Relocating to a new country is a significant life change, and doing so with a neurodiverse child adds layers of consideration. When we moved from Texas to Panama with our then-9-year-old son, who is autistic (with a PDA profile), ADHD, and dyslexic, we knew planning and adaptability would be key.
Here, I’m sharing what we learned to help other families who might be considering a similar move.
Healthcare Planning Is Essential
Before the move, we wrapped up eight years of speech therapy, though occupational therapy and ABA had ended earlier. Based on research, I was confident we could find English-speaking speech and occupational therapists in our city if we needed them again. Understanding the local healthcare system was crucial, as we still travel back to the U.S. frequently and haven’t yet switched neurologists, but I’ve been tracking local providers as a contingency plan.
Some medicines aren’t available in every country. We’ve stuck to filling 90-day supplies in the U.S., but it’s wise to research alternatives or identify locally prescribed options beforehand.
Navigating Social Interactions and Cultural Norms
A language barrier has been a surprising buffer for our son’s directness. In a primarily Spanish-speaking environment, his blunt comments don’t land as sharply as they might in English, allowing us to smile and brush things off as “lost in translation.” However, cultural differences still come into play. For example, well-meaning aunties occasionally approach us with comments like pointing out that his shirt is on backward—a moment that requires patience and a quick explanation of “autismo.”
It’s worth learning key phrases in the local language. One I’m still working on: “Bless your heart!” 😅
Education Choices: Homeschooling with Flexibility
Initially, we explored private schools in Panama, but most required an aide for our son, which added significantly to tuition costs. Instead, we opted to homeschool with the help of a private tutor—a former teacher who meets with him online.
We use a secular, eclectic approach to his education. This involves selecting a curriculum, purchasing textbooks, curating interest-based reading lists, and assigning extra projects. We also participate in NWEA MAP Testing twice a year to track progress, and we are registered through Homeschool Boss.
The flexibility has been a game-changer. Our son works at his own pace, finally thriving in 2nd-grade math while excelling at 4th-grade reading - because of the 1-on-1 evidence-based reading instruction he is receiving. Unlike traditional school, homeschooling eliminates unnecessary stress and allows us to prioritize his well-being. We use Outschool for electives and supplement it with family activities like learning to code in Scratch together.
If a traditional school is your choice, plan a more extended visit during the summer months (January and February, or June and July in Panama, depending on which calendar the school follows) and consider summer camp at your chosen school to get a feel for the environment before committing.
Prioritizing Comfort During the Transition
From the outset, we focused on making our son feel comfortable. His room was set up first, including his books, toys, and familiar bedding—even items like his favorite sheets made it into our luggage. Creating a comfortable environment for our son was a priority, as we believe that small comforts go a long way in easing the transition.
We found a sensory-friendly indoor play space with slides, ball pits, toys, and free Wi-Fi for parents! This became a go-to place to burn off energy and enjoy himself.
Tech also played a significant role: we brought a VPN and streaming devices to access his favorite English-language shows. EPIC Reading, Kindle, and Audible helped us keep up with English-language books, mainly when the local bookstore’s selection was limited.
Grocery Shopping and Special Diets
Adjusting to a new food landscape was part of the adventure. We got a PriceSmart (same warehouse club concept as Costco or Sam's Club!) membership for familiar snacks like Goldfish and Mott’s Apple Juice, though we still stock up on items like Pirate’s Booty during U.S. visits.
Panama has plenty of dairy-free and gluten-free options for families managing dietary needs but little in the way of dye-free products—a must for us due to behavioral triggers. I bring natural food coloring and dye-free sprinkles from the U.S. and experiment with local frozen chicken tenders to find acceptable brands. Imported goods are available but pricey ($14 for imported chicken tenders versus $6 for local).
Pro Tips for Grocery Shopping Abroad
- Research local availability of key items.
- Turn it into an adventure to discover local alternatives.
- If food allergies are a concern, understand cultural norms and prevalence. Tree nuts, coconut, and sesame seeds are common here, which could be challenging for some families. Always bring Epipens and have an emergency plan.
Relocating to Panama has been a rewarding experience for our family, but it required careful planning and a willingness to adapt. By prioritizing our son’s comfort and needs, embracing the flexibility of homeschooling, and diving into the local culture, we’ve created a life that works for all of us.
If you’re considering a move abroad with your neurodiverse child, thorough research and an open mind are your best tools. Feel free to reach out or comment below with any questions—I’m happy to share more of our journey!
Get the checklist every parent of a neurodiverse child should have before relocating abroad.
Use this checklist to evaluate whether a potential destination will meet your family’s needs when relocating with a neurodiverse child.
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