out of pocket. I've heard that Pennsylvania is friendlier towards special needs and that parents of autistic children can receive full therapy services such as ABA, speech therapy and even respite care without spending anything out of pocket. I'm wondering if this is true and if so, where to start if we want to pack up everything and start a new life in PA?

HI MY NAME IS DIANA AND I LIVE IN WILLIAMSPORT PA AND MY SON IS NOW 2 AND A HALF AND HE'S BEEN GETTING ALOT OF HELP SINCE WE MOVED HERE FROM NY HE GETS EARLY INTERVENTION WHICH NOW HE CAN ACTUALLY TOUCH NOODLES PLAT DOUGH EAT MORE THEN HIS USUAL WHICH WAS JUST BEEFERONI NOW HE PLAYS A LIL MORE GIVE A LIL EYE CONTACT WHICH B4 HE GAVE NONE AT ALL ALSO HE GETS HIS SIGN LANGUAGE TEACHER NOW FOR A MONTH AND NOW HE SIGNS" MORE" "EAT" "ALL DONE" SO ITS HELPED ALOT WERE NOW TRYN TO GET HIS ANGER UNDER CONTROL AT LEAST A LIL BITE ANDHE NOW EATS CHICKEN NUGGETS FRUITY PEBBLES COOKIES BREAD WIT BUTTER N NOW HE STARTING TO EAT GLUTEN FREE COOKIES N BROWNIES AFTER 3 MONTHS OF TRYIN IT ALSO THE PROGRAMS R VERY GOOD AND THEY REIMBURSE U FOR RESPITE CHILD CARE ONCE A YEAR START IN FEB END IN JUNE I LOVE IT HERE AND WOULD NEVER EVER MOVE BCK TO NY

[JasmineFlower]

Originally Posted by Marschinka

We currently live in Ohio and have two children with autism. Our area of Ohio has very few resources and little funding for our needs. What is available must be paid for out of pocket. I've heard that Pennsylvania is friendlier towards special needs and that parents of autistic children can receive full therapy services such as ABA, speech therapy and even respite care without spending anything out of pocket. I'm wondering if this is true and if so, where to start if we want to pack up everything and start a new life in PA?

There are a lot of great resources here in PA for autistic children. I would start with contacting school districts that you are thinking about moving to in addition to the organizations that will have information for you, such as Autism Speaks. I have several friends and family members who are teachers in suburban Philadelphia school districts, and they address autistic needs very well. And in case you were unaware, PA is one of the few places (only 3 states) that has TSS workers that really aid in giving attention to students and their advancement in both the home and the school. I've seen the difference it makes. No matter where you end up in whatever school district in PA, make sure you inquire about TSS.

My cousin has Asperger's and he switched school districts two years ago. The change is amazing. He's doing so much better, he's more engaged, more responsive, and its because he's getting more services and my aunt doesn't have to go broke to pay for it because of what they do within the school district. Its so wonderful to see. I wish you and your children the best of luck whether you decide to stay in Ohio or move to PA.

[renlouis]

Jasmine - what school district is your cousin at now? And could you describe what TSS is? Thanks so much!

[JasmineFlower]

The cousin I was speaking about goes to school in VA. Before that he was in a private school in DC, the services were just vastly different, he is now in a great public school district in Northern VA, very similar to what you would find in the Philly suburbs, and he has just shown great improvements.

Same thing happened here in the Philly area for a friend's son, he went from school in Philly to Abington School District (where his mom works) and he's doing much better. I happen to know many who work in Abington School District and another friend's mom actually helps to run special education in the district (which now also helps with autistic children since the numbers have grown so much), so that's one reason I knew they are more on top of things in that school district. Other school districts will do just as well though, you just have to inquire, questions, and even visit the school to make sure you feel comfortable with the school and their approach. One thing for my friend's son, you do not want a school who automatically places an autistic child in special education, because they are not synonymous. If the school doesn't want to take the time to determine the correct placement level, then I'd be weary.

TSS - I believe that stands for Therapeutic Staff Support. They provide one on one support with autistic children. Sometimes in school, sometimes its in the home, sometimes its both. I believe the goal is to especially aid in giving support during times when there is less structure. It depends on the needs of the particular child. TSS Workers are something you should be able to easily ask about.

Also, it may sound like it, but I'm not down on private school either. I think it just has to be the right private school. Same with the public school. And I think its easier to bridge the gap sometimes at private school if you have the funds to get additional services that may not be available in school.

[shannybannany]

Hi,
I am a teacher in Philadelphia. I work for an agency that specializes in early intervention. We also have a contract with the city for Head Start. This means your child will be in a typical classroom and still receive services such as speech, occupational and physical therapies.

If your child is between the ages of 3-5, please pm me and I will give you info.

The pp talked about TSS workers. We have many that come to our class room. The thing is...you MUST be proactive about securing TSS services. I don't mean to sound pushy but if you DEMAND such services, you will get it.

Good luck!
Let me know if I can help in any way.

Shanny