Severe autism-best states/schools? (toilet, functioning, independent, child)

[Autismmother]

Hi,
Our family is currently living abroad. We are moving back to the states but this time we really need to find a good school , services, state support for our ten years old son with severe-low functioning autism.Help, please!

[germaine2626]

You need to clarify what YOU feel are the best type of services for your child.

One parent may feel that great services involve 100% full inclusion in regular education classes with only regular education peers, another parent may feel that placement in a special education classroom with some inclusion is best but always with a focus on academic subjects, and a third parent may feel that a self contained classroom or special education school with a focus on self-help skills, daily living skills and social skills is the best program for their child with severe-low functioning autism.

I have seen very, very low functioning students with autism in all three types of programs in my area and the parents were very happy.

The problem is if you feel that your (for example) ten year old who functions at an 2 or 3 year old level is in a 5th grade classroom 100% of the school day is not getting the daily living skills, toilet training, self feeding skills that they need because they are listening to 5th grade math, science, social studies and reading all day long then it is not a good fit for your child.

The reverse would also be true. There are some award winning self contained special education classrooms in my area but if you want your child to only be around the same age regular education peers you would be unhappy with those fabulous classrooms.

[Autismmother]

Hi Germaine2626,
Thanks for answering my post. In my son' s case I really thing that self-help skills/ daily living skills/alternative-augmentative communication skills are top priority. I believe I am most concerned with him being able to communicate his needs to lower his frustrations and become as independent as possible.
Could you share which ones are the award winning self-contained classrooms in your area and if you have or know anyone who sends their child to these schools?
Thanks again!

[Jbgmom]

I have a friend who moved to Connecticut for the autism services and she is really happy there. Her daughter started out being in the public school, but is now in a private school and is doing well. Best wishes with your move!

[sandyg724]

Being said friend of Jbgmom above, yes, I am very happy with my daughter's placement. But please know that it would be prudent to hire an advocate to get the best services, no matter where you move to. And it may come down to hiring a lawyer, but I wouldn't necessarily go that route to begin with. Once you decide where you're moving to, get involved with local support groups as quickly as you can. They will probably be your best source for deciding exactly which school system would be the best fit for you. You'll probably find that many people won't want to share their particular school district over the internet because it's there for everyone to see and they'll be afraid that their school district could be inundated with special needs kids and the costs that come with them. But, in a support group meeting, people are much more open.

We were happy with the public school initially. But our daughter's behavior became more severe and we knew she needed an outplacement. Here in CT, there are MANY state-approved special education schools. Please be sure to visit the ones you think might work before deciding you want your child to go there. They are not equal, by any means. Here is the link for the list for CT: http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/lib/sde/PD...SpEd_Progs.pdf

The other thing you need to keep in mind is that, where there are better services, the cost of living will almost definitely be higher.

[Ladibug1026]

New York is great in terms of variety of services for kids on the spectrum. I've also heard terrible things about North Carolina in this regard, on more than one occasion.