Hello Everyone! Newbie Introduction (long)

[Guest guest]

I joined the group a few weeks ago because I found out I may be relocating to

Florida. Now that this is becoming a reality I have questions about schools,

services. Any help would be appreciated.

It looks like we will be moving from Minneapolis area into Tampa area. I have 2

children both of which are ASD. is 19 (PDD-NOS) and currently in a

transitional program preparing him for working and some education. He has an

IEP up here which goes until age 21 to work on social, academic, and career

goals. Taryn is 16 (PDD/ADHD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease- autoimmune

hypothyroid) and a sophomore in one of top 20 largest high schools in the US.

That being said she loves it because of all the opportunities it presents.

Taryn is on an IEP to help her with transitions, social skills, behavior, etc.

She is in for core classes what the call alt classes (smaller classes, slower

paced but same material), and then for electives she has a 1:1 or 1:2 to help

her remain focused. The high school we go to have only 4 classes a quarter

(blocks of 1 hour 50 minutes), which doesn't work well at time with attention.

I will be working in Northeastern Tampa, and the school districts I am looking

at are Land O' Lakes or Sunlake. My daughter has a year of ASL in and wants to

continue with that. Land O' Lakes and Sunlake are the only schools I can find

in the Tampa area that offer ASL. Looking on the websites, it looks like Land

O' Lakes is better for the ESE education. Does anyone know if that is true or

have any other ideas?

Also my son is on a MR waiver up here, which looks to be just the same as the

waiver in Florida. But from what I have read they can't be transferred. Does

anyone know about the waiting list (or is it just as long as it is here in

Minnesota?) Taryn qualifies for a program for disabled children, which pays for

her medical bills and a PCA so many days a week. I haven't found any other

information for state services, any ideas on where to look?

Finally I am looking for any good places for dance, martial arts, or activities

that are good for ASD kids. Also any other programs, groups, etc. One of

biggest fears is that I will get the kids down there and they will sit and do

nothing. In Minnesota my daughter is in 3 sports, band, and many clubs at

school. My son is a black belt and taking classes along with therapeutic

recreation through the community. Hoping we can find something there.

Thanks for any information – Want to make this as seamless as possible (yeah,

sure, right). Good point is that my daughter wants to move. One of our old

PCA's is located outside of Orlando, and she promised Taryn a babysitter job if

she wants. Taryn is also a WDW fanatic, and wants to work there after

graduation. She is planning on getting her Interpretation degree with a minor

in ASL and early childhood education. Luckily USF in Tampa offers this degree.

Penny – trying to staying sane!

19 - PDD/NOS – Transition Program

Taryn 15 - ADHD/PDD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease - 10th grade

[Guest guest]

The only suggestion I Have for the older kids would be Pepin Academy. I'm pretty sure they are a charter school which would be free to you and they would get the McKay monies from the school district. They have a work program but might have a wait list so I would contact them right away. I'm sure they have a website you can visit as well. I'm sure once you settle on a area and school they can help you with the other activities your looking for.JCC, YMCA and the city usually have programs but for older kids I'm not sure that's has been a on going challenge in Tampa. I just moved from Tampa to West Palm and I had to start my own school to get what my child needed. Good luck!KathySent from my iPhone

I joined the group a few weeks ago because I found out I may be relocating to Florida. Now that this is becoming a reality I have questions about schools, services. Any help would be appreciated.

It looks like we will be moving from Minneapolis area into Tampa area. I have 2 children both of which are ASD. is 19 (PDD-NOS) and currently in a transitional program preparing him for working and some education. He has an IEP up here which goes until age 21 to work on social, academic, and career goals. Taryn is 16 (PDD/ADHD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease- autoimmune hypothyroid) and a sophomore in one of top 20 largest high schools in the US. That being said she loves it because of all the opportunities it presents. Taryn is on an IEP to help her with transitions, social skills, behavior, etc. She is in for core classes what the call alt classes (smaller classes, slower paced but same material), and then for electives she has a 1:1 or 1:2 to help her remain focused. The high school we go to have only 4 classes a quarter (blocks of 1 hour 50 minutes), which doesn't work well at time with attention.

I will be working in Northeastern Tampa, and the school districts I am looking at are Land O' Lakes or Sunlake. My daughter has a year of ASL in and wants to continue with that. Land O' Lakes and Sunlake are the only schools I can find in the Tampa area that offer ASL. Looking on the websites, it looks like Land O' Lakes is better for the ESE education. Does anyone know if that is true or have any other ideas?

Also my son is on a MR waiver up here, which looks to be just the same as the waiver in Florida. But from what I have read they can't be transferred. Does anyone know about the waiting list (or is it just as long as it is here in Minnesota?) Taryn qualifies for a program for disabled children, which pays for her medical bills and a PCA so many days a week. I haven't found any other information for state services, any ideas on where to look?

Finally I am looking for any good places for dance, martial arts, or activities that are good for ASD kids. Also any other programs, groups, etc. One of biggest fears is that I will get the kids down there and they will sit and do nothing. In Minnesota my daughter is in 3 sports, band, and many clubs at school. My son is a black belt and taking classes along with therapeutic recreation through the community. Hoping we can find something there.

Thanks for any information – Want to make this as seamless as possible (yeah, sure, right). Good point is that my daughter wants to move. One of our old PCA's is located outside of Orlando, and she promised Taryn a babysitter job if she wants. Taryn is also a WDW fanatic, and wants to work there after graduation. She is planning on getting her Interpretation degree with a minor in ASL and early childhood education. Luckily USF in Tampa offers this degree.

Penny – trying to staying sane!

19 - PDD/NOS – Transition Program

Taryn 15 - ADHD/PDD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease - 10th grade

=

[Guest guest]

There is a list serve that is local to the Tampa area. It's a Yahoo Group like

this, I suggest you join it too:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/IPUT4-TampaAutism/?yguid=9324154

Steve

>

> I joined the group a few weeks ago because I found out I may be relocating to

Florida. Now that this is becoming a reality I have questions about schools,

services. Any help would be appreciated.

>

> It looks like we will be moving from Minneapolis area into Tampa area. I have

2 children both of which are ASD. is 19 (PDD-NOS) and currently in a

transitional program preparing him for working and some education. He has an

IEP up here which goes until age 21 to work on social, academic, and career

goals. Taryn is 16 (PDD/ADHD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease- autoimmune

hypothyroid) and a sophomore in one of top 20 largest high schools in the US.

That being said she loves it because of all the opportunities it presents.

Taryn is on an IEP to help her with transitions, social skills, behavior, etc.

She is in for core classes what the call alt classes (smaller classes, slower

paced but same material), and then for electives she has a 1:1 or 1:2 to help

her remain focused. The high school we go to have only 4 classes a quarter

(blocks of 1 hour 50 minutes), which doesn't work well at time with attention.

>

> I will be working in Northeastern Tampa, and the school districts I am looking

at are Land O' Lakes or Sunlake. My daughter has a year of ASL in and wants to

continue with that. Land O' Lakes and Sunlake are the only schools I can find

in the Tampa area that offer ASL. Looking on the websites, it looks like Land

O' Lakes is better for the ESE education. Does anyone know if that is true or

have any other ideas?

>

> Also my son is on a MR waiver up here, which looks to be just the same as the

waiver in Florida. But from what I have read they can't be transferred. Does

anyone know about the waiting list (or is it just as long as it is here in

Minnesota?) Taryn qualifies for a program for disabled children, which pays for

her medical bills and a PCA so many days a week. I haven't found any other

information for state services, any ideas on where to look?

>

> Finally I am looking for any good places for dance, martial arts, or

activities that are good for ASD kids. Also any other programs, groups, etc.

One of biggest fears is that I will get the kids down there and they will sit

and do nothing. In Minnesota my daughter is in 3 sports, band, and many clubs

at school. My son is a black belt and taking classes along with therapeutic

recreation through the community. Hoping we can find something there.

>

> Thanks for any information – Want to make this as seamless as possible (yeah,

sure, right). Good point is that my daughter wants to move. One of our old

PCA's is located outside of Orlando, and she promised Taryn a babysitter job if

she wants. Taryn is also a WDW fanatic, and wants to work there after

graduation. She is planning on getting her Interpretation degree with a minor

in ASL and early childhood education. Luckily USF in Tampa offers this degree.

>

> Penny – trying to staying sane!

> 19 - PDD/NOS – Transition Program

> Taryn 15 - ADHD/PDD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease - 10th grade

>

[Guest guest]

Try calling CARD USF (CARD is the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) in Tampa at for more information as it pertains to the Tampa area.

Also call the Autism Society Gulf Coast FL Chapter

Family Network on Disabilities of Florida (a/k/a Parent to Parent)

Hopefully they can help guide you with information and more resources.

Robin

I joined the group a few weeks ago because I found out I may be relocating to Florida. Now that this is becoming a reality I have questions about schools, services. Any help would be appreciated.It looks like we will be moving from Minneapolis area into Tampa area. I have 2 children both of which are ASD. is 19 (PDD-NOS) and currently in a transitional program preparing him for working and some education. He has an IEP up here which goes until age 21 to work on social, academic, and career goals. Taryn is 16 (PDD/ADHD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease- autoimmune hypothyroid) and a sophomore in one of top 20 largest high schools in the US. That being said she loves it because of all the opportunities it presents. Taryn is on an IEP to help her with transitions, social skills, behavior, etc. She is in for core classes what the call alt classes (smaller classes, slower paced but same material), and then for electives she has a 1:1 or 1:2 to help her remain focused. The high school we go to have only 4 classes a quarter (blocks of 1 hour 50 minutes), which doesn't work well at time with attention.I will be working in Northeastern Tampa, and the school districts I am looking at are Land O' Lakes or Sunlake. My daughter has a year of ASL in and wants to continue with that. Land O' Lakes and Sunlake are the only schools I can find in the Tampa area that offer ASL. Looking on the websites, it looks like Land O' Lakes is better for the ESE education. Does anyone know if that is true or have any other ideas?Also my son is on a MR waiver up here, which looks to be just the same as the waiver in Florida. But from what I have read they can't be transferred. Does anyone know about the waiting list (or is it just as long as it is here in Minnesota?) Taryn qualifies for a program for disabled children, which pays for her medical bills and a PCA so many days a week. I haven't found any other information for state services, any ideas on where to look? Finally I am looking for any good places for dance, martial arts, or activities that are good for ASD kids. Also any other programs, groups, etc. One of biggest fears is that I will get the kids down there and they will sit and do nothing. In Minnesota my daughter is in 3 sports, band, and many clubs at school. My son is a black belt and taking classes along with therapeutic recreation through the community. Hoping we can find something there.Thanks for any information – Want to make this as seamless as possible (yeah, sure, right). Good point is that my daughter wants to move. One of our old PCA's is located outside of Orlando, and she promised Taryn a babysitter job if she wants. Taryn is also a WDW fanatic, and wants to work there after graduation. She is planning on getting her Interpretation degree with a minor in ASL and early childhood education. Luckily USF in Tampa offers this degree.Penny – trying to staying sane! 19 - PDD/NOS – Transition ProgramTaryn 15 - ADHD/PDD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease - 10th grade

[Guest guest]

Try calling CARD USF (CARD is the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) in Tampa at for more information as it pertains to the Tampa area.

Also call the Autism Society Gulf Coast FL Chapter

Family Network on Disabilities of Florida (a/k/a Parent to Parent)

Hopefully they can help guide you with information and more resources.

Robin

I joined the group a few weeks ago because I found out I may be relocating to Florida. Now that this is becoming a reality I have questions about schools, services. Any help would be appreciated.It looks like we will be moving from Minneapolis area into Tampa area. I have 2 children both of which are ASD. is 19 (PDD-NOS) and currently in a transitional program preparing him for working and some education. He has an IEP up here which goes until age 21 to work on social, academic, and career goals. Taryn is 16 (PDD/ADHD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease- autoimmune hypothyroid) and a sophomore in one of top 20 largest high schools in the US. That being said she loves it because of all the opportunities it presents. Taryn is on an IEP to help her with transitions, social skills, behavior, etc. She is in for core classes what the call alt classes (smaller classes, slower paced but same material), and then for electives she has a 1:1 or 1:2 to help her remain focused. The high school we go to have only 4 classes a quarter (blocks of 1 hour 50 minutes), which doesn't work well at time with attention.I will be working in Northeastern Tampa, and the school districts I am looking at are Land O' Lakes or Sunlake. My daughter has a year of ASL in and wants to continue with that. Land O' Lakes and Sunlake are the only schools I can find in the Tampa area that offer ASL. Looking on the websites, it looks like Land O' Lakes is better for the ESE education. Does anyone know if that is true or have any other ideas?Also my son is on a MR waiver up here, which looks to be just the same as the waiver in Florida. But from what I have read they can't be transferred. Does anyone know about the waiting list (or is it just as long as it is here in Minnesota?) Taryn qualifies for a program for disabled children, which pays for her medical bills and a PCA so many days a week. I haven't found any other information for state services, any ideas on where to look? Finally I am looking for any good places for dance, martial arts, or activities that are good for ASD kids. Also any other programs, groups, etc. One of biggest fears is that I will get the kids down there and they will sit and do nothing. In Minnesota my daughter is in 3 sports, band, and many clubs at school. My son is a black belt and taking classes along with therapeutic recreation through the community. Hoping we can find something there.Thanks for any information – Want to make this as seamless as possible (yeah, sure, right). Good point is that my daughter wants to move. One of our old PCA's is located outside of Orlando, and she promised Taryn a babysitter job if she wants. Taryn is also a WDW fanatic, and wants to work there after graduation. She is planning on getting her Interpretation degree with a minor in ASL and early childhood education. Luckily USF in Tampa offers this degree.Penny – trying to staying sane! 19 - PDD/NOS – Transition ProgramTaryn 15 - ADHD/PDD/Anxiety/Hashimoto's Disease - 10th grade