States with Good funding for Special Ed?

[sierra]

Especially early intervention. I know a family whose 18 month old baby has been diagnosed with Autism. Major fork in the road. They want to move to a state where they don't have to wrassle alligators to get educational help.

I've heard good things about Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Anybody got some other states they'd recommend?

[dansmommy]

Isn't Wisconsin good for autism treatment? I live in Washington state and my autistic niece lives in British Columbia but I think her parents have compared what BC offers their daughter to what Wisconsin offers, with Wisconsin coming out ahead (although they're getting a lot of help right now, for the short term and after 16 years). I think Honeysmom lives in Wisconsin. You might see what she says as I think she's trying to get Honey help through that program. Christie

[catseye]

I wouldnt say I am waaaay impressed, but here in michigan it appears to be a decent program... Although sd didnt get the autism diagnosis, till she was 7 , and she is high functioning so i dont have alot of experience with the educational end yet...

You may have seen my other post, but michigan has a subsidary program (222.11/month check), and respite care funds for families... Good luck to that family!

[TexasMom]

When we lived in Colorado, A friend of mine with an autistic child had some good experiences with the programs in the Aurora/Denver area. He started with intervention in preschool.

[Linda]

cat is right...here in MI...they do early intervention.

[sierra]

Thanks, Ya'll are the best! I've passed this along already, but keep 'em coming!

[tridlette]

I have two friends here in our district with autistic children. The boys are 2 of 6 that just moved into the middle school and are main streamed now. They are in the chorus, and the band...

I am in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I will see if either of the moms are willing to communicate via e-mail regarding their experiences.

www.pde.state.pa.us//

is the Pennsylvania Dept. of Education web site. It may be worth looking into. In PA, the Special Ed. laws are listed under Chapter 14. Hope that is a starting point. I can also probably easily find additional web sites and contacts here if you need further info.

Laurie

[adhdtimes4]

I've heard teachers say that families move to North Carolina because of our programs here. I know that there are preschool classes that include 3 year olds diagnosed with autism. I've also heard from a friend (who has an autistic grandson that lives there) that Oregon has good programs.

[mskris]

New Jersey is a good one. We were very pleased with the school ds was attending - more so than the one here in PA, although the PA district is "award-winning."

Also, an acquaintence of mine's dh is head of CAN NJ (Cure Autism Now). They have a very active chapter there.

Kris

[shelli]

I am in Illinois and our school has an early intervention at our elementary school. They offer early preschool and special classes for disabled children.
Shelli

[Honeysmom]

Sierra,

Wisconsin has a great program. It is called the Wisconsin Early Autism Project. We also have lots of state funding for special ed and Early Head Start Classes. I can get you the ph # for WEAP if you want it.

Becky

[shelli]

Just had a note come home today in Brenna's bag that it is time for K round up and screening for the early beginings program for children at risk who are 0-3.
We live in Hamiltion, Illinois.
shelli

[aimee30]

Put Kentucky down too. When DD was in preschool there was a little boy with autism in her class. I have learned from watching her class, teachers and assistants that the school system here was wonderful with him. They start preschool at 3 here if there are things like autism going on.