Ask the Community - Austin, TX

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01/27/2012 I am moving to Austin Tx and looking for a school for my 8 year old son. He has high functioning Autism. I am looking for a school where his needs can be met, and also want him around typical peers. Thanks Lynn see answers    email to a friend

01/23/2012 Neurodevelopmental Exercise Provider I am not sure if this is the correct section to post. I am just spreading the word. My son is 7 with high functioning autism. We hired an individual who has put together some exercises with him that targets his coordination, primitive reflexes, eye exercises and we have seen some great improvements. She is looking for a couple more kids to work with. She is looking primarily for someone who might have ADHD, Learning Disabilities, High Functioning Autism. She is looking for children that are able to somewhat follow simple directions. If you are interested you can contact her at kpiper0528@yahoo.com or email me if you want to know more. see answers    email to a friend

01/11/2012 Looking for a tutor for my 10 yr. old daughter. (Certified Teacher PLEASE) She is visually impaired and has learning delays. see answers    email to a friend

12/29/2011 Hello Buda/Kyle Area Parents, WE NEED A SCHOOL!!!! My husband and I are returning to Texas and we are raisuing a 6 year old who is considered to be High Function Austic. We are interested in looking for housing near the school that will provide and/or recieve speacial needs children with open arrms. Please respond with your thoughts and/or experence on schools in this area that serve autistic children. Mary see answers    email to a friend

11/29/2011 Growing Roots is offering a free hands-on class, "Reading your child's IEP". 12/13 for Spanish-speakers and 12/20 for English-speakers at the Terrazas Library from 10am-12:30pm. Contact us to RSVP at 512-240-2757 or email mph@growingrootsaustin.com. We are also looking for volunteers, contact us for more information or check out www.growingrootsaustin.com see answers    email to a friend

11/21/2011 I also wanted to add that she does receive SSI and medicaid. thanks see answers    email to a friend

11/21/2011 Hi all! Not sure how much traffic this site gets but here goes nothing. I recently moved to Pflugerville with my 21 year old daughter that has CdLS. I've been trying to get services for her through Austin Travis County Integral Care but it's a daunting task. We met with her service coordinator to hash out what kinds of services she is needing in order for me to get a job. I'm concerned that I won't be able to get fulltime care for her through the agency and I would like to know if I have any other options. The service coordinator relayed that on average most families get about 30 hours a month for community based and day hab programs. I'm needing to work full time and my daughter will have to be cared for in order for me to able to do that. I also have a 15 year son and I have to be able to work. Currently I am staying with my sister until I can get care lined up and get a job. This situation is extremely stressful for me and for her because she is so bored right now. Is full time care outside of a group home even an option here? Thanks in advance. see answers    email to a friend

10/19/2011 AISD is seeking volunteers for the AISD Special Olympics Program for 2011-2012 school year. If you and/or your organization are interested in volunteering, please contact Shalanda at 512-841-8336, or 512-841-8334. see answers    email to a friend

10/14/2011 Dear Sir or Madam, Do you know about and organizations or charities that can help me help finacially to purchase a handycap excessible van . i am wheel chair bound with health problems diabetes, narrowing of the spine in the neck area, cervical spine and lower lumbar disease, neuropathy in left foot, hypertention and fibormialgia. I would like my independance back. Mostly go back to work for Taylor Middle School with special Education Students. I have been a substitute teacher for five years. see answers    email to a friend

10/14/2011 Hi, my name is Dora, we live in Round Rock area, I have a 8 years old son, with moderate ADHD. I need find more friends for him to play in the Weekends, he is a sweet boy, but because of his small disability, he needs get new friends. Does anyone knows a special play group for his age? 512-423-8586. see answers    email to a friend

10/13/2011 Epic Medstaff is now providing Physical, Speech, & Occupational Therapy in Austin, Texas. We will continue to provide private duty nursing for medically fragile children. Please email mike.clark@epicmedstaff.com with any questions. see answers    email to a friend

10/04/2011 Hello! Thanks for your responses ahead of time.... I am moving to the Austin area from Boston. We have a 15 year old with PDD'NOS and AHDH. I am hoping someone can help me with the schools. He has come along way and I need a program that be structured. He is doing better in his academics with an occasional issue around discipline. He has been in a small school for all of his years in Boston and we do feel he might be ready for a larger school setting as long as it was structured with a small group setting for some subjects. If anyone has any help they could give us I would so appreciate it. THanks !!!! see answers    email to a friend

09/10/2011 Do you need to save money on autism and ADD/ADHD services, treatments, products - anything for our kids? We have started a online group buying site just like Groupon for Autism. It is called AutismDeals.com. Go online and sign up for free with your email address. Simple and easy. You will get deals saving you up to 70% off anything related to autism in your email. Please share with your friends. see answers    email to a friend

09/08/2011 Hi there Im Robert a 43 horseman and ranchhand in kerrville texas I have been married for 5 yrs...... I have had much trouble with employers,living,relationships etc and didnt know why..... my mother told me a few months ago that I hae had austism all my life but she never had me treated cause she and dad didnt want a problem child....then they divorced when I was 8......I recently met and got books from Temple Grandin herself.... WOW What a woman....My marriage is hurtin, I have a little boy inisde who needs help and this adult body is SO tired... marrieage is suffering and if wasnt for God, a praying wife and the hill country... I just dont know...Im not employed at the moment hard to find ranchwork for a couple....I just need somebody who might understand what Im going thru... I have many years to untangle in my mind and I need some help as does my spouse in understanding me.....you can email me at cattlepreacher@gmail.com or call me at 903-203-8528 Thank Robert see answers    email to a friend

08/16/2011 I have a 3 year old daughter that has been diagnose as PDD NOS, and my insurance denied ST and OT, I need help to know where I can go to find therapies that are low cost or free for people that makes enough money to pay bills but dont qualify for medicaid because of the income. I will appreciate if somebody can help me!!! see answers    email to a friend

08/11/2011 Hello I need help. I have a son with autism who is 14 years old. I haven't done any blood work on him since he was 6 . Now his doctor would like to do blood work and I could use any advice to help. I am not sure how he would react to that. He is taller than me and bigger. He gets anxious in stressful situations. We had to do Bailey Square visits for dental work and the hospital new to pull out the IV before he came to because he would pull it out if he saw it. I knew eventually the doctor would ask for this, I just truly don't know, can anyone give me some ideas or places that will be a good place to go. Jen see answers    email to a friend

08/08/2011 Hello. I was wondering if someone could provide m with information as it relates to this upcoming PPCD program for round rock isd. I have a special needs child with a diagnosis of autism and I feel strongly about placement for private education. I was informed that the school district teaches a technique of ABA but they are not certified BCBA. I also have concerns on the limited amount of services my child could receive. Any suggestions? see answers    email to a friend

08/08/2011 Hello. I was wondering if someone could provide m with information as it relates to this upcoming PPCD program for round rock isd. I have a special needs child with a diagnosis of autism and I feel strongly about placement for private education. I was informed that the school district teaches a technique of ABA but they are not certified BCBA. I also have concerns on the limited amount of services my child could receive. Any suggestions? see answers    email to a friend

07/21/2011 Continued from Pepsi Refresh information in previous post. See our website www.austinadventurers.org to see what our team is doing with kids with special needs when we are not in school. We NEED VOTES to get funded!! If you vote please send me an e-mail to let me know dimackey@austin.rr.com. I'd love to hear from you. Thank you Special Needs Neighborhood! Diane Mackey see answers    email to a friend

07/21/2011 Here is a way to support some kids with special needs in the Austin community. Will you HELP us by voting PLEASE? I am a special education teacher in Austin. I am losing an awesome, male, half time assistant due to the budget cuts in AISD. I am trying to be able to continue the services we currently provide to our students by finding money to pay for this amazing TA to continue his work with us. I have submitted a request to the Pepsi Refresh Project. The way this works is I submit the project and then I let the public know about it. We get people to VOTE for our project for one month. At the end of July the top 15 projects in my $10,000.00 category will be funded. Please take a look at my project at http://www.refresheverything.com/keepcoachrino There is a video to watch and information about what I am trying to do. If you like it, I'm hoping you will share it with your friends and VOTE like crazy until July 31st! There are three ways to vote: Sign up through the Pepsi website and VOTE Sign up through your facebook account on the Pepsi website and VOTE Text in your vote at 73774 and type in 107261 as your text. If you drink Pepsi you can buy specially marked cartons and get POWER VOTES which gives us extra votes :-) Vote every day through July 31. You can vote in all the ways listed above daily. Truly meeting the needs of our students with special needs takes special people who are experienced and care about our kids. This young man does! Please also check out www.aus see answers    email to a friend

07/20/2011 I thinking about moving to Austin in the future, I have 2 children (young men) ages 26 and 28. They both are absolutely incredbile sweet young men that have multiple special needs ranging from:Fragile X Syndrome, Tourette syndrome, Scoliosis, Early Onset Parkinson's, severe to moderate developmental disabilities. I need to find a house that is 3 bedroom 2 bath in a good neighborhood but can not afford much. I stay at home taking care of the kids through the grace of the Texas Medicaid Waiver Programs but everything is so expensive. I'm a single mom and want a better life for us. There is nothing in the area in which I currently live. I want ot move to Austin due to the friendlyness of the community, the ability to make a difference in the communities and to be close to Morgans Wonderland Park in San Antonio, TX. Please if anyone can help guide me with areas, hoses and prices I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you with all my heart see answers    email to a friend

07/10/2011 I am currently moving to the Austin (southwest) area and am looking for a good day hab for my 23 year old son with multiple disabilities. He does not speak (very much) but is fairly high functioning (toileting, eating, dressing). He would need constant supervision, help with most tasks (staying focused) and have activities to keep him busy and to continue learning. Does anyone have any ideas, contacts etc...? I would rather not have him in a large program - 10 to 15 people in the program would work best for him. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! mcmullic see answers    email to a friend

06/29/2011 I am located in Round Rock (as said in my previous post) I am quite concerned about my son socially. I think he is having a lot of issues and what is worse, is smart enough to know that he's having a hard time. He is 3 1/2, but very bright. He has a hard time coming up with the appropriate phrases and words to say when he meets new kids or when kids try to talk to him he gets introverted, and a few other issues. Does anyone know of a great social group we could join with someone, such as a therapist to help guide children or help coach parents to help their children to learn how to socialize with more ease and confidence? Please let me know. Also willing to travel around the area. Thank you, Lisa see answers    email to a friend

06/29/2011 Hi my name is Lisa and I have a son who is 3 1/2 with SPD and a daughter who is 1 who is typical. I am needing help in finding a OT with a calm, gentle, respectful manner towards children. Being patient is also great but an OT that somewhat specializes or works with children who have a lot of anxiety. I live in Round Rock and would love to stay local but at this point with my son's behavior getting to be very difficult on a daily basis for us both I'm willing to travel wherever in the surrounding areas. Or would love "in home" as well. Also we are looking for an excellent speech therapist come middle of July as the one we love is leaving her current practice to go work with a school district. Currently a lot of our issues with my son are concerns in socially- so, social stories or how to talk with other children/people, as well as working through emotions- ex. naming the emotion, being able to communicate what he is feeling and keeping his voice tone under control. Same as above we don't require a specific location, north would be great or in home but it's not a requirement. And last but not least we are looking for a play therapist. Our current parenting is gentle discipline, and we implement a lot of "Attachment Parenting " (Dr. Sears) practices in our child rearing. So we are looking for someone who is sensitive to the child with a very respectful approaches. Thank you, Lisa see answers    email to a friend

06/29/2011 Hi Just moved to austin. I am looking for a pediatrician that has an integrated approach to health.... Hollistic and traditional medicine mix... thanks see answers    email to a friend

05/27/2011 hello, we are military stationed @ dyess afb (abilene, tx), however, there isn't a dr here in abilene that does the autism spectrum disorder testing. we have family in the austin area & would like to come to austin for testing. we are trying to find someone who #1 takes our insurance (tricare prime) and #2 can diagnose autism spectrum disorders. can anyone make any recommendations on who is good at this? i'm not sure if this info is helpful or not, but our son is 8, he has been diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome, adhd & sensory integration disorder. his pedi strongly feels he has asperger's, but she can't make diagnosis. we tried to let the school system do the testing and that was a nightmare. the dr our pedi rec's does not take our insurance. thank you for your time & help. :) see answers    email to a friend

05/02/2011 Hi..We have a three year old moderate autistic child. I am looking for some social activities gymnastics, dance or music in the north round rock/pflugerville, or even north austin area. Any suggestions? see answers    email to a friend

04/21/2011 We are a military family getting ready to move to the Austin area. I have 3 children, but my middle schooler has ADHD and Asperger's (high functioning). I need to make sure he gets into the right school/district that is very accommodating. He's on a 504 plan but is borderline IEP. We chose to go gen. ed vs. spec. ed. but sometimes I regret it!! Anyhow, if anyone could please steer me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it. We are looking at Leander ISD. see answers    email to a friend

04/10/2011 Forgot to add that all special needs kids would be welcome to the co op. This idea is the solution to many problems and would save on very expensive cost as well. Perhaps if we get enough parents to work together we could start our own school. Thanks - Grant Hays see answers    email to a friend

04/10/2011 Greta and Grant Hays are looking for other parents to start a co op with in Austin. If we get 5 parent groups with autistic children we could take turns watching the kids and free up 4 days for the other parents. With all the complications of day care and school this idea seems ideal. Parents are the experts and often more educated about these issues. Our community is divided, if we work together all our lives would be easier and more fun with the friends made. We have two autistic sons Jack and Dylan. If you search in google - Spot the Diplomat and Jack Hays - you will see some news articles about our family moving to Texas. We adopted a horse for therapy which helps our sons. Please contact me if you are interested in this concept or know anyone that could benefit from the idea. Look forward to speaking with y'all. Sincerely - Grant - radiohays@gmail.com see answers    email to a friend

03/23/2011 Hi Moving back to Austin this summer. Have a son 6.5 yrs old who is high functioning autism. Looking for either a relaxed environment small ratio private school or a homeschool supplement school for him. Looking for a gymnastics facility that is welcoming to his capabilities.. and other extra curricular activities for him. thanks see answers    email to a friend

03/16/2011 Does anyone have any comments or information about personal experience with Dr. Glen Luepnitz? I would like to see him as a nutritionist. He has been referred to me by a friend. see answers    email to a friend

02/20/2011 My family is relocating this summer to the Austin area from Wisconsin. Our daughter is 9 yes old. She has cerebral palsy and seizures. Any info anyone has on resources such as schools...therapy centers...doctors/specialists...and Medicaid waiver programs would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Dani  see answers    email to a friend

02/13/2011 My son is 29 months old with Dx of PDD/NOS. He has several hundred words. He has issues with expressive speech. Both his doctor and I agree that a really good speech therapist is the key for him. Does anyone know of some really good speech therapist that work with children on the spectrum? We haven't had a lot of luck with our speech therapist. see answers    email to a friend

01/27/2011 My son is 4yo and has a visual impairment with sensory issues. We are looking to move to Austin in May or June. What are some schools best for special needs children? see answers    email to a friend

01/09/2011 Hello everyone, I have a beautiful 2 year old that was dx with mild autism last month. Currently he is going to OT/Speech therapy twice a week since September. We started ABA therapy a few hours a week in December. I have researched ABA therapy, and been implementing it at home and everyday life to the best of my ability. He can say several hundreds words at this time. He has difficult with his expressive speech. He has restrictive eye contact, shows joint attention, pretend play skills, and good imtation skills. He wants to be social with other children, but gets frustrated when unable to relate or pick up on social cues. I live in SouthWest Austin, and was wondering if anyone has a child that sounds similar to my child for a playdays using our ABA therapist to help them socially interact. We would also like to have a typical developing child a few years older that is laid back for a playdays. Please let me know if anyone is interested or knows of any playgroups we can attend as well.. see answers    email to a friend

01/02/2011 i have an 11 year old daughter who is PPD NOS. / high performing austic. we live in terry town and are very interested in any community social activities. does anyone have any ideas. a see answers    email to a friend

12/19/2010 My sister-in-law and her 2 sons are moving to town in about a month. Her oldest who is 3 has ADHD. I was wondering if anyone knows an affordable daycare that has people that know how to teach children with ADD/ADHD. I am open to any ideas. :) see answers    email to a friend

12/13/2010 Hello, my name Is Whitney. I am willing to put my hands to work, to passionately share a language, that may give your child the chance to express and communicate, through what is called American Sign Language. I am open to work with parents with Deaf, Heard of Hearing, non verbal children. If you have any interest or questions please reach me at : whitni05@sbcglobal.net. Thank you see answers    email to a friend

12/05/2010 I am new to the Round Rock area and am having trouble finding an MS support group. Does anyone know where I can find one? see answers    email to a friend

11/20/2010 Hello everyone, I have a 6 year old boy who is "on the spectrum," although very high functioning. He has been tested and has strong traits of ADHD, but the doctor said not enough to be put on medication. Additionally, he goes to OT twice a week for sensory issues and auditory processing issues. He just started kindergarten this year. I am REALLY looking for a support group for moms with children like this to connect with, share ideas, resources, etc! Please contact me at cindy@cindylevit. com if you are interested! Thank you so much- Cindy see answers    email to a friend

11/17/2010 Hello All! :) I have twin Autistic 13yr olds. I have, only days ago, decided to home-school them. Does anyone have any idea where I would start? I have no clue. I've removed them due to a Assault by threat charge that was brought against one of them by his Focus Teacher @ school. I'm at my wits end here! If anyone knows of an advocate that would be willing to represent my son in court, I would greatly appreciate the suggestion. My email addy is glendag32@yahoo.com. GOD Bless u and ur lil ones! see answers    email to a friend

11/16/2010 i'm a house wife and i have a nine year old son with autism. he goes to school he's in fourth grade and he has lots of tantrums. they try different tools to calm him down. but sometimes doesn't work. i need someone to show me different tools to help my autism son.i need someone to help me with my autism son. i want help please. what can i do. see answers    email to a friend

11/11/2010 My daughter's pediatrician just told me he is leaving private practice to become a hospital doctor. I am needing to find a new pediatrician in the Austin/Bastrop area for my daughter that has down syndrome. She is 20 months and also has an ASD. I need a doctor that is going to get on board with her current plan. Any suggestions???\\ see answers    email to a friend

10/26/2010 I'm looking for a young adult group for autistic people in austin texas. see answers    email to a friend

10/13/2010 I am from The Mimi Founation. We have bi monthly play groups, 5 days a week support group, and special nights out once a month. We provide assistive/services and devices for special needs children. Please check out our website www.themimifoundation.com about all we do for the Austin community. see answers    email to a friend

10/07/2010 My son was recently diagnosed with a moderate to severe form of Autism. he is 2 years old and his doctor reccommend he have a minimum of 2 days a week of outpatient intensive OT and ST. we live in a small hill country town called Kingsland and there arent many resources nearby so we would like to move somewhere around austin. Can anyone please suggest a pediatric orriented facility to take my son for his outpatient OT and ST?? also can anyone tell be the best areas in austin to live that is very close to any Autism resources or services?? i have family that lives around the Oak Hill area and its really the only part of austin i know. is the oak hill area a good place? Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

10/06/2010 Does anyone have a child with autism, Asperger's, PDD, PDD-Nos, or Non-verbal learning disability and would like to help their child with their play and social development? We are now offering group therapy that uses fun, age-appropriate play activities to help our students make tremendous progress in language development, play skills, and social interactions. Please call Amy 512-326-4699 for more info about our services and rates. see answers    email to a friend

10/01/2010 Hi there! I am the dance instructor at Regents School of Austin where the students learn to be warriors and servants for God. A part of the academic program is for the students to come up with a ministerium project in which they spend their time and talents helping others. I have some high school level dance students that would like to perform and teach a dance workshop for area special needs children. Is there an organization that I may contact in order to set up something like this? If the children enjoy it, then I could certainly see this being a regular event as it is also a passion of mine. I appreciate your feedback. Cammie O'Hara see answers    email to a friend

09/22/2010 I am planning a move to the Austin area and I have a 9 y/o son with Down syndrome. He is very high functioning and is accostomed to inclusion. However, he has a strict behavior plan that requires staff to be well trained. I am interested in any experiences anyone can share about specific elementary and middle schools in both the Leander and Round Rock ISDs. Any input would be great! see answers    email to a friend

08/09/2010 I have a 7 year old boy who was diagnose with Cerebral Palsy at birth. I have been fighting with his pediatrician about his weight. His weights fluctuates from 30-36 pounds and his dietitian says he looks healthy and is doing fin but his pedi is trying to convince me he's too skinny and needs a feeding tube. Now, a child with any special needs gets accustomed to certain things and they like routine. Well in my case, my son loves eating. This is one thing he knows how to do that I don't want to take from him. Any one have any advice on foods? On calorie builders? On another pediatrician? see answers    email to a friend

07/21/2010 My family is planning to move to Austin soon and we have 2 boys with autism. What are the best school districts and which ones should we avoid? see answers    email to a friend

07/14/2010 My son is 23. He has Asperger's and receives SSI and Medicaid. His Medicaid is Star-Plus/Evercare HMO. He needs a general dentist and an oral surgeon who take Medicaid. So far, our only option is a county clinic and the wait time for an appt. is 3-4 months!!! He needs his wisdom teeth removed. He has good teeth and I have been paying out of pocket for his routine, twice a year checkups. I can't afford to pay for wisdom teeth removal. The Scirex research study group won't take him. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, JO see answers    email to a friend

06/12/2010 Does anyone know if there is a place in Austin TX that sells kids chairs (similar to those you would find in a school)? I'd like to purchase several kid-sized chairs and I'm having trouble finding an actual place that I could buy them (instead of having to order them online). Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

06/12/2010 This is a random question....but I run a play therapy group for children with autism and we're in desperate need of action figures for the boys to play with. I tried to purchase some at Target, but they are sooooo expensive. Does anyone know where I can buy action figures for cheap $? Or does anyone have any action figures they'd be willing to sell in bulk for a reasonable price...or even donate to us and our program? Any help is greatly appreciated :) see answers    email to a friend

05/10/2010 I have a 9 year old boy who has an eating disorder. He thinks he is fat and will only eat food that has a specific calorie about. Does anyone have any recommendation for a nutrition doctor who deals with eating disorders in boys. Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

04/26/2010 I am looking to see if there is any special needs private school for children with autism or any special needs social skiils camp for the summer. I would like some info on this. My daughter is 11 and is a student of Round Rock ISD. I am also not happy with the transfer to the middle school and I am having a lot of trouble with the school and I am hoping for a transfer to another middle school but is seems like I have to fight the system I taught the school district would be more cooperative need help in that I am also looking for an ot therapist or a student to work with my daughter over the summer. Pls email me at ravipadu@hotmail.com or call me at 512 335-7538 see answers    email to a friend

04/12/2010 I am looking for somme activities and entrtainment for my 27 yr old daughter who has autism. She has OCD and it makes it difficult at times to attend certain activities or functions. I'd like some places or activities that are specially geared towards adults with autism whre she can mingle and have fun. She goes to A Day Hab during the week. We need info for evening and weekend things.Anyone have any info to share? Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

04/09/2010 Does anyone have experience with Language and Movement clinic in Austin??? Any kind of feedback would be appreciated.. Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

03/31/2010 I have a one year old son who has some developmental delays with his social and communication skills. He is too young for a diagnosis of ASD (or anything else really) and has made major progress since we started private and state (Easter Seals) intervention services four months ago. Still, this whole process has been pretty difficult for me and my husband. I'm wondering if there are any support groups for babies with developmental delays in the Austin area? I know there are autism support groups, but my son is too young for an autism diagnosis and he might not even have autism, so I'm not sure we "belong" in those groups at this point. Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

03/30/2010 Hello, My name is Nancy Fullerton. I am a Special Education teacher in the Austin area and I am interested in creating a resource center for special needs children and their families. I wanted to know if there are parents that have an interest in this? This is my passion, and I really want to make a difference. Please, feel free to email me at nschaare@yahoo.com. Thanks!! see answers    email to a friend

03/19/2010 My name is Emily and I have a four year old son who was thought to be Autistic and accepted into the Round Rock school districts special needs program. Since being in the program the instructors no longer believe him to be Autistic but there is what they have labeled signs of a pervasive learning disorder. He is only at the Round Rock program for a few hours a day and the rest of the time he is at a traditional day care. However, they daycare setting is no longer working for my son. The teachers don't have the manpower or the knowledge of how to teach him and our fear is that everything he is learning during the day at the Round Rock program is being wasted when he gets to his day care. So I am now researching a day care that would be a better fit with a child with learning disabilities. My son has some traits very similar to high functioning Autism, he doesn't do well with transition times, he can become over stimulated very easily, he doesn't relate to children very easily, and he can be engrossed in a project or a task for hours. The biggest problem for the school is that my son knows how to potty and can go by himself, but he won't. We have to make sure he is going in the potty and we have to stay on him about it all day. The daycares are not equipped with the personal to dedicate enough time. I feel like I have hit a wall with his school and was shocked to find that the school was also not equipped with the resources that they could give a parent in my position see answers    email to a friend

02/23/2010 Hi, I'm the owner and founder of a new program for children with autism and other special needs- the Autism Early Learning Center www.autismelc.com. Currently we provide mostly home services, but I am looking to create a small "Social Skills Summer Camp" program for this summer. Anyone know of any available rental space in the Austin, TX area? The place has to be licensed/approved for childcare services. I've called some local churches, but couldn't think of any other types of places to look into...It would be a small camp- at most, servicing 12 students. Thanks! Amy see answers    email to a friend

02/22/2010 I am currently doing research on the perceived treatment of people with special needs in the greater Austin area. I will later do comparison work in Guatemala City, Guatemala (two very different places.) I would like to interview professionals who work with people with special needs locally. Does anyone have any suggestions or connections I could use? Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

02/17/2010 Can anyone recommend a good reliable nutritionist? I'd like to see if my child is intolerant to any foods & if we should cut anything out of his diet. I googled Glen Luepnitz (listed on this website) and he had an association with an Olympic doping scandal which has me a bit concerned to go to him. Any other suggestions or positive experiences w/him?? My son is 5 & has aspergers & adhd. Hoping to curb some of the adhd issues.... Thanks!! see answers    email to a friend

01/26/2010 We are looking for a special needs playground in the Austin area...those that are equipped and safe for children with autism, specifically. Are there any in the area? see answers    email to a friend

01/26/2010 My name is Johna Boone and I'm looking for a school for my son. He has adhd and does not do good in public schools. I'm wanting to know if there are any schools in Austin that deal with special needs kids. He is 14 years old. I was going to home school him then I got a job offer that I really need to take. At this point we live on his dissibility checks and there is not enough money. I want to put him in a school where he can't get more one on one or where he can work at his own pace. Please help Thank you Johna Boone see answers    email to a friend

01/21/2010 My husband and I are looking at ICF-MR residential homes for our adult MR son. We just toured an Edu-care facility. Someone wrote about their son being at a Kenmar group home and I was wanting to know if anyone had any experience with edu-care. We would also like to know about other MHMR contracted ICF facilities if anyone had knowledge of them. We are not at the top of the HCS/Class list yet, so the ICF is, at this time, our only option. Anything I can learn about them will be helpful. Thank you. see answers    email to a friend

01/16/2010 Hi all, I am looking for a place to purchase a weighted blanket in the Austin area. I know there are online resources for this, but i'd like one asap! Thanks! Amy see answers    email to a friend

01/12/2010 Hello, My family is moviing to either Round Rock or Georgetown. I would appreciate any information on the school system in either town. My child is a 6th grader with moderate autism. Also, is there a special needs private schools in the area? Any advice or suggestions are welcome and needed. Thanks. Angela see answers    email to a friend

01/09/2010 Where can I find caregivers to care for a special needs child in a wheelchair? I'm trying to find a person for roughly 20 hours a week to provide feeding and hygiene as well as entertain/play with a child with cerebral palsy. Any leads would be most appreciated! see answers    email to a friend

01/07/2010 Does anyone's child who goes to AISD receive individual one on one speech therapy, or is it all group? If so, which campuses do individidual, just curious. see answers    email to a friend

12/03/2009 Down Home Ranch is looking for Poinsettia Volunteers - Spending time with family, working together to build something new - is there a better way to spend a day? The Ranch provides many opportunities for families to work together. It's like being in the midst of Santa's workshop: a sea of beautiful poinsettias with fellow workers cleaning, foiling, bagging, hauling, carting and loading up thousands and thousands of plants. Delivery drivers are needed as well. Come enjoy music, banana bread, coffee and more when you volunteer to help with Ranch's crop of '09 "points". Volunteers needed 12/6-12/10. Email Cari if you can help at: cari@downhomeranch.org see answers    email to a friend

12/03/2009 Donate to Easter Seals of Central Texas through its "Cartridges For Kids" campaign. Get cash for your used printer cartridges and used cell phones. Visit - http://www.centraltx.easterseals.com for more info. see answers    email to a friend

12/03/2009 Volunteers needed for Town and Country Optimist Club Christmas Tree Sale - Once again this year the folks that Miracle League for special needs children will be helping the downtown Austin Optimist Club sell Christmas trees at the lot located at Lamar and San Gabriel, just south of 29th Street. - The Christmas tree lot is open from 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. weekdays, and 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. weekends. Proceeds from sales of Christmas trees and wreaths benefit T&C and many other Austin youth service organizations. T&C are the folks responsible for MIRACLE LEAGUE, a Baseball league for special needs kids between the ages of 4 and 19. Look for our T&C volunteers when you visit the lot. If you are interested in volunteering to work at the tree lot please contact the T&C office at 331-0438. see answers    email to a friend

11/13/2009 I am a Certified Nurse's Aide with 3 1/2 years experience in Pediatrics. I dearly love taking care of my special needs/CPMR patients and am very interested in at home care, but finding a job like that when you are not an RN or LVN seems to be difficult. I was wondering if anyone knew of an agency or another contact that may be able to place me with a special child. I can envision taking care of one special child for their lifetime. Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thank you! Debbie see answers    email to a friend

11/09/2009 Does anyone have experience with young adults with Autism in a church setting? I am serving on our church's special needs ministry team and we have a young man who is transitioning out of our children's ministry. He is about 22 years old and we are having a difficult time transitioning him from the children's ministry to the adult ministry. Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated! Please email me back with ideas. martiot@yahoo.com see answers    email to a friend

11/09/2009 Does anyone have experience with young adults with Autism in a church setting? I am serving on our church's special needs ministry team and we have a young man who is transitioning out of our children's ministry. He is about 22 years old and we are having a difficult time transitioning him from the children's ministry to the adult ministry. Any suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated! Please email me back with ideas. martiot@yahoo.com see answers    email to a friend

10/28/2009 Are there any "closed shops" in Austin that accept workers with MR or severe physical disabilities? I believe these vocational sites are on the way out but it has been suggested that there may still be a few around. see answers    email to a friend

10/25/2009 Hi, Has anyone had their child diagnosed with apraxia of speech or verbal apraxia? Would you like to help in creating a local supprt group for families? As it is, I cannot seem to find any locally, only in other cities/states. see answers    email to a friend

10/14/2009 Hello, We are considering a job transfer to the Austin area from up north. We currently have a school district that provides a 1:1 aide with no problems, and we have been "told" that there is no way a school in Texas will ever do this for us. Can any of you please comment on whether or not your public school system provides classroom aides for asd children without having to go through a major ordeal? Thank you, Susan see answers    email to a friend

10/06/2009 Does anyone know of a source to come to my house to give my Aicardi Syndrome 13 yr old her flu shots? She is in a wheelchair; I don't have a van; and there seems to be long waits for flu vacs in pharmacys. I wanted 45 min for mine. If I ride public Austin transit, I'm afraid of being stranded somewhere and unable to get home. She's too heavy for me/or anyone to carry her in and hold her "dead weight" until called in line. ugh...I'm getting frustrated. I've been trying to find a way for two weeks now. see answers    email to a friend

09/30/2009 My husband & I are working on a will, but the first lawyer we contacted decided that she was not able to help us with our estate planning because we need a special needs trust worked into the will for one of our three kids. Our middle child has Opitz Syndrome and MR, and will likely never live independently. I noticed two law offices listed on this website, but does anyone have a personal recommendation for us? Thank you friend! see answers    email to a friend

09/24/2009 Hello! We are currently re-locating from Ca. Our daughter is 7 and is autistic (high functioning). We are not limited by areas or school districts since I work from home. We need to find a great school/special needs classroom with a 1:1 aide (she currently has wonderful services out here, including in home tutoring/ot/speech and we even get respite care, 24 hours a month from our regional center) Do you have those services here in Austin? If so, how do I get started? what is a good school? Respite? I would so truly appreciate any info! Thanks sincerely! see answers    email to a friend

09/02/2009 looking for a good behaviorist that takes medicaid. it would be awesome in home but what ever I can find. see answers    email to a friend

08/18/2009 I am wanting to know if there is a reputable and fun therapy center in the vicinity of Steiner Ranch (620/2222) that provides OT, PT and possibly speech for my daughter who is 14 years of age. We took a sabatical from private therapy and are wanting to get back into it. Any suggestions?? Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

08/17/2009 I am seeking ideas and advice. I am a credentialed special education teacher who is burnt out on the pubilc system of Special education. However, I do not want to give up teaching. I love helping children learn and succeed. Does anyone know of private schools, homeschool situations, or other options for working with special needs children? I am fluent in ASL, and have experience and references. Thank you see answers    email to a friend

08/14/2009 Does anyone have information on special needs transportation within LISD? My son has been a part of LISD for 2.5 years and was bussed from our daycare to his school morning and noon. Now that he is older and is going all day, they tell me that they can not provide either to his daycare (technically his daycare is in another school zone - same district, but different school zone). Any help would be appreciated. see answers    email to a friend

08/12/2009 Are there any support groups for children with verbal apraxia, I can't seem to find any. Thanks. see answers    email to a friend

07/17/2009 My 8 year old daughter has been diagnosed recently with expressive and receptive language disabilities. The evaluator felt that it was mostly cognitive in nature and her iq tested at 70. She seems completely normal in every way other than than the struggle she has with learning. I have homeschooled her to this point but man of those that have worked with her seem to think she would thrive in a school environment. My question is..what grade do I put her in? She should be agewise going into 3rd grade in the fall but she is really at a mid first grade level. Also, I don't feel good about putting her in a public school but can't find a christian school which will take kids with special needs. Can someone help me with this? Do you know of a Christian school with a special needs program and how do I determine the correct grade for her? Thanks so much! see answers    email to a friend

07/13/2009 Looking for local support groups. My name is Sarah and I am a single mother of three, one having cerebral palsy. I was hoping to get some recommendations.... see answers    email to a friend

07/11/2009 MOVING HELP! I live in San Antonio, TX and we are moving to a rural area near Temple, TX. My 7yo daughter is undiagnosed with deveopmental delays and NOT on the autism spectrum but has some similar tendancies. She currently receives private therapy, hippotherapy, and is educated with peers. Moving to a smaller town with limited services, can anyone give me resources in the area? I have the names of a couple of doctors but nothing else, just names...any personal experiences shared is very much appreciated. Thanks! M see answers    email to a friend

07/10/2009 I have a 7 y/o son diagnosed with ADHD and learning delayed. I would like to find a camp or resource that can provide some help with getting some academic skills in place and increase his confidence. I am afraid that he will be dismissed during the school year, rather than attende to, so I want to give him as much support as I can whilebefore school kicks in. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. He loves music and would love for him to take lessons but I need a resource that is patient and understands some about ADHD, behavior and development concerns. Please e-mail me at: doctora@platicasymas.com Thanks, Selia see answers    email to a friend

06/29/2009 We are relocating to Georgetown / Liberty Hill ISD is our zoned school district. Our 4 y/o son is PDD-NOS and I'm wondering if anyone could give us feedback, negative or positive, on the PPCD program at Liberty Hill Elementary? Please share any experience or advice for special needs preK children in this area. Many thanks in advance! see answers    email to a friend

06/05/2009 Our family may relocate to Austin. We have a 3 yr old son and an 18 month old son with down syndrome. What are the best school districts for inclusion and services? Currently I am interested in Austin ISD and Eanes ISD. Are there private schools for children with intellectual disabilities? Also, are their better counties to be in for Early Intervention? Medically related - Do people use specialists in Austin or surrounding cities like Houston and San Antonio (specifically for ENT, Cardiology)? I am very encouraged to have found the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas and the Down Home Ranch online. Thanks for feedback :) Suzanne Wilson see answers    email to a friend

06/05/2009 My name is Jordan Peterson, I am a high school Junior (rising Senior) who has been working with children (pre-k to post high) with autism and other intellectual disabilities for five years. I will be applying to college for Special Education in the fall and have found that this is my true passion. Since I moved to Austin about a year ago I haven't been able to find and opportunities to work with this population via employment (which obviously would be ideal) or volunteering. I've worked both in and out of the classroom setting and am looking to babysit, work with, play with, tutor kids of any age with any severitiy this summer. I have ample experience, have worked with children with multiple disabilities (mentally handicap & blind etc..), am learning Sign Language, have dealt with communication techniques such as PECS and others and am familar with other systems used in teaching children. Please, please contact me if you know anyone in need of tese services, I'm available all summer and dedicated. I really would like to spend my time contributing to an individuals life, like I know they contribute to mine. Thank You! Jordan Peterson fliesbackwards@gmail.com see answers    email to a friend

06/03/2009 I have a daughter with Down Syndrome who is 4 years old. Traditional daycare in no way shape or form can "meet the needs" of my daughter. I am not certain if typically developing children are having their needs met either. The child to adult ratios are unacceptable. I can't fathom having more than 6 toddlers at once and being able to get them fed, changed, entertained, educated, spend the time "emotion coaching" potty training, Maybe pre-K kiddos, but I have substituted in classrooms ranging from 12 to 25 pre-K children and felt like I could have done SO much more if the ratio was 8 at this age level etc. Anyway, I am willing to babysit this summer if I am unable to find a babysitter so I can go off to work. As I mentioned I have a 4 yr old non-verbal daughter. I try and do as much speech therapy exercises throughout the day as possible. My home is baby proof since Mary eats paper cardboard and crayons. She can use markers and we have magna doodle. I have a small apartment jammed full of toys and educational materials. Laminated flashcards are Mary's favorite. I am big on literacy and have faith that even though my daughter cannot spit out much information she is taking much of it in and will learn to read if given the right tools to do so. If I were in a better financial situation and had a House I would open "Mary's" house. A TRUE non-profit cooperative parent driven faciity with the ability to handle the most difficult behaviors. I am going to make this one see answers    email to a friend

05/08/2009 Hello! I live in SW Austin area. I have 2 boys, one will be 6 soon and he was diagnosed w/ ASD, and my 4 yr old is typical. I'm having difficulty finding child care that suits them both. My 6 yr old is verbal, but does need someone who is patient and can provide redirection. I'm having difficulty finding employment as it is difficult to locate good care for them. Does anyone know of a child care facility that is accommodating to special needs, or (since I can't find a job) is anyone seeking care for a child with moderate special needs. I would be willing to provide care over the summer and make that my job. :-) If anyone is interested or has info, you can email me at v4benson@yahoo.com. see answers    email to a friend

05/04/2009 Goodwill Industries is offering a youth program for teens with disabilities. The program is 5 weeks and it involves job readiness, employment in the community for 8 hours per day with 8 hours pay and transportation to work sites. Job coaches will be available. Contact Tanya at 512-637-7139 for more information. see answers    email to a friend

05/01/2009 Are there any support groups or families with speech disorder children (i.e, expressive/receptive, not autistic or autistic spectrum), who may or may not homeschool? see answers    email to a friend

04/21/2009 Does anyone know of a volunteer organization that would pair me up with a young adult who has special needs? My children and I would love to take him/her out for ice cream or do other fun activities with him/her about once or twice a month. see answers    email to a friend

04/21/2009 I am a local occupational therapist who is looking for various resources regarding swimming lessons for children with special needs in the Austin and surrounding areas. I have several parents looking for an instructor or program that would work with water safety as well as learning the basic strokes. If any of you have had a good or bad experience I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

04/17/2009 I am a mother of a 6 year old daughter who has ADHD and ODD and an 8 year old son who has ADHD , Bipolar and FAS. My children are currently not on medication due to difficulty finding a decent doctor that accepts Medicaid. I am a CNA that also takes care of my husband on disability and I really need so help. Any suggestions please contact me back at Andresmommie@yahoo.com. Thank You see answers    email to a friend

04/16/2009 Parents of children with autism: Hi! I am currently conducting a survey, and I would truly appreciate your help. Please follow this link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=XZ_2fgOl9dgwGn_2bKHNzlKqpg_3d_3d Dear Parent, Hello. My name is Michelle Skrobarczyk, and I am a graduate student at Texas A&M University-Kingsville pursuing my Master’s degree to become a speech pathologist. I am writing to ask for your help in filling out a short survey that will help me and other researchers answer questions about the timing of diagnoses of autism. Specifically, the purpose of this survey is to determine whether there is a significant discrepancy between when first symptoms of autism are noticeable and the diagnosis of autism. There is no immediate benefit for you in filling out the survey, but by completing the survey you would be providing information that could potentially help us gain a better understanding of the time it takes to diagnose autism, which could potentially help other children and families afflicted by autism. This survey does not require that you give your name, so your identity will be kept completely confidential. This survey should only be completed by the parent or parents of a child with a diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. One survey should be completed per child with autism. Participation in this survey is strictly voluntary. By filling out this form and returning it, you are informally agreeing to participate in this survey. see answers    email to a friend

04/08/2009 After looking at prices on weighted blankets online, I decided to make some for my autistic son myself. Now that I know how to make them, I would love to make more for other children. I've not decided on prices yet, but I would not charge more than $75 for a twin-size blanket, or $20 for a lap pad. I can also make weighted vests and stuffed animals. If you are interested, you can e-mail me at bryndyllyn@yahoo.com. Thanks. see answers    email to a friend

04/01/2009 This is a Wonderful opportunity for an experienced, compassionate live-in caregiver. I am a caregiver in Dallas, Texas. I am helping a friend who is resides just outside of Austin to find the right live-in caregiver for her24 yr old daughter with special needs. Her parents feel very strongly about not placing her in an urban-model group home when she aged out of public education. About four years ago, they purchased some acreage in the Hill Country outside of Austin, renovated the main house for their daughter and built a smaller guest home for themselves. They felt that This way, they could comfortably provide a live-in assistant or two, she could still be close by, but as independent as possible. She is in a Medicaid-Waiver program which allows her to have a full-time assistant for her very full days (she also puts in her time at the local county courthouse shredding documents, which she LOVES) plus about 5 hours a week of rec therapy. In addition, there are nearly two weekends per month of respite care. All of this is established, but they are still looking to fill the position of the live-in. They are looking for someone to make a commitment to live in, rent-free with a monthly $600 from the State to assist their daughter in the mornings and evenings. Days would be free to pursue other employment and/or education and since the parents are close by to lend a hand, they are very flexible with times. I know the right person for this labor of love is out there see answers    email to a friend

03/30/2009 We are seeking Special Needs Neighborhood.com Ambassadors to help us get-out-the-word about Special Needs Neighborhood.com in your locality. These are volunteer positions. You will receive a Special Needs Neighborhood.com t-shirt and Special Needs Neighborhood.com goodies to share with your local community. Contact me at kim@specialneedsneighborhood.com to express your interest. Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

03/19/2009 I have a 4 yr old boy with sensory disorder and development delays. He's getting help, but I need some! Are there parents with special needs kids out there talking? Please direct me to some support meetings for parents. I live in Cedar Creek and not far from south or central Austin. Thank you. see answers    email to a friend

03/06/2009 Do you love children? Total Communication is looking for a creative, fun loving occupational therapist with 3-5 years experience to join our therapeutic team. We are committed to providing high quality therapy in a child oriented environment. Responsibilities include providing evaluations and treatment for children 0-17. Experience in sensory integration a must. Applicants may e-mail resumes to tammyclark1@me.com or fax 512-444-3320 see answers    email to a friend

03/05/2009 I am a mother of a 2 year old boy who has bilateral Cochlear Implants. I am in desperate need of some speech therapy for him. He sees ECI but I don't feel he is getting what he needs. I live in the Fort Hood area and there isn't many options. If anyone could please help me find some place that I can take him to help him listen, talk, or even sign it would be greatly appreciated! I am willing to drive anywhere for services! Oh, and he has had the implants for almost a year and I am not having any luck. Anytime I ask for resources I am pushed aside and never given any help. see answers    email to a friend

03/05/2009 Did you know that a Special Needs Cub Scout Den is forming in Round Rock? We will meet one-time each week. We are seeking interested boys, grades 1-5, with disabilities/special needs, who can attend meetings regularly with a parent. Contact Jennifer for more information: caliban@ganymeda.com. see answers    email to a friend

03/03/2009 I have a one year old and I am wondering if there are daycare centers in Austin that are more sensitive to developmental delays than others. Any information or suggestions on questions to ask when evaluating daycare centers is appreciated. see answers    email to a friend

02/26/2009 I currently have my 3 year old on the waiting list for an appt with one of the Neurologists at Specially for Children in Austin. We are seeking a dx, probable PDD-NOS, for insurance purposes. Initially it was recommended that we see a Developmental Pediatrician. The only D.Pedis on my insurance plan are located in San Antonio. Is this a better fit? Should we make the drive and seek services there or stick with the Neuro? see answers    email to a friend

02/26/2009 We're relocating to Austin and are looking for a school for our 5-year-old daughter who has Asperger's Syndrome. We've heard wonderful things about the Zilker School. Does anyone have any feedback about the school to share positive or negative? see answers    email to a friend

02/26/2009 we are looking at schools right now and do not feel that public school is the right direction for our daughter. we are trying to search for financial aide and scholarships/grants for private schools that are appropriate for her needs but we are having a super difficult time. any resources for funding would be greatly appreciated. thanks, leah see answers    email to a friend

02/11/2009 The Austin Area Association of Speech-Language Pathologists (AAASLP) gives a Client Scholarship of up to $500 each year to a client who is receiving services (either school-based or private) from a member of our organization. If a parent in the Austin area would like to apply, please ask your child's speech pathologist if he/she is a member of AAASLP. If he/she is, ask if she would be willing to submit your child's name for consideration for the scholarship. The due date for the application from the speech therapist to the AAASLP committee is April 9th. see answers    email to a friend

01/07/2009 I am a mother of a 7 year old, wonderful little boy with autism, who is also non-verbal. We live in the Ft. Hood/Killen area, and are in dire need of speech, OT, ABA, and sensory therapy. The school district here is not providing the help we need, due to not enough staffing, and the therapy centers here have a waiting list of about1 year. There are quite a few of us in need of the same services. We are willing to travel, or if someone would like to come here maybe 1 or 2 days, and see our children. Please if anyone can help us, feel free to contact me. We are all military families. Valerie Hughes see answers    email to a friend

01/06/2009 I have a 5 year old daughter with ADHD and I need to find a private (or public?) school which is equipped to deal with her social and emotional issues. She has difficulty controlling her anger, dealing with conflicts and tends to be very negative/anxious. She also needs a super-consistent environment and special help to manage changes/transitions. She is exceptionally bright and personally engaging (to a fault) and just needs a smaller teacher to student ratio and folks who are trained to manage her behavior consistently. We would prefer a Christian school, but are open to all suggestions/ideas at this point. Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

01/04/2009 I am seeking someone in Austin to help me toilet train my 8-yr old with Down Syndrome. He has the peeing part down somewhat but he will not have a BM in the potty. We've tried all approaches and nothing has worked so far. Its a control thing at this point. He does pretty well at school with prompts but has BM's in the afternoon while at home NOT at school- so its not on their radar. We have in home training help approved but they have not been able to find us a qualified person. I cannot get any BCBS to call me back...Any ideas? or names? Thanks see answers    email to a friend

12/14/2008 I was wondering if there was a list of recommended preschools for my son who needs a transitional kindergarden for the fall. Academically, he is above average--but needs help socially and emotionally, along with his play skills and language delay (although doing fabulously in speech therapy). Could anyone recommend some places that I could put my name on their list? Thank you so very much! see answers    email to a friend

11/23/2008 My daughter, Hannah, is 7. She has Soto's Syndrome and epilepsy. Kids at school are distant from her when she goes to her mainstream class for a few hours. She looks different from theSoto's so I guess that is why. How do other parents handle this? I feel so sorry for her when I see the other kids play together and she is alone. She does not seem to realize it but I know the time will come when she does. Any advice would be great. I can be reached at loribd216@aol.com Thanks in advance! see answers    email to a friend

11/22/2008 I am looking to converse with someone who has a child with congenital hypothyroidism. My daughter is 17 years old and I have been looking for someone to discuss issues related to this for 17 years. Please contact me at jsmery@sbcglobal.net Thanks! Janet see answers    email to a friend

11/22/2008 My son has Spina Bifida and has been trying so hard to learn to ride a "regular" bike. His balance is significantly challenged, though, so I guess it's time to start looking at what our adaptive bike choices are. Does anyone have any suggestions as to vendors or good sources of information on adaptive bikes? Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

11/22/2008 Does anyone know of social networks in the Austin/Central Texas area for adult with special needs? I have a 19 y/o son who is mildly mentally challenged and loves to socialize. His peers at our Church totally ignore him. He has a "Myspace" even though he cannot read or write and (his computer reads to him and we write his e-mails) He has cultivated several friends in the music industry in Austin and they seem to be more accepting. We have even built a stage at our place and had a live concert for some of his friends. If I cannot find a network I will form one myself. If you have any intrest in meeting in the Austin area for concerts, boweling, movies or an occasilnal concert at our place (we live in the country next to Down Home Ranch)just e-mail me Joe Potts joseph1313@eccwireless.com see answers    email to a friend

11/06/2008 I'm depressed. I've tried support groups and joined a gym, but just feel really sad and am having trouble accepting and embracing my life and what it is. Anyone have a great therapist they can recommend for me? I'd prefer a woman (and in South Austin if I can get really picky about it!) I printed out a list of people from the Blue Cross website, but that was a year ago and I'm just not sure how to really find someone who may be able to help me. Thanks! see answers    email to a friend

10/11/2008 We are looking for anyone with a daughter with special needs who might be able to interact with our daughter, Elona. She is 12 years old with about an 8-year old's cognitive level, and was initially diagnosed as ADD. We have been home-schooling her for 4 years now, and she has improved enormously under the programs developed by the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential (www.iahp.org), but she is sorely lacking in social interactions. Could your daughter perhaps become her friend? Renee and Michael see answers    email to a friend

10/06/2008 I'm looking for information concerning HCS providers in the Austin area. Does anyone have any strong feelings- positive or negative- about their provider? Thanks! Nancy see answers    email to a friend

10/02/2008 I have a 7year old and 5year old, one in 2nd grade, the other in prek; both have behavior problems at school. I am divorced from their father and now have twin 1 yrolds, and live with my new husband. They've been adjusting to all of this change; one by inverting and carrying guilt (7 yrold), the other by taking on the bully role (5yrold). I guess I'd like to hear from others who have overcome these type of issues. see answers    email to a friend

09/19/2008 I was wondering if anyone knew of any resources up in Cedar Park or Leander. I am looking for a child care facility for my 4 year old son who has a speech delay. His current daycare is not able to handle him. If anyone knows of anything in the area, please let me know. He is already in the PPCD program in LISD, but we need afterschool care for him. see answers    email to a friend

08/30/2008 My 13 year old son was just diagnosed with dyslexia. I have been trying to find a reasonably priced education specialist for him. I am a single parent and $60 a week x 3 days is a lot. I work for a non profit and don't make a lot. Martha see answers    email to a friend

08/10/2008 I have a 17 year old that has mild MR. She is high functioning, however academically is at a 4th grade reading, 5th grade math. Looking long term, she wants to move out on her own, maybe with a room mate. She cannot make enough money to live in a "safe" place and I think she is too high functioning for a residential program. Anyone with any suggestions? see answers    email to a friend

07/23/2008 Hi I have a Deaf son who is twelve and we have been looking for a daycare for him, does any one know of any childcare - daycare for special needs children age 12? see answers    email to a friend

07/18/2008 Hi, I am a mum of a 12 yr old daughter with Down syndrome. I was wondering if anyone knows of a Social Skills class here in Austin. Something teaching appropriate behavior with others. Any suggestions? see answers    email to a friend

06/26/2008 I am looking for other parents who are teaching asl to their kids for whatever reason. I have a 6 year old girl who needs to be exposed to other children signing. Do you know of any parents who would like to start a group or already have one going I could contact? see answers    email to a friend

06/25/2008 I am looking for a reliable special needs swimming instructor. I would prefer private lessons at our pool, but willing to go to another pool. Please contact me at home@masts.us if you know of anyone. Thank you so much. see answers    email to a friend

06/24/2008 Is anyone in need of Epilepsy Seizure Recognition & Response Training? The Epilepsy Foundation Central and South Texas provides free training to the community! Perfect for schools, daycares, camps, clubs, etc. see answers    email to a friend