Moving with a special needs child is more complicated than moving with other school-aged children. Sure some of the challenges are the same. The kids will attend a new school and have new teachers. You’ll hope the kids make new friends easily and pray everyone will be settled soon with a minimum of turbulence.

With a special needs child you still think about all of those things, but there are extra layers of concern. Will your child’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) or 504 plan transfer? Will you find a great school district that’s proactive and supportive for your child? Is there a specialized doctor in the new city that is as great as the one your child sees now? Are there support networks? Is there a special needs parenting group you can connect with? Is there a resource center?

Even though I’ve been parenting a special needs child for 13 years, this world of proper diagnoses, special education and resources is new to me. It’s only been since this summer my oldest son, Jay, has had an official diagnosis of high-functioning autism. My youngest son has been recently diagnosed (after autism was ruled out) with mixed receptive/expressive language disorder.

Everything I’ve learned about available resources and special education laws in the schools has been gained in a hurry. I don’t feel like I have my sea legs yet and now I have to be the captain of the ship because we’re moving.

I’m not emotionally ready to cut the relationships with my sons’ school district and student teams. They’ve been incredibly helpful and have gone out of their way to explain how the process works, what my rights are and how to navigate future school districts.

Honestly, my oldest son’s case manager has held my hand through the process. Jay’s principal has explained in detail the power I hold as a parent and my ability to push for services if needed. Other folks have pointed me to online resources.

I’m just now learning the kinds of questions I need to ask – much less know how to advocate for the right actions to take place.

Moving away from this safety circle is frightening. Will I alone know how to help my children in a new school district? Can I navigate and advocate, if needed, to ensure they get the help they need for an equal education?

Mixed into the fear is a feeling of guilt. My new job required us to move. My youngest son takes change easily and, many times, eagerly.

However my oldest son is of great concern. Will this move destroy him? Did I let my career goals, plan to purchase a home and desire to live closer to immediate family overshadow Jay’s need for stability? Did we really make the right choice based on what was best for the family?

Listen, if you’re in the same process, let me tell you there is hope and help. It’s a phone call, a Google search or an e-mail away.

So breathe deep and relax. I’m going to share with you what I did to find people who could help, and then all you have to do is take it from there.

Check the 'Special Education' category for related posts.