May have to move to Kansas. How are services/education for autistic children?

[Nik's Mom]

Hi all,
Dh was just informed that his company is re-locating to Kansas City, Missouri. They offered him a package to re-locate with them. They will pay for our moving expenses, help us find a home, etc. I'm wondering what the schools are like in Kansas? Our sons are high functioning autistic. What type of services do they offer in Kansas? Would my kids get the same services (ot, speech, social group, floor time, etc)?

I am so worried that Kansas would not be able to offer the same services. Here, they offer something called Regional Center where the state covers some therapy free of charge (floor time and social group). I wonder if Kansas offers that. Are there any Kansas Dis'rs out there?
Thanks!

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Since he will be in Kansas City, you might want to look into what both Kansas and Missouri offer. Since KC sort of straddles the state line, you can live in either; so you will want the one that is best for the kids.

 

[pcparamedics01]

Services vary district to district. Ask around to see what services others are getting. Choose the house in the best district.

 

[amylucinda]

I live in Kansas City...well, actually, a suburb on the Missouri side.

There are 2 KCs...one in Missouri (huge) and one in Kansas (smaller). The true "Kansas City, Missouri" school district is not one I would ever, ever, ever consider. Way too large, and way too many internal problems. Even 18 years ago, a decade before kids, we eliminated KCMO addresses when searching for our first home. I'm not sure about KCK, but historically, Wyandotte County has been a poorer county, although that is changing with new development to the west.

The school district is going to make or break your decision about where to live. I can only speak from personal experience with 2 districts, and only in relation to hearing impairment issues. Our experiences with the Raytown (MO) school district were atrocious....our kids are currently privately schooled because of our experiences there. They attend a small private school in the Shawnee Mission School District on the Kansas side, and the difference in attitude and willingness is truly amazing. (Since the IDEA reauthorization, services for private school students are provided by the district of the private school, not the district of the child's home.) That being said, our child needs minimal support, which may speak to the attitude and willingness.

As a parent and a resident of this area for 18 years, for family reasons, I would recommend you look at the Johnson county side, AFTER you evaluate what services Blue Valley and Shawnee Mission school districts have to offer. Over the years, I always considered that area (excuse the expression) the "snooty" area. I have come to change my mind, or at least accept the differences , because of what is available for family life. Of course, I'm speaking from the outside looking in still, as we can't move to that side because of my husband's job.

All that being said, this is all just my opinion and experience. I do quite a bit of research on things when I get going, and would be happy to share other things I've learned about housing, school districts, etc., with the caveat that it's all from my perspective

There is an organization called EFECT that supports families with disabilities. They'd be a good source of contacts for autism. MPACT is another organization. I don't know if I can post a URL, but search for "Missouri parents mpact".

Feel free to ask any questions. If you want to go into specifics, pm-ing is fine, too (if I can figure out how to do that!)

Amy

 

[Earstou]

Being in the Kansas City area, you will have more resources available to you. These are the two big organizations I know about, but I have never utilized them, because of distance and time. They both are part of KU Med Center.

Center for Child Health and Development http://www.kumc.edu/cchd/
and
The Autism Asperger Resource Center http://www.kumc.edu/aarc/
Unfortunately there is a note on the website that the resource center has been closed for administrative restructuring. That is unfortunate. They had social skill classes for different ages. We have wanted to attend, but haven't because they were on school nights, and homework plus three hours of driving don't mix well! Hopefully they will reopen.
I believe there is a parent support group in KC, also.

I don't know anything about the KC area schools. I do know I have to fight for accomodations constantly where I am. It's easier now that our school district has an Autism Specialist (but we share her with another district). But getting the teachers to utilize her expertise is hard. Half of them don't even know she exists!
Be sure to check out your school districts very carefully. Check to see if they have an autism specialist or consultant!
Good luck!

 

[Nik's Mom]

Thank you so much for the information! My husband's company told us that Overton, KS and Lee's Summit, MO are good areas with good school districts. The company is flying us out in 2 weeks to look at the areas and the schools. What cities are in the Jackson County side that are nice, safe areas? We don't need a fancy house at all.
I hear you about fighting for accomodations. We have to fight here in California too! It's ridiculus, isn't it?
Thanks for all of the information!

 

[packetminnie]

I would recommend Lee's Summit on the Missouri side. We (I live in Lee's Summit) have excellent schools, but, I can't comment on IEP accomodations etc as I just sent the letter requesting an IEP eval yesterday. The best schools on this side of the state are Lee's Summit, Blue Springs, Independence, and Liberty.

I know that my DS elem school has an autism specialist.

DS(10) has ASD, ADHD, and visual processing problems. I received some resistance when I was trying to get info for the doctors when he went for testing (we paid for testing) but I did'nt know (and nobody told me) I should have requested it in writing -- not email or verbally as I did.

My DN was in the Blue Springs school district and an honor student but after she graduated she was tested for ADHD (one of many tests she underwent for other reasons) and she had severe ADHD and her reading was nowhere near age apropriate (I can't remember exactly maybe 6th grade) but she was an honor student and she didn't spend hours every evening studying to compensate.


Most of the school districts in the metro area are AAA rated schools with the exception of Kansas City Mo which isn't even accredited. I'm biased for Missouri cuz that's where I have lived all my life and I can't get over the fact that they banned the teaching of evolution over in Kansas for a few years. If you are worried about violence any of the suburb schools are pretty safe, KS or MO. If you have any other ?? feel free to pm me.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Well we made our first visit to the KC area last week and we have decided to make the move. The area is beautiful! It is going to be such a welcome contrast to L.A. Now it's just a matter of picking a city to live in. We will be back on November 1st and 2nd to look at homes and schools. We will be looking at Lee's Summit and Overland Park. Thank you so much for your suggestions!