Special needs in public Schools-developmentally delayed (Plano, Richardson: appointed, real estate, homes)

[Edl1965]

Hi

I am new to this but have been reading different posts. Thought I'd start my own.

I have a 13yr old son severely delayed, multiple needs (nonverbal, some mobility, cognitively tested at a 2-3yr old level, diaper). He is not medically fragile but is not high functioning. He has an IEP, he is in a self contained-life skills classroom and currently receives speech, PT, OT and has an aid in our cure scoop in Illinois. He uses a device and pics to communicate and body language, he loves being around his peers, he's motivated and a very happy boy. He does surprise others with his accomplishments.

We just returned from Texas, visited a few schools and areas to see which school best fits my sons needs. I came away very surprised on so many levels. Maybe someone can clarify?

It sounds like TX academics is primary, services like speech, PT, etc is secondary as are the life skills. I understand life skills start at around Jr High in TX. This is what I got from Keller, Plano and Richardson these same schools also indicated special services would be given but no where near what my son receives today. He gets 40 min a week of speech; for someone that has no words and is cognitively challenge this does NOT sound extreme to me. I was pretty disappointed as the areas and home prices are not in any way cheap. I kept hearing how they have no money. I get that TX is not a tax state but funding is paid through real estate taxes. With all the expensive homes and industry in these areas (still growing) what is the problem?

Frisco did give me some hope. I met with special coord who indicated my son would continue working on life skills today which would fall into the TX education requirements (academic) and that's how it's been in our school today. My son can't wait until Jr High to learn functional life skills.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[SouthernBelleInUtah]

Although by far from being well versed in this topic, my impression from others comments and questions is that Texas falls far behind what they were receiving in other states.

[richard88]

I strongly encouraged OP to attend this seminar to be held in Sept :

Autism Education Summit

It's a good place to meet with top educators and practitioners and also other parents, and l learned alot.

[masonsmom4]

Your son sounds a lot like mine. I'm sorry you didn't find what you had hoped for. My experience has been the exact opposite. We've never been in a better school, and no state we've lived in has compared to the level of care he is receiving here. I've told my husband we're not leaving Texas until he ages out at 22 - it's that good. Keep trying

LISD SEPTSA has a message board and a Facebook page you can post on for input. Some of those moms might have friends in other districts and can give you some recommendations.

[Edl1965]

Originally Posted by masonsmom4

Your son sounds a lot like mine. I'm sorry you didn't find what you had hoped for. My experience has been the exact opposite. We've never been in a better school, and no state we've lived in has compared to the level of care he is receiving here. I've told my husband we're not leaving Texas until he ages out at 22 - it's that good. Keep trying

LISD SEPTSA has a message board and a Facebook page you can post on for input. Some of those moms might have friends in other districts and can give you some recommendations.

Mason's mom - your response is hopeful can you please share what district your in?

[masonsmom4]

Originally Posted by Edl1965

Mason's mom - your response is hopeful can you please share what district your in?

Of course! I'm in Lewisville ISD at Flower Mound High School. We moved here right before my son started 9th grade. I go to church with people who have kids at Marcus High School in Flower Mound and they're all very happy as well.

[Edl1965]

Mason's mom. Thank you!!!! God bless!