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Question: 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

posted by suzanne_e_wilson

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Hi Suzanne, I'm the mother of an 8-year-old son with Down syndrome and have lived in Austin for over 15 years. We are very involved in DSACT, and my husband and I are both past board members. We are in the AISD and Bryan attends Clayton Elem. We use the providers in Austin for all his medical appts. We live in Travis county and received ECI services from Infant Parent for both of our sons and were very happy with them. I don't know about private schools specifically for children with special needs. I would be happy to post your message on our DSACT yahoo group (over 250 members in a four county area). Just email me directly at rmcmahon@austin.rr.com if you're interested in me doing that of if I can answer any more questions you might have. Best wishes, Rhonda

posted by motheronamission

Suzanne, You should look into The Rise School of Austin. I worked there for several years and it is an amazing place for kids with disabilities (many with Down Syndrome) along with typically developing peers. Check out the website at http://riseschool.org/austin/index.php. Brenda Davis Speech/Language Pathologist

posted by bpdavis