Moving to Langhorne area with a child with Asperger's (Philadelphia: home, neighborhoods)

[starfire]

Does anyone know which school district would be the best for getting services for a child with Asperger's Syndrome? Also, do you know who would be a good contact person in the area for a Asperger's Support group? Also, any idea what property taxes are like on up to a $550,000 home? We know very little about the area. Thanks.

[fopt65]

I believe special ed services in PA are done via 29 intermediary units. You can go to www.paiu.org and click on the area/county you will be moving to for more info.
Make sure you get good information before making the jump. I don't know where you are from, but all special ed services are not equal from state to state.

[starfire]

Thanks, I'll check it out. Actually, we're from NY (lower Hudson Valley)

[fopt65]

I know some school districts in NORTHeastern PA have tried to mainstream many spectrum kids to save money, without having adequately trained staff in place.
I think the IU's are similar to the Boces system in NY, but I 'm not sure if they have specialized schools, or if they just provide services within existing schools.
With all its problems, NY still is one of the most generous states in providing services for the disabled/handicapped.

[starfire]

It really depends where you live in NY. Each district is responsible for its own students...some are ok, but others really fight us tooth and nail. My son is mainstreamed (although we had found a perfect program for him this year, and our district effectively stonewalled us, until the program was full.) They also do not have properly trained staff here...they just don't understand what it takes to properly train the staff, and they think they can do it themselves. As an Occupational Therapist, who specializes in the treatment of high functioing Autism/Asperger's I tried desperately to get the proper services for my son this year...they fought me, threatened me, and accused me of an awful lot. Now, hopefully, we are leaving, because we are VERY worried about the school and setting he is going into. He will be bullied to no end.
But that being said, there are some good programs here, and if we were staying, and could afford it, there is one school district that I would like to move to. Anyway, I have found that if the school districts are willing to listen to parents and professionals (which mine isn't), a lot of good stuff can come from mainstreaming. So, that's actually what I'm looking for in Langhorne (or there abouts)...a school district that will, at least, listen and try (and it doesn't hurt to have properly trained staff in place.)

[fopt65]

Just make sure that the individual school district has the say in the matter. The way some people described the IU system, it made it sound like the Board of Education in NYC, a big nightmare system with little input from individual schools.
The yahoo group pa_comply, although centered in NE Pennsylvania, might be able to help you out. It's always open to new members.

[William shivers]

as far as taxes go, nothing in langhorne in that price range, but I checked bensalem. It really varies, depending upon the age of the home and it's sq ft!! but basically 5000-7000 [mod cut]

[elcaptain87]

i know your post is rather old but i live in langhorne. neshaminy school district is an amazing s.d and is one of the best in the county and state. the high school is undergoing extensive renovations and will be one of the most advnaced schools in america. but anyway im pretty sure neshaminy will offer special services to your child. if not pennsbury and council rock will probably also offer them. they are also top notch. however home prices will be high unless you buy a home in the levittown sections of pennsbury. but back to langhorne. taxes for a 550,000 dollar home will range anywhere between 8-10 grand maybe. depends on your location. langhorne has many nice neighborhoods..and if you like diversity its growing rather fast here but in a good sense. many jewish, indian, korean, and chinese have reloclated to langhorne since 2000.

[ladybug45]

You call me at 215-289-3041 I am in the Mayfair section of Philadelphia. Thanks Linda