Moving to Denver area with an autistic child...help (Aurora: apartment, to rent)

[Wobtasb]

We are new to the forum and need a little help. We currently live in Florida with our 4 year old non-verbal autistic child. We had a hell of time trying to get his IEP done and now we are having an even harder time getting him aba and speech therapy. We've been on waiting lists for over a year (insurance coverage) with no end in site. We are currently paying for these services out of pocket. Florida seems to be overwhelmed and under equipped to handle the numbers. The only positive is the public school that does a great job, but it's still not enough. Also my wife and I are not happy here. The weather sucks and the people are not friendly at all.

I grew up in Thorton and loved it as a child and I would love for our child to have the same great experiences. We've been doing a lot of research and Colorado seems to be a great place for services. It's just been a long time since I've been back and I'm not sure which neighborhoods and towns have changed. I guess what we are looking for is any help from parents with autistic children about public schools and where we should look for a house. I work from home so commuting is not a concern. We are also hoping for any information on private services, such as aba, speech and occupational therapy... Which ones are better than others. Any other information would be greatly appreciated since our move won't be until June or July of next year.

We will probably rent something for the first few months to year and our budget would be around $1500 a month.

[scrapper105]

You are wise to be looking at schools first so that you can find which specific schools have services in house for what you think your child needs. For example, my kids school has a classroom in the school where kids with autism go for part of the day - but it seems to serve kids that are in the middle of the spectrum, so not severe and not high functioning. So a family who needed those types of services would do well to rent an apartment in the boundaries of this particular school.

I *assume* that it would be better for you and your child to be close to a school that has the services you need, rather than just being in a "good district for special needs" which could mean a long bus ride to the school with the right program

Parenting websites may be the best place to turn - two that come to mind quickly are Mile High Mamas and ColoradoMom.com - or just google different variations of school, autism, and Denver or Thornton or Brighton or whatever.

Best of luck.

[scrapper105]

Came across this on the Boulder forum. A few years old but may give you some ideas for other search strings.

There aren't THAT many school districts in the area - you could also look on the website for the special education office and see if they list specific programs/services and which schools they are located in. Just as a starting point, start with Adams 12 since that's near Thornton.

[Freelee]

My daughter is autistic. She is now 7. She was unable to be potty trained at 6, still could not read or write. Just after a year she is potty trained, reads and writes. I am in Cherry Creek Schools Dist 5. they have been so helpful with my daughter where her previous school didn't think she could learn and let her fall behind, her new school has her at 1st grade level with the other kids. She still works harder than other kids but she can now keep up. They have a great program built around her and kids like her.

[Eva45]

Hello i'm a mother of 3.My youngest who is 13 years old,is sever autistic,non-verbal.Who is medically fragile.We live in New York.I'm seriously thinking of moving to denver with my family.I really would appreciated if we got some help and guidance.Since my son Alexander Joseph has sever autism and health issues.We would like to live a little close to a good children's hospital.My son alexander needs to be in a sensory free positive child friendly environment in a good school for children like my Alex.

[Claire S.]

Children's Hospital of Colorado is in Aurora near Colfax and I225. Stapleton is a popular neighborhood nearby.

For your son, contact the school districts for the neighborhoods you are interested in living. I know Cherry Creek and Jeffco have autism programs, but in some cases, the districts will pay tuition for students to attend the Joshua School in Englewood, which has an excellent reputation (and pricey tuition).

Good luck!

[2bindenver]

There is a new Children's Hospital in Highlands Ranch http://www.childrenscolorado.org/about/locations. Here is the link to the The Joshua School

[shikataganai]

Relevant anecdote: My sister has a non-verbal autistic kid about the same age. She rents a SFH in Highlands Ranch for $1800/mo, iirc. She has been very happy with the services at the public school. The kid has a 1:1 escort throughout the day, I believe.

[megsehill]

where do they attend? what school???

Originally Posted by shikataganai

Relevant anecdote: My sister has a non-verbal autistic kid about the same age. She rents a SFH in Highlands Ranch for $1800/mo, iirc. She has been very happy with the services at the public school. The kid has a 1:1 escort throughout the day, I believe.

[ricetina]

Hi I have a special needs daughter that is 28 I was wondering would it be safe to move her to Denver I have visited for a few days and I have asthma and had some effects from the altitude.