Centre County Autism Services (State College, Bellwood: home, school district, college)

[RyanneO]

Hello, everybody. I'm looking for opinions from those in Centre County that have Autistic children. I'm currently in Delaware and looking to move to PA. Hubby has a possible job opp. in Centre County and we're wondering how the services and schools are there. Are there many helpful and qualified therapists in the area as well? Our son who is 12 and in the 6th grade has some disciplinary issues and we'd need to move to an area where finding a Behavioral Therapist would not be a problem. Also a place where the schools cater to Autistic children and provide great services. Where we currently live there are virtually no services available, there's only two ABA therapists in the entire state and the schools here aren't great either unless you're fortunate enough to be able to send your children to private school. You definitely get what you pay for in this state which is not much and we've heard PA has excellent services. I just want to make sure we make the right move to the right area. If anybody can give me any advice that would be fantastic. Thanks

[Davros]

I can't speak to this specifically, but Centre County is pretty backwoods. I can't imagine it being any better than Delaware.

But I would recommend calling the State College Area School District and asking them.
State College Area School District / Home Page

[RyanneO]

Wow, I keep hearing so many mixed opinions on this area, it's so confusing. One opinion says it's a very progressive area due to the college being there, busy with lots of stores and amenities, good schools.. Then I'll get an opinion that it's really not great, head to Philly if I want good services, it's backwoods.. lol I guess I'm going to have to take a trip up there and visit for myself. My husbands company does have a position open in Philly but it's extremely expensive to live in any of the area's that are safe, especially in the burbs.. Anyway, thanks for your opinion either way.

[RyanneO]

I also meant to ask, are there other counties not too far from there that aren't "backwoods" with good schools? We wouldn't have to live in Centre County, it's just where the job opp. is. Thanks!

[E-Z-B]

Roads can be terrible in the winter. I would recommend staying in the State College school district as mentioned.

[RyanneO]

I've been told by someone that Bellwood has great schools and is a really nice area.

[E-Z-B]

You mean Bellfonte?

[Davros]

Originally Posted by RyanneO

Wow, I keep hearing so many mixed opinions on this area, it's so confusing. One opinion says it's a very progressive area due to the college being there, busy with lots of stores and amenities, good schools.. Then I'll get an opinion that it's really not great, head to Philly if I want good services, it's backwoods.. lol I guess I'm going to have to take a trip up there and visit for myself. My husbands company does have a position open in Philly but it's extremely expensive to live in any of the area's that are safe, especially in the burbs.. Anyway, thanks for your opinion either way.

State College is backwoods but it has enough amenities and it is a progressive college town.

Just contact State College Area School District and ask them if they have the services you need. They are a good school district.

[Davros]

Originally Posted by RyanneO

I also meant to ask, are there other counties not too far from there that aren't "backwoods" with good schools? We wouldn't have to live in Centre County, it's just where the job opp. is. Thanks!

No. Living in State College is your best bet in the area. The rest of the region is more backwoods than State College.

[RyanneO]

Thanks for the feedback. We're going to have to take a trip up there ourselves and visit the area next month to really get an idea. Your opinions are helpful, though. Thanks!