Best state that offers services for Deaf child that has severe mental illness and MR (autistic, disabilities)

[deaf resources needed]

We currently live in Olathe Kansas. I have a 12 year old son that is deaf, MR, PDD ( form of autism ) and severe mental illness. We have very limited services and no MR/DD deaf waviers. As he gets older, he is regressing, more like a 5 yr old child. I'm looking to relocate to a state that offers more, I was told by his mental health professional that there is no help anywhere in any state. If anyone has good and solid information please pass it along so I can research it.

[nana053]

With multiple disabilities, you will have a hard time getting what he needs, I think.

I would try Pennsylvania (the autism scholarship is in place and so you can get cash to use on therapies with a dx of autism). You may also want to look at New Jersey and Delaware.

[AZgarden]

In AZ we have ASDB, AZ state services for the Deaf and Blind. We also have ALTCs, long term care which pays for everything a child or adult needs if they qualify. With a dx of autism, MR, and/or hearing impaired, your child would qualify for alot of services and you or a relative could be paid to care for him, at age 18, with respite services. For more information contact the AZ Division of Developmental Disabilites website for help in deciding if this state is what you are looking for.

[Lock-Hoff]

You should check out Vermont or Massachusetts for long term service options. They are good about paying for school until the age of 22 in addition have many group home options for older than that.

There are several school age programs in the area that specialize in mutliple disabilities: The Walden school at The Learning Center near Boston, Americ
an School for the Deaf in Hartford Conn, and William center at Austine school in Brattleboro vt. The William Center has recently launched a specific deaf and Autistic program and currently has some avalability. It is the only specificly deaf and autisic program in the country.

The website for the vermont program is: William Center at Austine