Relocation to MN with Autistic Tween - Need info on Services, Reasonable Rent (Bloomington: apartment)

[lilahlevine]

We are looking to relocate to MN and are considering several areas, but nothing etched in concrete as yet. I'd love to get some advice on which school districts offer wonderful programs for children on the autism spectrum that are relatively high functioning.

We are on a fixed income and are looking for an area that is safe, quiet and offers reasonable rental rates. Smaller towns with a great sense of community are ideal, if the school district offers what our son needs.

I am unfamiliar with waivers, but am reading alot of people concerned about waiting lists and such. My son is DD, and on disability for the ASD/DD. Will this be a concern for our family moving into MN?

Thank you so much in advance!

[golfgal]

Dakota County and specifically the 196 district. They have excellent programs for autistic kids of all levels and Dakota County has funding for support for disabled kids.

You will have to define reasonable rent though--that's too vague.

[jzeig104]

I think you will find that different counties in the Twin Cities are much easier and others more difficult to access waiver services.

DB101 Minnesota - Developmental Disabilities Waiver

Do you have any idea where you may want to live?

Schools in the East Metro have excellent ASD programs, including Stillwater Schools ISD 834 and White Bear Lake Schools. Programming varies depending on your childs needs, obviously. There are special programs through Intermediate District 916 which serve kids with more intense issues with behavior, etc.

District 196 also houses the MN Autism Center, which is a school just for kids with autism.
Minnesota Autism Center

The PACER center is a great resource for parents. It is in Bloomington:
PACER Center - Assistance for Children with Disabilities, Bullying Prevention, Parent Workshops They can help with everything from educational resources to advocacy.

The Autism Society of MN is another great resource: AUSM - Autism Society of Minnesota - AUSM - Autism Society of Minnesota

I think you will be very comfortable in the Twin Cities. There are many many organizations to help in the area with a variety of concerns and needs.

[lilahlevine]

Originally Posted by golfgal

Dakota County and specifically the 196 district. They have excellent programs for autistic kids of all levels and Dakota County has funding for support for disabled kids.

You will have to define reasonable rent though--that's too vague.

Thanks for responding. I will look at Dakota County, thanks

Reasonable rent, I do suppose that is subjective. Median rents in the $700-$800 range would be nice just starting out.

[lilahlevine]

Originally Posted by jzeig104

I think you will find that different counties in the Twin Cities are much easier and others more difficult to access waiver services.

DB101 Minnesota - Developmental Disabilities Waiver

Do you have any idea where you may want to live?

Schools in the East Metro have excellent ASD programs, including Stillwater Schools ISD 834 and White Bear Lake Schools. Programming varies depending on your childs needs, obviously. There are special programs through Intermediate District 916 which serve kids with more intense issues with behavior, etc.

District 196 also houses the MN Autism Center, which is a school just for kids with autism.
Minnesota Autism Center

The PACER center is a great resource for parents. It is in Bloomington:
PACER Center - Assistance for Children with Disabilities, Bullying Prevention, Parent Workshops They can help with everything from educational resources to advocacy.

The Autism Society of MN is another great resource: AUSM - Autism Society of Minnesota - AUSM - Autism Society of Minnesota

I think you will be very comfortable in the Twin Cities. There are many many organizations to help in the area with a variety of concerns and needs.

Thank you so much for this wealth of information and the direction. I really do appreciate it.

As far as where, I telecommute, so that leaves us a bit more open in that regard. Though we do have family and friend support, throughout the state.

[golfgal]

Originally Posted by lilahlevine

Thanks for responding. I will look at Dakota County, thanks

Reasonable rent, I do suppose that is subjective. Median rents in the $700-$800 range would be nice just starting out.

Since a commute isn't an issue--maybe look out into areas outside of the metro--assumed you would be working in the metro.

I would look into towns like New Ulm, Marshall, Willmar, Winona. I do know that the Marshall Schools have a fairly sizable Special Ed program since they service many of the smaller towns around them that just don't have the space or resources to do so. $700/month will be PLENTY to rent a nice apartment or small home. It's an easy community to get around in and get to know people. There is a large, well supported adult group home system if that is a future need too. The businesses are very open to hiring disabled adults. Add in that they have a college that was specifically designed to accommodate special needs students and you have a lot of resources for a town of 12,000.

I don't have specifics on other towns though.

[jzeig104]

Seven to Eight Hundred isnt going to be easy in the Metro as I assume you will need two bedrooms.

Just outside the metro, Hastings is a little cheaper for rent than the areas mention so far in the metro, and they have excellent schools with great special ed services. Dakota County would be your contact for waiver services. Its a charming town, too :>)

Independent School District 200

Home - Dakota County Newsletter: Leading the way

[lilahlevine]

Hastings. Thank you

Anyone else with experience with specific ISDs in MN as they related to services for children with Autism? I appreciate everything that has been shared thus far.