moving from michigan (Providence, Barrington, Narragansett: best schools, place to live, things to do)

[Kaf]

My husband will be interviewing in Providence next week. We were raised in a small town in west Michigan. We have lived in metro Detroit for the past 17 years. I am concerned about the attitude that is frequently mentioned in the posts.

We have a daughter with Asperger syndrome. I am looking in the East Greenwich area ( on advice from RI groups, for its schools). With her issues, she is very social, but somewhat gullible. She needs good friends. She has nice friends here.

The Katie Beckett laws sound good, but without friends she will be miserable. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[ontheroad]

Hello Kaf, I haven't been reading the Rhode Island boards very much so I can't comment on the attitude you reference, but I did live quite happily in Rhode Island for ten+ years.

I had two family friends with youngsters with some form of learning disability and I was very impressed with the services, schooling and general acceptance the young people received from the community in which they lived. Rhode Island is small, but the services are equal to many larger States and in some cases, superior.

It is most likely your daughter will find good friends, but as we all know it does take a wee bit of time.

East Greenwich is probably a good choice, but many of the communities across RI might suit, and commuting will be different for your husband depending on the route, time of day, etc. Within Providence, I really didn't need more than 15 minutes from point A-B; but coming from the South I'd say I could add more than 1/2-hr on. Towns along the I-195 corridor can also be congested during rush hours.

Good luck to you; hope the hubby gets the job

Originally Posted by Kaf

My husband will be interviewing in Providence next week. We were raised in a small town in west Michigan. We have lived in metro Detroit for the past 17 years. I am concerned about the attitude that is frequently mentioned in the posts.

We have a daughter with Asperger syndrome. I am looking in the East Greenwich area ( on advice from RI groups, for its schools). With her issues, she is very social, but somewhat gullible. She needs good friends. She has nice friends here.

The Katie Beckett laws sound good, but without friends she will be miserable. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Kaf]

Thank you for the uplifting info. The commute is not as important as the schools. We will look in Barrington and East Greenwich. We do not know anyone in the state to give us practical advice.

In Michigan, we lived for 13 years in an upscale community with top rated schools ( they make the US News and World Reports list). Last year, my husband took a job one hour from our home. We moved to reduce the commute time. This school district would get a B on my report card. The problem is its located in Wayne county, the same county as Detroit. All special education funding is controlled by county. Our previous district was in Oakland county, a more prosperous area. The difference in services is dramatic. We will not make this mistake again.

[ontheroad]

Kaf, why don't you make a few calls. Perhaps give the Department of Ed a call, and also the Dept of Public Health and ask some questions. I think I would ask as many questions as possible to relieve your mind and ensure some good and quality education for your child.

Both Barrington and East Greewich are what you call prosperous, overall, and should have funding for special education. If you don't care as much about commuting, you might also look down South--Kingston, Wickford area. One of my brothers was diagnosed with dyslexia and although we sent him to private school for high school, he did well in the elementary school--one bright chap, just couldn't read

Good luck and if you have questions I might have answers to, just ask.

Originally Posted by Kaf

Thank you for the uplifting info. The commute is not as important as the schools. We will look in Barrington and East Greenwich. We do not know anyone in the state to give us practical advice.

In Michigan, we lived for 13 years in an upscale community with top rated schools ( they make the US News and World Reports list). Last year, my husband took a job one hour from our home. We moved to reduce the commute time. This school district would get a B on my report card. The problem is its located in Wayne county, the same county as Detroit. All special education funding is controlled by county. Our previous district was in Oakland county, a more prosperous area. The difference in services is dramatic. We will not make this mistake again.

[Lula]

Kaf,
Hope this is not too late for you. My daughter also has Asperger's Syndrome, but she is through school now. My brother has 3 kids on the Autism spectrum and they love the Narragansett school system, they have been very well served. Small school system, 1 elementary, 1 middle, 1 high school.

[jdmom]

KAF,

I know I'm viewing your post VERY late and hope that you get this! My child is currently in the EG school system and has Asperger's syndrome. This is the very first time I've ever posted to a site and am not sure of the rules, but if you give me some way of contacting you, I'd be happy to speak further...just not sure I want my whole life out there for everyone to read. Lots of luck. EG special ed is GREAT and I can see HUGE progress with my child. The teachers are wonderful and I'd say to anyone who has a child with Asperger's/autism/special education needs...MOVE HERE!

[channit]

Hi,
We are moving into Rhode Island and are looking into special education.
Could you elaborate about what the teachers are doing individually for your child?Any info would be so helpful.
Thanks in advance.

[sally0]

RI has the best schools and social programs for special children. It has one of the oldest schools in the country. In addition, there are laws that integrate all the children in public school. In one case I know, a child needed some sort of a swing that hung from the ceiling (Wickford, RI) because it controlled the child, and the school had to provide that. They have other private schools in RI. RI is a good place to live. Friendly and nice with lots of options and nice things to do with your off time.

[caringkarenRN]

Originally Posted by Kaf

Thank you for the uplifting info. The commute is not as important as the schools. We will look in Barrington and East Greenwich. We do not know anyone in the state to give us practical advice.

In Michigan, we lived for 13 years in an upscale community with top rated schools ( they make the US News and World Reports list). Last year, my husband took a job one hour from our home. We moved to reduce the commute time. This school district would get a B on my report card. The problem is its located in Wayne county, the same county as Detroit. All special education funding is controlled by county. Our previous district was in Oakland county, a more prosperous area. The difference in services is dramatic. We will not make this mistake again.

Hi KAF,
I am a parent of a now adult child who moved from PA almost 20 years ago. My son has severe dysgraphia, a learning disability in handwriting. I had a terrible time getting services for him but I think that the climate has changed dramatically and for the better in the last 20 years. There are great things happening for children with autism, including a special project by the Rhode Island Dept of Education. I would try to call RIDE for more information at 401-222-4600. I would also try to contact parents from the RI Autism Project. I hope that you can reply to this message and Good Luck!
Karen

[caringkarenRN]

Originally Posted by jdmom

KAF,

I know I'm viewing your post VERY late and hope that you get this! My child is currently in the EG school system and has Asperger's syndrome. This is the very first time I've ever posted to a site and am not sure of the rules, but if you give me some way of contacting you, I'd be happy to speak further...just not sure I want my whole life out there for everyone to read. Lots of luck. EG special ed is GREAT and I can see HUGE progress with my child. The teachers are wonderful and I'd say to anyone who has a child with Asperger's/autism/special education needs...MOVE HERE!

Did you ever hear from KAF? I'm a parent in Narragansett. I'd love to talk with her but don't know how to contact her! Thanks!
Karen