Yet another school question!!

[mickey squared]

We currently live in NY (specifically Long Island), and have 4 children, 2 with autism. My husband works for jetBlue and is constantly getting offers to move to Fl. Well, we finally decided to research schools because that would be our deciding factor to move or not. My oldest is 10 and is low functioning, considerated by most to be non-verbal. My 6 year old is HFA, but his word recall, written word,etc. is extremely delayed. Thank god my 2 daughters are considered "typical". Anyway, since jetBlue has numerous cities in Fl that they service, we have numerous counties to study. Any websites or info or experiences would be much appreciated. Off topic - we usually travel to Fl about 6-7 times a year for some sun and fun so my kids always ask "When are we going to our other house?!" Thank you in advance!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I think you might want to look at FLL. I think Brightsy may chime in here; she has told me of some schools in Davie that are excellant for the problem.

 

[dclfun]

Well, Florida is absolutely the worst state for anyone with special needs. Not only are there no top-notch programs for autism or autism spectrum disorders, but there is little to nothing for anyone developmentally disabled in terms of funds or care. Just a harsh reality. ---Kathy

 

[Brightsy]

Well, Florida is absolutely the worst state for anyone with special needs. Not only are there no top-notch programs for autism or autism spectrum disorders, but there is little to nothing for anyone developmentally disabled in terms of funds or care. Just a harsh reality. ---Kathy

I don't think FL is the worst state, but I don't have the numbers. There are a few really good schools and programs here. The Baudhin School in Davie is considered to be an excellent place for kids w/ ASD. It's part of Nova SE University and is fully staffed with their own OTs, PTs, Speech folks and such. The school my 4yr. old goes to is a Public School and he's had tremendous success there, esp. in conjunction w/ his extra speech and OT work.
For anyone moving here I'd recommend Davie as a good place for families w/ ASD issues. It's also where the UM CARD is (University of Miami Center for Autism and Related Disorders). UM CARD has a lot of resources for families and can help w/ finding advocates and aides. They have a pretty good research library. The DO need funding, that I can't argue with.
I've had pretty good luck so far with finding care for my son here. FL may not be the best place in the US for this kind of thing but it doesn't suck.

Sara

 

[mickey squared]

Thank you for the information. Now at least I have a starting point to begin my journey. Are there local chapters of SEPTA that I might contact for any additional resources? Thanx.

 

[Brightsy]

I dunno about SEPTA, but if you try contacting UM CARD they have info on lots of groups and resources in the area. I'm sure they can help you there...
The website for them is www.umcard.org

Good luck!

Sara

 

[roseprincess]

Just chiming in, that the University of Miami-CARD, isn't that founded by Dan Marino? I know he has something to do with that.

Also, to the OP, I don't think you are considering moving to Illinois, but if you are or anyone else with kids that have ASD, District 54 in Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates, Il. have excellent school programs for kids with ASD.
We have Floortime specialists( Greenspan's Floortime) that start in early childhood. We have support groups for parents. Plus the OT, PT, and speech therapies. All in a public school system!

Rosemarie

 

[SueM in MN]

A website that should be helpful to you is
www.pacer.org
PACER stands for Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights and it is a
National Center based in Minnesota. They have a lot of good links, including links to parent advocacy centers in each state.
One of the regional centers is based in Florida:

Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc.
2735 Whitney Road
Clearwater, FL 33760-1610
Phone: 727-523-1130
Fax: 727-523-8687
Toll Free: 800-825-5736 (FL Only)
E-mail: fnd@fndfl.org
Website: www.fndfl.org

 

[Brightsy]

Just chiming in, that the University of Miami-CARD, isn't that founded by Dan Marino? I know he has something to do with that.

(Snip)
Rosemarie

UM CARD does have a facility at the Dan Marino Center. I dont think he founded CARD but I could be wrong. I do kknow he occasionally cives UM CARD tix to Dolphin games and other events that they then donate to various families in the community. Our name hasnt come up yet but I'm hopeful.

Sara