Moving to "chicago" area with autistic child (Waukegan: private school, transportation)

[Raquel66]

I cannot speak highly enough about Glenkirk.org I had the priviledge of teaching at one of their facilities quite some time ago. It was the only job I ever had that on Friday afternoon I was actually sad because I didn't get to go to work on the weekend. The primary focus was whatever was in the best interest of the children, everything else was secondary. It was one of the best programs in the country at the time. That definately cannot be said of any program I have encountered in Florida.

As for the Chicago area in general...
I have a sister with an IQ of 69 that has been labeled with "autistic qualities" She has spent her whole life on Chicago's North Shore. She has grown up with a tremendous network to help her grow as a person and first and foremost she has done so in a safe environment. Of course it hasn't all been peaches and cream but when I compare her worst encounters to things I encountered teaching special ed in Florida, Chicago's suburbs come out smelling like a rose.

(That being said, grey skies for months on end and 40 degrees and raining are things I definately don't miss!)

[angelaamoah]

I have an austic son who just turned 5. We are in the Romeoville area and we've had nothing but wonderful things to say about the schools. (School Dist 365U) They just opened a few years ago a special pre-school which he went to last year. Max 10 kids per room (his had 8) a full time teacher and 2 full time aids. Then he also has Speech, OT, and PT several times a week. He will be going into a "regular" kindergaten class this fall and he'll have an aid in the room and he'll still get Speech. He no longer need OT or PT. The school provides transportation to and from the daycare and we'll have bi-weekly meeting with the staff to talk about how's he's doing. We've been in this district for a year now and again they have helped our son so much and we love it. Just our opinion.

[sbd78]

Moderator cut: quoting deleted post

I hope the mods ban you from this forum for speaking so disrespectfully of people with disabilities. I take great offense to your comments since my brother is disabled.

[sbd78]

Moderator cut: quoting deleted post
That is a whole separate issue. You were making very rude and generalized statements against all disabled people.

[Manigault]

Check out the Tribune's front page story today:

The story of Jamie -- chicagotribune.com (http://www.chicagotribune.com/services/newspaper/printedition/sunday/chi-jamie_day_onedec09,0,6067638.story - broken link)

[wilmettemom]

I live in Wilmette. They have NO programs for autistic kids.. (only for the very little ones like from ages up to 6 -- which is a good program..) if you kid have anger issues they may be made to leave and there is NO WHERE TO go. They will pay for private schools but they vary and the good ones are filled up. we are moving out of wilmette because my 8 year old son has been booted out of school with no where to go (unless i want to drive 4 hours a day to and from school to take him to a decent place with openings).. wilmette is the LAST place on the northshore id move to for services.

[miranova]

we've been considering moving to chicago suburbs with a 10yo ASD kid...sorry you are having a bad experience. Please comment back if you figure out some good places. I've kinda gotten the feeling that the area programs are overwhelmed and the private school thing might not work out well....

looking at other options for now, but please post more if you find out info! oh, and my son had anger issues but has improved TREMENDOUSLY in the past year...an age thing? if you want, message me and I can tell you what I think helped him...not that I really know

good luck!

[wilmettemom]

Glenview, Glencoe, Northbrook..

Wilmette is good if you are able to get your kid into a private school. they will most likely pay for it if they do not have a similar program for the kids age, disability level, etc., which most likely they will not, if your kid is any more than slightly disabled, or willing to sit still all day and quietly keep busy working or playing,etc.

They will try to mainstream the lesser disabled and ship off the more disabled into private placement - physically disabled kids are usually able to stay in wilmette.

wilmette is not part of NSSED (north shore special ed) most other towns in the area are. -- wilmette (dist 39) opted out a few years ago to save money.

you may want to call up school district offices in the town you are thinking of moving to to see what they have to offer.

[gramirez2012]

While unaffordable for most, the Barrington area is a wonderful option. It's a very nice area, with beautiful landscapes, big homes, amazing schools, and great shopping, dining etc. However, its a VERY expensive area to live in.

[bzmatka]

Glencoe (very expensive town) is supposed to have excellent services for special needs kids. I know several people who have moved there for that reason. Barrington is not the greatest for special needs kids, nor is Evanston (terrible, actually). Glenview is supposed to be pretty good for special needs kids. I suggest calling school districts and asking to speak with their director of special services. S/he will give you a better idea about the district's offerings. Generally, the wealthier the community, the more likely you are to get better services for your child. However, you have to fight for services in almost any community. The North Shore in general is Ok, but, except for Glencoe, not fantastic.