special education in US vs. special education in UK....

I forgot to put in my last post that my son is special needs (autistic/learning disabled) has any american parents or british in this forum had experience with the educational system in regards to special education for their child? any advice would be greatly appreciated. 

We have fostered special needs kiddies for 14 years and have had lots of dealings with special needs schools.In this area(West Midlands) they closed a lot of small schools down and built large specially designed ones,some think this is a good idea some not.At least they have all the facilities,swimming pools,special gyms etc in one place.The lad we have now doesn't find being at a larger school a problem,and his out of school activities are great,he's going with the school to the Isle of Wight in October and to Jamaica swimming with dolphins next May.

Dave

Can't really help as mine is just starting reception.  If you know the area where you are moving to, I would advise to contact the Local Education Authority and ask to speak to the Special Needs Department. 
Our daughter did not have an IEP in the states (long story).  However, I did contact the special needs department and mailed them information on her, as well as meeting with the head teacher, special needs coordinator, and her teacher at her primary school.  We also have a follow up appointment with her consultant pediatrician at the end of Sept to assess how she is doing both medically and how she is adjusting to school.
Another suggestion would be to see if there is a UK group for those affected by Autism.  I just googled Autism and came up with this site:
http://www.nas.org.uk/
The UK group for the syndrome that my child has sent both me and her school good information.  They also offered to visit the school personally and speak to them.
I hope this helps in some small way. 

thank you so much for your inputs they are incredibly helpful!