Any advice on how to get a child with autism the things he needs at school

Teresa - posted on 06/21/2012

http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=694





http://www.wrightslaw.com/howey/eval.goo...



A child can have good grades and still be eligible for an IEP. Often schools will say "no" while not knowing the law. Some LEAs will say "no" while knowing the law! They know if a child is found eligible then that child is open to more services...which means more $.



Pete Wright's site: http://www.wrightslaw.com/ is invaluable. I've been to some of his trainings and any information you may need, he will have.



I hope this helps some.

Korie - posted on 06/21/2012

He is not eligible for an IEP because his acedemics are not affected by his behavior but in turn his behavior is affecting his acedemics. I have Catholic Charities helping me out right now. We live in Niagara County, NY.

Teresa - posted on 06/20/2012

Wow, Korie, they actually said they "cannot provide the staff and services he needs"? Do they not realize they are in noncompliance with the law even stating that? (Provided you live in the US--I don't know law outside of the United States.) Do you mind my asking what state you are in? And I assume he does have an IEP?

Korie - posted on 06/19/2012

I have the same issues at my sons school. They would rather send him home than deal with him at school. His school has told me they can not provide him the extra staff or services he needs. On graduation day, from Elementary school to Middle school they sent him home because of his behavior. He was one of the kids who were "moving up". He missed a lot that day and was very agitated even having anxiety attacks. Don't give up, keep at the school with his needs and your needs. Document everything.

Chrisitne - posted on 03/16/2010

Most of the time the special education teacher and assistant's want what's best for your child,but the school district wants to cut back. No money for school and special ed is always the first department taken away from. Sad,but true.

Shannon - posted on 03/15/2010

I am sorry to hear that I know how difficult it can be to get all your childs needs met when it comes to dealing with the school system as with them it is always the easiest and even more so cheapest way out sad to say but it isn't just the teacher or the OTs that you are really even debating with it is the system itself they always want to do things the cheapest way possible. Make sure that you find someone in your area to advocate for you at the IEP meeting it would be so helpful if you didn't have to go at it alone as it can be very overwhelming to be the only one at the table feeling like you are fighting a battle against a bunch of people who act as though they know better than you because of their job but truth is you are his mother and you know what is best for your child and no matter what do not give in FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT and they will have to give your child what he needs. I am not sure how things are in West Virginia but I live in RI and have 4 sons with IEP's and have jumped through enough loop holes to know the first option they try to give you is always in their best interest and you have the right to disagree and demand what is best for your son and as i seen some one else had posted if you start talking about holding them liable for your sons safety after it was made very clear to them that a doctor had come to this professional opinion they might just open their ears up a little more I think the best thing would be for you to try and find another family in your area that has dealt with the same kind of situation wether it was for autism or not doesn't matter but any one with a child with special needs and see if they know of any services that can help you or advocate for you and if you can't find someone before thursdays IEP at least bring someone along that can be there for your moral support as I said sitting at that table can feel overwhelming as I have had this happen to myself and been at a loss for words when it is 8 against 1 but I have found the support in my community and when push came to shove sooner or later they will have to make some compromise and last but not least if you do not feel that the IEP that they come up with meets your sons need DO NOT SIGN IT. Stay strong and I wish you and your son the best of luck and don't forget never give up or give in you are your sons number one supporter and NOBODY knows better than you what is in your sons best interest. Just keep reminding yourself that being his mother makes you the most important and highest educated person at that table while you are in the IEP and don't let them take that from you.

Chrisitne - posted on 03/14/2010

I work at an elementary school with special needs children and if your child is a runner he should have an aide with him at school. I don't know the details, is your child high functioning? With all the budget cuts in education, the school district may be trying to save money and not give your child a full time assistant. If you have a service coordinator get them on board, they are a big help. Put your requests in an IEP the school district HAS to follow what is in your child's IEP, it's the law. Hope that helps.

Amber - posted on 03/14/2010

Thank you so much for your help Amy and Teresa!!!

Iridescent - posted on 03/14/2010

What the school did is totally wrong. A diagnosis from a doctor out of state means nothing less than a diagnosis in state. Keep pushing for an advocate. Tell them it is urgent. Use this link - http://www.childadvocate.net/stateresour... - and find the services you need. They will not make you wait 2 years! There will be somebody from an appropriate source that will at a minimum help you at the meeting on Thursday.

Amber - posted on 03/14/2010

Thats basically what they did. But they got me bc no one explained to me what an IEP was. They told me it was just see how blake (my son) was doing in school.He had an doctors order for it and they said they couldnt take it bc it was out of state. When he was diagnosed I had taken all his papers with me and showed them his OT paper where they said he didnt qualify for it and the doctor looked and me and said this makes me sick what they have done.

Iridescent - posted on 03/14/2010

They can not refuse OT simply because he can point at things. If you have a doctor's order for any/all of those items you can demand them under IHP. IEP allows for either a physical need determined by the school or a MEDICAL need determined by the doctor. Keep fighting.

Amber - posted on 03/14/2010

I have requested an IEP and it is set for this thurs. When I went to pick up son from school friday, his teacher told me that even before talking to me they have already said that they are going to fight it. We are also fighting for occupational therapy bc they said he didnt need it bc he could point at things. But he cant hold a pencil or eat with a fork or spoon both which he needs to do at school. I am in West Virginia, The person I ask questions to is about 3 to 4 hours away. I have signed him up for an Advocate and a Title 19 waiver but that can take up to 2 years. Any other information would be greatly apperciated!!

Teresa - posted on 03/13/2010

First, does your son have an IEP? Second, if he does, make SURE "Autism" is put in it...and not "OHI"....



If he is an eloper, it is in the school's best interest that he have an aide--it would protect them from liability in the future. Often when things are worded in a way that makes them aware that you will hold them accountable for negligence and his safety is emphasized, they tend to hear that more readily. (But not always....and "hearing" and "doing" are 2 different things.)



What state are you in? Do you have a Parent Resource Center w/a Parent Coordinator who can provide you with resources and info? Does your local education agency have a Special Education Advisory Committee?



Do your homework on Autism and eloping, get a notebook and begin documenting EVERYTHING including phone calls, meetings and in-person conversations, and seek out other moms in your area who are farther ahead in the process (if they're available).



Also, when you have IEP meetings, always try to take someone with you...be it a husband, friend, advocate....take notes, request to record the meeting...and remember, you do NOT have to sign the IEP that day. It is a legal document--you have the right to take it home and review it/digest it. Whatever is in the IEP goes...the school is in noncompliance of the law if they don't do what is in it.....



Hope this helped a bit....

Dree - posted on 03/13/2010

Definatly get you and your son an advocate. There are many out there that are strictly for children with Autism. If you dont know how to get ahold of any just google Child Advocate (your state) you should be able to find some from there. Whatever you do do NOT stop fighting for sons rights to have an education. Thats what the school is trying to see about doing...if they push you and deny you'll give up. SHOW THEM WRONG!!!!!!!!!!

Iridescent - posted on 03/13/2010

First off, it's not a decision the school has a right to make. If the doctor prescribed it, he gets it. This means his IEP needs to be updated immediately.

Look up your state Child Advocate program and call them. They can help you in many many ways.