New intro and help needed in cross-country move!

[Guest guest]

Hello all! My husband and I have two children. Our oldest is 4.7 yrs old and is autistic/hyperlexic. Our daughter is almost 3 (next week!) and is NT. My husband works full time days then comes home and I work full time afternoon/nights. This is the reason for our move - so I can stay at home and provide the therapy my son needs and the time for both my kids. We are looking to move from California to the Streetsboro, Ohio area. I have received some info from other newsgroups and this newsgroup was recommended to me as you are in the area I am going. I have heard that Kent has a great program for autistic kids. I have also heard Hudson has good schools (not sure about special needs kids, though). We will be moving asap so your input will be extremely helpful.

In California there are some great resources for autistic children; HOWEVER, you need to live close by, not work, etc. You get no help from the state once your child is 3 (our son was diagnosed at 3.6) they push you to the schools. I am dealing with some very nice, but uninformed teachers. No one knows about hyperlexia so I spend most of my time explaining that and setting up a program and then things change. My son started spec preschool when he was 3.6 in the last year we have gone to two different schools, and have been through three different teachers! Change is hard enough for an NT 3-5 year old but you add being on the spectrum and you are in for some terrible times. All this change was not my choice - public school problems. With all the problems in California the first thing that seems to get cut is special education resources. Anyway it seems with the housing market good, a job available, etc. we need to move to help our kids. Ohio seems to have some great programs. I also am originally from Ohio so I do have family which will be a big plus because in CA we have no support. (Although I am a MOMS Club member and am involved in some community children programs) or childcare for any kind of "break." I think this move is what my family really needs to get back on track.

Anyway........

If you can provide me with school/therapy information to help us find a place to live, I would really, really appreciate it. Also - any advice and suggestions in regards to moving, house hunting, etc. is always appreciated! Thank you in advance for your help!

Becky - (4.7 (autistic/hyperlexic) and Harlee's (2.11 NT) mom