The Best Towns for Raising Children With Autism

Moving to a new area is a major life change, especially for children with autism. Making the move can be beneficial for your child, but it also has the potential to be disastrous. Choosing the right town requires careful consideration to ensure the needs of your child are met. Autistic children generally require additional school and community support. Finding an area that meets the needs of your child will help make the transition smoother and less stressful for both you and your child.

  1. Neighborhood

    • Children with autism struggle with peer relationships and are easily over-stimulated. A quieter, calmer neighborhood would help reduce over-stimulation from the environment, whereas a loud neighborhood in a large city can easily aggravate your child̵7;s senses. Look for areas with quiet neighbors and bigger yards with more space between houses. If your child has a quiet place to retreat, he is likely to feel more secure. Also, consider the other children in the neighborhood. Children with autism need to be around other children who are accepting and understanding. Bullies are everywhere, but you can reduce the impact by living in a neighborhood where bullying is not prevalent.

    Schools

    • Autistic children have special school needs. Some parents choose private schools specifically tailored to children with autism. However, private schools are often expensive and many parents opt for public schools. The best town or city will have a school capable of meeting the needs of your child. Check to see if there are private autism schools in the area. Contact the public school district administration and meet with the special education department. Does the school district have a special autism program? If not, are they able to meet the specific needs of your child as outlined in his individualized education plan)?

    Community Resources

    • Community resources and programs are essential. Not only does your child need the opportunity for recreational activities in which he is interested, parents need support as well. Check with the local chamber of commerce for special needs organizations and support groups. Is there an autism center nearby? Trained caregivers and respite workers are essential for children with autism. Find out if the community has appropriate before and after school care, as well as respite care for when parents need a break.

    Medical Needs

    • Access to appropriate medical and therapeutic care is essential. The town should have doctors and therapists readily available who specialize in the care and treatment of autistic children. If the town itself does not, then make sure they are available in a nearby town, within just a few miles. Driving half an hour to an hour away for care is not only inconvenient and time-consuming, but can cause unnecessary stress in an urgent situation.

    Employment

    • Consider the employment options available in town. Raising autistic children is challenging and demanding. It is often necessary to leave work and be able to respond to a situation immediately. Employment should be as close to home as possible, without long commute times. Employers need to be flexible and understanding.

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