Moving from Canada to Charlotte (Special Education for Autism Needed) (crime, house)

[emagine]

Afternoon Carolina Peeps! We are looking to move very soon to Charlotte for my DH work. I know somewhat of the area as I grew up in Upstate SC and lived Coastal NC also for a while. But now things are different as I will have two small boys in tow. More to stress and think about.

Can anyone tell me what areas to look at and to skip? My main concern are schools and family friendly. My son is Autistic and I need a great school with some good Special Education Resources. Of course as a family were looking for the more bang for your buck house for space and nice town.

I do not know anything about the crime and taxes there any more. It used to be SC was cheaper on the $ side of things so I was actually debating the Fort Mill area but not sure of that any longer.

I do not want to be out in the sticks that takes you an hour to get to the store and I do not want to be in the city where I fear for my flight risk child. Just homey. DH will be at the Wachovia Campus so not too much of a commute there as I would like him home at night for dinner and the kids.

Is there anything else I should ask or know? I welcome any information as I look forward to getting back to the good old US of A and my family growing towards a better life.

[vindaloo]

Despite stereotypes about education in the south, Special Ed. is excellent. My stepson is autistic. When we lived in Minnesota, my wife and I did every thing possible to put a "label" on his condition so we could understand his behaviours and accomodate them. We took him to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and could only get a label "minimum brain disfunction". After several visits to psychologists and getting the same response, we accepted it. We moved to Charleston, S.C. and enrolled him in a regular classroom initially. The very talented teacher observed him, had here suspicions, and notified the Charleston Autistic Society. The society spent a day in his class observing him. During his first two days in school, we were informed that he was autistic. We were shown what characteristics he possessed and typical characteristics of one with autism. At least he now had a label and we could start with goals, objectives, etc. to facilitate his needs and monitor his success. We were very grateful. Since then, I have received a second masters degree in education with specialization in Special Ed. and have worked with these children. Most cities have seperate classes for autistic students, depending on the severity. My stepson was considered, "high-level" autistic which means that he doesn't possess the extreme characteristics. He lives on his own and works 20 hours per week. Our goal was to make him independent. That was achieved with the help of the excellent special education that we experienced. Charlotte is a large city and will have any facilities that you may require. Good luck and don't hesitate your move by being aprehensive about you situation.