Does anyone have a child with,

Serena - posted on 10/11/2009

I live in Muskoka as well !!



Instead of trying to push the boulder; have you considered walking arround it. Maybe finding specialized schooling, wrather than trying to specialize the school.



Specialized programs might have more expertise for his developmental needs. I have a friend who's daughter was born blind, and she had to move to the city. It is large enough to fund schools for people with special needs. Best of luck!!

Connie - posted on 10/10/2009

I live in Muskoka Canada ... the IEPs are just a waste of time from what I can see. They want us to do certain things at home but then the school doesnt back it; all in all it is very frustrating ... you deal with the school, you deal with your child and then my husband just thinks hes being lazy so therefore he justs creates more mayhem. I figure some day something has got to give ... connie@vianet.ca

Brenda - posted on 10/10/2009

Which state do you live in? I live in AZ. I have tried several school districts to help my daughter. The state should have free advocates to tell you what you need to say in an IEP meeting. It is the Law "No children left behind" that if the current school district you are in is required to get your child the education they need. If the district cannot do this it is their financial obligation to transport your child to a facility that can. After 4 years of doing this on my own (without an advocate) my daughter will finally start in a class that is right for her. Pray a lot too. God will help you. bamartin31@live.com

Connie - posted on 10/10/2009

I am very disappointed in the school system ... we have a tutor come once a week to hekp with his landuage skills; although I think it's something in his head, He doesn't seem to be able to transfer his sight work onto paper or into a book; yet he can read them off the wall. Thank you for all the advice and I will kok into all of your recommendations. Thank you so much.

Sheila - posted on 10/09/2009

I can only offer advice based on my experience, (also in Ontario) but boards differ

a) you cannot demand a laptop, this must come from an OT recommendation if it is to be funded for your child specifically. Has your child been assessed by an OT? If not, you will need to have the school refer your child for the assessment OR you can have one done privately.

b) It is not enough for your doctor to call, letters must be present from the doctor in the OSR. The letters must be specific in nature as to how your child needs EA support as it is relevant to

1) flight risk

2) danger to himself or others (this includes mouthing objects leading to possible choking)

3) physical care of child is needed



If you are able to attend a workshop with Lindsay Moir (often put on through Autism Ontario chapters) he will meet with parents for a half hour consultation to help you develop your case (so to speak) I have never done this, but I know parents who swear by this man's expertise!



Sorry to say, federally, you will get nowhere. This is a provincial issue (education) The best you can do is look into the Charter of Rights and see if there is a charter issue....then you would be truly caught up in the legal land of mumbo jumbo.



The Ontario Ombudsman's office is a potential source of support, or even the Lieutenant Governor's office...but again, don't count on it.



I don't mean to sound "dry" or non-supportive. I am, and I know your frustration. It took us 18 months to get into the hospital for his OT assessment....we had gone private the entire time and I shudder at the thought of if I had waited until we got into the hospital.



Be passionate, but be methodical. Ask very specifically, what do I need to do in order to get support for my child? What do you need from me? If he is not receiving support, tell me...what do YOU SEE that indicates that support IS NOT NEEDED? Ask to review the SNC notes (which indicate any concerns noted at school) The OSR is yours to review, so don't feel like you can't ask to see it.



Unfortunately, academic support is low on the list for EA time. So, does your child receive extra support from resource teachers?



Good luck!



Speak with your trustee.

Shasta - posted on 10/08/2009

I would definetly look into social stories for your son. There maybe one that helps him understand already written or you could learn how to write one to help him understand. :)

Connie - posted on 10/08/2009

I have gone over the principals head which in turn got me a case conference which it turn took me back to the beginning. We have now been linked to another organization that may be able to help (fingers crossed) and the Pead Dr. has called the school on two seperate occassions. You might be right though to look into the law ... its so sad and frustrating that parents and children have to go through this. How does one keep their chin up? and explain things to their child who doesn't understand?



Thanks for all the advice and listening ... it helps to pull me out of my black hole.

Shasta - posted on 10/08/2009

Have you considered a specialist like a lawyer or a advocate go with you? I'm not sure of Canadian Law but, American Law says that if your child has this type of diagnosis the school HAS to make allowances. You may need to take a legal step. I'm sorry you have to go through this. :( Also, again in America so IDK if things are different there, you may be able to get him into a special school for children with diagnosis similar to his. Alot here have grant programs for children who may not be able to afford tuition.

Robin - posted on 10/08/2009

If you aren't getting any help from the school ... have you tried the school board? Perhaps if you go "over the heads" of the local school administrators (or even just threaten to), you'll get more cooperation. My son has Asperger's Syndrome, but we have been fortunate to have wonderful support from both the schools he has attended.

Connie - posted on 10/08/2009

I am in Canada Ontario ... I have given the school medical documentations we have had a case conference (last week in fact) which seems to have done no good; so I am going to go to the school today to "observe" ...

Connie - posted on 10/08/2009

Thank you for the info ... we do have a report with recommendations from testing that was done in the NICU follow up centre at Womens College hospital. I have demanded full time EA support and testing from the school as well as a laptop for him to decrease his frustration. Our pediatrition has also called the school to advocate for him ... we just seem to keep getting the run around. I will look up the federal regulations though ... that was one area I had not thought to look at. Thank you for the suggestion every year this becomes more and more frustrating!!!!! Thanks again.

Kimberly - posted on 10/07/2009

There are federal regulations - look them up on the internet which allow your child the special education he or she is entitled to and any testing that is requested to by the parent to indicate so. I recommend seeking the help of a developmental pediatrition and getting a diagnosis written in report form with recommendations of all services and amounts of time needed for each and taking it to the school and then "demanding" all of these needs be fulfilled as per the law. If the cannot be fulfilled by the school system then they (the system) must provide a voucher for you to send your child to a private school where the services can be provided. This is my understanding of the law. I have a child with autism as well. Please do yourself a favor and take the time to become educated in this area and become your child's advocate.

Cindy Horak - posted on 10/07/2009

What state are you in? We live in Texas and they have to make allowances for your child! Request and ARD meeting and request to talk with the person over special education. Your child does not have to be taken out of the ordinary classroom but they can make special considerations for him ir her. Do not let the school bully you! Sometimes you have to push hard! My son has high functioning autism( aspergers) and we had to do all the physcological testing at texas childrens hosp but after that they finally started to help my son and now he is in honors classes! most of his delays are social but they accomidate for testing and preparing him for schedule changes , seating placement in the classroom and anxiety issues. They would give him a shadow or special classes if it was needed! He has come a long way since peolple stopped fighting me on it and making me out to just be an overprotective MOM! I hope things work out for ya'll! We will keep you guys in our prayers!

Connie - posted on 10/07/2009

I have tried everything ... even Womens College did testing on him and wrote a report to the school ... the pead. Dr. even called them it like a fight to the bitter end. He is going to be 8 soon and my 5 year old passes him accedemically. I have been after the school since he started in JK.

Kelly - posted on 10/07/2009

Have you tried Early Entervention?My daughter was in that when she was 6 months old and then they helped get her into a class for kids that have learning disabilities.I live in Pa!