Have you considered moving out of state to be closer to a very good special needs school?

[Anonymous]

Yes we've considered a lot. A whole lot, but not necessarily for a special needs school but some place that is just "normal." The crazy competitive environment is really stressing DD out.

[Anonymous]

I'd move if I thought there was something better out there for my DC. Right now I'm leaning toward a therapeutic boarding school. They take kids at age 11, which seems insanely young but I want to maximize his every opportunity, so...

[Anonymous]

OP - Besides the diagnosis now as a young child, "if" your child is likely to need direct services and supports for a lifetime - or even if it is questionable at this point - you want to look at educational options private and public K-12. Also for the disability that your child has, see what community options there are for fun and recreation again the more challenges all the way along so that elementary might be great, but then nothing from middle school on. See if there are community organizations which might be an outlet for your child, too, such as Parks and Recreation therapeutic programs, special needs summer camps, church groups which are welcoming, active groups such as Special Olympic etc.

If you are moving closer to family that could be a plus, just as if you are leaving a family or friend support system in the Chicago area realize that it may take time to rebuild it in a new place. I would encourage you and DH to go and vacation for a good week in a desired area where you would have the research interview already set up as much as possible with schools, perhaps with a couple of community groups to get input. Or best if you can connect to families with same or similar needs in your area. Besides educational needs, you also need to consider the level of expertise and closeness of any medical facilities and therapy that DS might need. I guess along with that if your DS has health care costs which are covered by your present family insurance, this can certainly be an important consideration, too.

I am from MA originally and have lived in VA for most of our married life. Personally, while we could get adult services funding for our youngest who resides with us there, I just do not see going back to such a rigorous winter and that it would place a burden not only on us, but on her in the activities she participates in. Again if a lifetime of adult services could even be a possibility, you need to do some research in Medicaid Waivers in states you are considering moving to in terms of waiting lists. And to note a Waiver is not portable from state-to-state so if you find the ideal place to live for DS and would need waiver funding, you could be looking at retirement in the area, too. For us Virginia is not ideal at all in funding for most any human services, BUT the area we live in has had excellent schools, excellent medical care with all specialties within 20 minutes and it is a highly regarded retirement area. Also we are within 2-3 hours of our other daughters. Any move has a lot of variables, the more involved a child with a disability is and also the flexibility or not of parent(s) jobs.

[Anonymous]

I just posted the Florida / Jacksonville question before seeing this post. Funny, it's like I suddenly had an epiphany "what if we moved to the best place in the country for DC?" and it was like everything just opened up... started with Fla because we have family there and know the area and DC loves the beach, but no idea how to really do this research...