Best states (and school districts) for raising an Autism + ADHD child? (lawyer, move to)

[heartofalion66]

DS is five years old and was recently diagnosed with (mild to moderate) Autism and ADHD by his developmental pediatrician. Since we both work from home, we decide to move to somewhere with the best resources / school systems to support Autism + ADHD kids? I heard good things about Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland, etc.

I wonder if anyone can share some of the first-hand experiences with these states, and in particularly, which towns / school districts should we consider, and why?

Many many thanks to everyone.

[ckhthankgod]

In terms of NY and the Syracuse area in particular, a school district like East Syracuse-Minoa has a good reputation in terms of special needs services. https://www.esmschools.org/districtpage.cfm?pageid=1523

You also have this program through BOCES: https://www.ocmboces.org/teacherpage.cfm?teacher=1241

Also, a preschool in the area with services for children on the spectrum: https://jowonio.org/
From the website: https://jowonio.org/resources/

Also, this is a non profit that offers respite for caregivers of those with special needs: https://www.davidsrefuge.org/

So, I hope this helps in giving an idea in terms of services available and this is an incomplete list.

[heartofalion66]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

In terms of NY and the Syracuse area in particular, a school district like East Syracuse-Minoa has a good reputation in terms of special needs services. https://www.esmschools.org/districtpage.cfm?pageid=1523

You also have this program through BOCES: https://www.ocmboces.org/teacherpage.cfm?teacher=1241

Also, a preschool in the area with services for children on the spectrum: https://jowonio.org/
From the website: https://jowonio.org/resources/

Also, this is a non profit that offers respite for caregivers of those with special needs: https://www.davidsrefuge.org/

So, I hope this helps in giving an idea in terms of services available and this is an incomplete list.

Thanks for the info. Will look into Syracuse.

[heartofalion66]

Originally Posted by Etoile du Nord

Here is a great video on Youtube that highlights the best and worst states for Special Education. The video unpacks all of the metrics used to determine the reasons which states are at the top and which ones aren't.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecVbCD79V8k

Thank you for the info. Too bad it's actually a state ranking (by WalletHub) for general education, although the video poster is a channel called Special Education Exposed. Admittedly, general education ranking is usually indicative for special education quality.

[mvpsharky]

Massachusetts. I'm a special ed teacher in MA. There are TONS of services here.

[BostonBornMassMade]

Massachusetts. I taught there for a hot minute.

[NYMom1]

Originally Posted by BostonBornMassMade

Massachusetts. I taught there for a hot minute.

CT is a hard no -- the absolute worst and most combative school districts against special needs services, imho after fifteen years here, you need a lawyer $$$

Westchester County, NY and MA both a yes!