Moving to Florida with special needs child and adult

[stenickar]

I am considering moving to Florida in the next year. I have a 9 year old with learning difficulties and an adult with autism. What services are available in Florida for both girls? I am looking to move within an hour of Orlando. Thank you for any help and advice

 

[Disneydawg74]

I’m hoping others know something more than I do. I’m in Tampa and my next door neighbors moved to Canada (they are not Canadian) because of dissatisfaction with the school support for their autistic son.

 

[Nayan]

School support for special needs kids is dismal across the state. I suggest if you don't have to move here, don't. If you do have to, really narrow your search as to where you want to move to and do some serious research as to what is offered. Reddit has forums for almost all areas of Florida and I would ask in those forums specifically about schools and services available.

 

[stenickar]

Thank you

 

[stenickar]

I’m hoping others know something more than I do. I’m in Tampa and my next door neighbors moved to Canada (they are not Canadian) because of dissatisfaction with the school support for their autistic son.

Thank you

 

[greeneyedchick]

The Seminole School district has been supportive and responsive regarding 504 plans and such. They are quite flexible and offer school choice and optional full time and part time free virtual instructional options. They are also homeschooling-friendly and allow homeschoolers to take 3 in-person classes, play on school sports teams, and attend after school clubs. Florida also offers scholarships to cover some homeschooling costs or private school tuition for kids who don't thrive in public schools. I think it's $10,000 a year. I have never used it but I know friends who have. Since they changed the qualifications for it, I think it's harder to get. It's called the Step Up scholarship. That's not to be confused with the Bright Futures scholarship which is a half-to-full college tuition scholarship for FL schools offered all to all Florida residents who meet the posted qualifications.

Seminole School district spans from Sanford down to the border of Winter Park. It includes Lake Mary, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, and Oviedo. I recommend looking at Lake Mary. It's a beautiful, safe area. It's 40-45 minutes from Disney and 20 minutes from Universal Studios and downtown Orlando. 40 minutes from New Smyrna Beach and 50 from Daytona. 1.5 hours from Tampa.

 

[HopperFan]

Coming from parent of disabled adult ...

First check school districts that are tops for special education / services. That will likely also be some of the better districts overall. Orange County (Orlando) is among the higher rated, and then the others are 2+ hours away from Disney.

We have home in St. Johns County and I believe they are rated #1 for services. We are past school age but I know there are also adult programs that your adult may be interested in. We did take him to the surfing that happens once a month and what a great program. There are lots services in the area.

The other higher rated districts for services are in South Florida, both coasts. These areas might be more expensive and more impacted by weather. For my POV I would avoid those areas, staying central or more north.

Districts in Florida seem to vary greatly so it is important you narrow to the right district AND I would look at the individual schools and find the area in the county that you think is best. Example Orange County, has great reviews in some areas, not as much in other areas ~ but housing costs will reflect that as well. St. Johns County has several new schools in areas that are full of new housing, shopping, parks etc.

I believe that where the better school districts for special needs are .... you will find more of the adult services, public and private ... as folks transition out.

But be sure you look at housing costs, insurance costs and real estate cost if buying, and know cost of living in not low as it was in the past. Good luck!