Education for children with special needs [Atypical autism i.e. PDD-NOS] (Sunnyvale: home, neighborhood)

[denmak]

My family and I are scheduled to relocate from Tokyo, Japan to California around April - Jun '08. My younger son, aged 3 years and 4 months, is mildly autistic [diagnosed with PDD-NOS or atypical autism]

We are considering Santa Clara County (particularly Sunnyvale) as our first choice of residence due to my job requirements. I'm aware that all public schools are required to accept kids with special needs but wanted to be sure of choosing a good location for him. Some open-ended questions coming to mind are:

- In general, how responsive are public schools to the needs of kids with special requirements?
- Is there anything I need to be particularly aware of e.g. state requirements for admitting my son in the public school?
- Are there other locations in the immediate neighborhood that could be considered to be potentially a better alternative?
- Is there anything I could do to get a head-start with formalities prior to the relocation?

I'd deeply appreciate any responses - thank you for your time and patience

[shirlgirl]

We live north of Sunnyvale in Pleasanton,CA. We have been most pleased with the education of our twin boys -9 years. One is in a LASS or Language and Social Skills class. Ten children maximum for the class and one aide for two children. Everyone has had extensive training in teaching autism. The children learn at their own pace. My other son is in a Communications Handicap class. It's closer to a regular class, but still only 10 children and very qualified teachers and aides. Now that doesn't mean that's what Sunnyvale is like but we have been looking in Kentucky and let me tell you, you could do a lot worse than any school in California.

There is also a Regional Center you need to contact right away. They will help pay for babysitters so you and your wife can get a break. They also reimburse for diapers and have therapists that will come to your home and help you with home issues and also go to school meetings, etc with you. It takes a long time to come through (like months) so thats why you need to contact them right away.

There is also a website that will tell you school by school how many times they have been charged with breaking the IDEA law. I'll see if I can find a link for you.

Good Luck!

[gernat]

Hi,
I was a special ed teacher in PA for many years. I'm not sure if California works the same way, but I would guess it does. There should be a County Unit that deals with special ed students. The public schools are mandated to provide programs for school age children but the County Units provide early education for pre-schoolers. You should first contact the school district and ask them how to get enrolled in a pre-school program. They will help you I'm sure. There are very good programs available and the younger the child the more success can be expected. Good luck.

[denmak]

Thank you very much for your responses folks, I'll follow up on your advice.

- From a truly, truly grateful parent.