Hi, we are moving to Chicago this summer and searching for a neighborhood with a good elementary school around. My son has moderate autism and has been thriving since he started ABA and special education at 3. Based on my research so far, it seems that we should not expect the same level of educational services from Chicago Public Schools as what we have now here in Boston. But I would love to know if any of you have had some positive experience with CPS concerning your child's special… read more

I'm searching for a new insurance plan for my son with ASD as he will graduate from EI in a few months. He doesn't get SSI (our income is just slightly higher than those who qualify) but we're applying for Common Health. Meanwhile, his current insurance will expire almost at the same time when EI ends, so we need a new insurance plan for him so that he can continue to receive ABA. I've been thinking about BlueCrossBlueShield, Harvard Pilgrim, and possibly Neighborhood Health Plan. Does anyone… read more

My family and I are moving to Massachusetts this summer. My son is currently 2 years old with ASD and will turn 3 early next year. We've not decided where to live and still looking around housing. My work will be in Cambridge, and we consider Watertown, Belmont, Arlington, or perhaps Newton. Which school district would you recommend for special preschool? These towns are usually well rated for public schools but I'd like to know which town(s) would probably provide better services for… read more

We're on the waiting list for autism diagnosis while my son is receiving EI. He's 25 months. Our pedi sent a referral to Riley Hospital for Children (IN) more than two months ago, but still no words but that their intake coordinator will contact us when an appointment can be scheduled. If any has been to Riley, how long was your wait time? We're really hoping to have him diagnosed as he still does not interact with other kids (plus some sensory issues). Any response would be greatly appreciated.

We're planning to move to Massachusetts with 2 yrs old. He is currently on EI and we live in Indiana. Soon we'll get a diagnosis (and our OT says it's likely to be ASD). Since we def. want a smooth transition (for therapy-wise) for our son, we should decide whether this summer (he's still 2) or next January (he'll turn 3) would be better for his therapy plans. What happens if we move in the middle of EI? Does this mean another waiting for a new evaluation by a MA Early Intervention team? Or… read more

Can anyone recommend a residential treatment place for a young adult female (18) with mental health issues, severe anxiety, depression? All of the treatment places I have found are for young women with eating disorders or alcohol/substance abuse, which is not the group she needs to be with at all. She's very young compared to her peers but very much in need of mental health services but by someone who understands autism. We have not had any luck finding the right place with this combination… read more

Hello everyone. If you're on FB, you know how there are cooking demonstrations/videos? Well, are there any for gluten-free/healthy recipes? Maybe you know a good website for recipes. I find that most are quite fattening/unhealthy. If you know of any or even a cookbook, please share here.
GO!

my son jakob is in kindergarten and bring his lunch to school
and I need some good ideas
he eats/ brings the following
sandwhich no peanut butter allowed and he wont eat the wow butter
crackers
cereal
pediasure
juice
oreos
as you can see pretty limited what works for your kiddos any tips or ideas would be great

My sons Speech therapist wants me to let her know which pictures I want for his PECS book. I would like a list that I can just go through and pick out the ones I think would be great for him. Does anyone know where I can find a list? I have searched on line and I am not getting any where. Or can someone please tell me which ones they use? Thank you :)