Moving

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Moving
4
Thu, 04-19-2007 - 3:32pm

Hey everyone. I have been so busy I really haven't had much time to keep up with any forums lately. My husband is facing a medical discharge from the air force within the next three months so things have been a little crazy and stressful lately.

Anyway... as for my question... Does anyone have any advice on moving and dealing with finding new psychiatrists and switching schools? With Haley's Aspergers, I worry about finding the best places for her.

We are in NY and will be moving to MO. I'm pretty familiar with the St Louis and surrounding area as I grew up there and have lots of family there.

Thanks!!



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Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Asp
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: tearose70
Thu, 04-19-2007 - 5:43pm

One of the best ways I know to find good support services and good docs is to contact a local ASD support group. They can probably tell you who the best (and not the best) doctors. And probably what schools are great and which are less good and which to avoid.

You can also ask your current docs for recommendations. These can be less reliable but at least its a jumping off point.

I know I did this for my own medical concerns and it worked really well when we moved from DC to PA.

Heather

                                

Avatar for kingalex
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Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: tearose70
Thu, 04-19-2007 - 6:06pm

I'm not sure I can give any advice on finding out about new psychiatrists, etc. (other than doing as much research as possible ahead of time). As far as the moving itself; we all know our Aspie kids have a harder time dealing with change. We moved a year and a half ago when Alex was 8 and entering the third grade. We knew it would be very difficult for him, so I did everything I could to a) include him in our house-hunting and everything else we possibly could, and b) talk up the move as being a major positive, wonderful thing to do. Of course, we moved only an hour away, so it was easier for us to take several house-hunting trips and include him in seeing the school he'd attend ahead of time. Our realtor and he became good buddies!

He truly surprised us with how well he adjusted to the move. I think including him in everything we did really helped with the process. Sometimes I think I miss our old house and neighborhood much more than he does!

Good luck!
Laurie

Laurie

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Registered: 12-22-2003
In reply to: tearose70
Thu, 04-19-2007 - 8:24pm

In terms of making her transition smoother, I have an idea...not sure where I read this one, but we plan to use it when we move in the next 2-4 months. You take pictures of everything that will be a part of the child's "new world" and make stick them in a photo album with notes saying what they places are, etc. For example take a picture of the library, the closest fast food chain that she loves, the apt./house, maybe even see if you can take get a picture of the principal at the school she'll be attending, or better yet, pictures of some kids in the neighborhood? This gives the child something to look forward to, get acquainted with...and in general, just makes everything "less scary."

We lived in St. Louis for about 6 years...in fact, all three of our children were born at St. John's. DH went to school at SLU, I went to Webster, and both of our spectrum kiddos have been involved in a multi-year psych. research study through Wash. U. The doc who is running the research is Dr. John Constantino and everybody in his office is wonderful. If you were to call his office, explain your situation, I'm sure that Teddy or one of the the ladies would be happy to give you some names of people they know and trust.

Good Luck~

Amy

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: tearose70
Thu, 04-19-2007 - 9:21pm

Thanks everyone. I will definitely be doing a lot of research on schools and psychiatrists. I know two school districts in particular that are very good so I'm trying to concentrate on those areas right now.

I love the picture book idea, thanks!! I will start working on that.

Amy, my oldest daughter (19) was born at St. John's too. ;) I lived in St Louis for a good 23 years and miss it a lot. Thanks for the doctor's name! I will keep it handy!

Jill



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Mom to Erin (19) and Haley (10yo Asp