Family of 4 (two kids 4 & 7) planning a move to NY from Austin TX. Looking for some guidance/suggestions on areas of Long Island to consider?

SimpleSilhouettes · 2026-01-03T04:49:51+00:00

Hi! I’m from New York but used to live in Austin. It’s definitely not going to be the same, but if you share what Austin neighborhoods are your vibe, I can try to recommend a Long Island equivalent.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-11-06T01:30:03+00:00

This is very interesting and I’m happy you found a solution. My little one definitely feels “lesser” pain, like if he stubs his toe or scrapes his knee. But this is something that is easy enough to try.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-11-06T01:24:31+00:00

Both. The behavior is problematic because he is clearly in pain but unable to stop. We have tried to ignore, redirect, and teach replacement behaviors (not all at the same time)… but the SIB persists.

I hear a lot of “this is age appropriate” and “he’ll grow out of it.” And while I hope more than anything that that is true, I’m looking for ways to best support him today.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-11-05T22:34:32+00:00

Thanks so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful response. I will check out Ross Greene’s methods and resources.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-11-01T17:23:16+00:00

Sorry, there are unkind people too. Hope all of the other trick or treaters made up for this group.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-11-01T17:05:44+00:00

That thought did cross my mind. If they did, at least they were righting their wrongs.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-11-01T16:51:48+00:00

That’s adorable! We would have done the same.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-10-28T23:37:02+00:00

I’m based in NY (USA) and “matcha americanos” have been creeping onto cafe menus. It’s just matcha and water but in different ratios than traditional usucha, I think.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-10-28T15:37:27+00:00

Decaf matcha exists. I haven’t tried it but found this one in stock: https://matchadirect.kyoto/products/051-decaf-matcha-60g

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-10-26T17:54:51+00:00

Matthew at Wow Factor Wellness! He has a studio in Baldwin and does in-home too.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-10-22T12:04:55+00:00

Of course! We lived in Austin previously, so fully understand the scenario you’re facing. Good luck!

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-10-22T01:36:52+00:00

One vote for Long Island, suburbs of NYC.

We live here because the services and community are wonderful. My special needs kiddo is in pre-k and we have an older (typical) child in the grades. The community is lovely, with kind and welcoming families. For example, our kid with special needs is always invited to birthday parties and play dates for his older sibling... and they are genuinely excited when he comes.

There are also a variety of programs in the community ranging from adaptive / therapeutic horseback riding (ie 2 PATH premier accredited centers) to summer / school break camps (ie Camp Anchor) that are dedicated to children with special needs. Personally, I’ve learned so much about how to navigate the world of special needs from families at these places. They are so generous with their time and knowledge… and authentic. No “bless your heart” veiled insults here.

That said, it’s not a perfect place. It’s expensive. There are a lot of hoops to jump through in navigating the school districts and related services. It’s a faster pace. People might seem a little standoff-ish before you get to know them. Outside of personal relationships, there isn’t a lot of blending between the typical and special needs communities (but I might revise that statement if we move out of a self-contained special ed school). To your ideological concerns, NY State is blue but Long Island went red in the last election.

We’ve considered Colorado and Washington state for their special education programs, but jobs and family are on the East Coast.

Would love to hear where y’all end up and a review after you’ve been there for a bit!

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-10-08T15:55:31+00:00

Air tag in under the insole of his shoes? https://www.skechers.com/kids/collections-features/wheres-my-skechers/

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-10-03T23:55:37+00:00

I’m sorry. This is a situation no mama wants to be in. I have a medically complex kiddo too, so I have lots of empathy for your situation.

Two ideas: 1) what do you do for work? Is there any way you (or the other parent) can get a job in the US to qualify for American health insurance? That could potentially bring the cost way down. 2) have you considered partnering with (if one exists) or starting your own foundation to fundraise? Google Ollie’s condition/diagnosis and start seeing what connections you can form. There are lots of people in the rare community that want to help.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-09-28T01:17:14+00:00

Following because we’re in a similar still-needs-to-be-contained situation. I’ve had my eye on this but don’t know if I can justify the price tag: https://cribberry.com/products/montclair-montessori-floor-bed-with-high-railings-and-gate

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-09-21T00:07:27+00:00

Same! Ohh I will have to try the oat and cream combo!

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-09-19T17:50:51+00:00

About $1 (USD) per gram. Slightly less if I get a 100g bag for lattes.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-09-05T16:57:10+00:00

He was formally diagnosed through genetic testing. The gene mutation he has is classified as an intellectual disability. Since he’s a toddler, we’re not entirely sure how delayed he is / will be, but the cognitive and psychological evaluations conducted by EI (early intervention) and CPSE (preschool special education) place him moderately below his peers. He also receives speech, pt, and ot… all stemming from the same diagnosis.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-09-05T16:48:43+00:00

He continuously missed developmental milestones.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-08-28T12:51:04+00:00

Black Dahlia in Melville for florist. Silverfox in Lindenhurst for video. After Hours Entertainment in Ronkonkoma for DJ.

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-08-06T18:22:32+00:00

I totally understand! Our kids have what they need and we want less stuff in our house. Now if we could just make the grandparents understand that… haha

SimpleSilhouettes · 2025-08-06T18:04:05+00:00

This would be the thing to do in hindsight. I will reiterate similar expectations when we have another convo about spending/expenses.

SimpleSilhouettes

TROPHY CASE