The IEP Blues... | Autism PDD

Hi Renee!

Forgive me for not knowing, but what is your child's diagnosis?  If it's ASD or Autism, there is no reason that you should have to lose all of these services...

There is still time to call another IEP meeting to modify what you agreed to at the last meeting.  Think about the services that you have and what you think you need and have lost.  Always go in to an IEP meeting assuming that your child not only needs but qualifies for services. 

Hopefully Tzoya will post some words of wisdom!

Hang in there!

Aloha, Renee

Hi all.. yes I know it is based on need and I am 100% sure they didn't test although I am not sure it would make a difference. OT doesn't do anymore now than having her "practice" writing. She actually has fine motor skill better than her older brother's (too bad they can't give the time to him). Speech.. her problem is mostly pragmatic and I don't think that the school really knows how to deal with it. I might ask for a speech evaluation just to give them a check, but I think outside resources may actually do a better job in this case. Sad but oh so true.  Extended school year.. didn't really have a case,  but enjoyed the services while I had them. My major complaint is they want to send her to 1/2 day regular summer school (so she doesn't lose academics) with skills trainer (I presume) and I wanted to send her to a summer camp where she could practice social skills. I know that IDEA 2004 does cover social skills, but it is hard to argue it with a bunch of teachers.

Mahalo for the support, Renee

In order to "declassify" a child, the District -- BY LAW -- must do a complete, multdisciplinary set of tests FIRST. This includes a new IQ test as well as tests in any areas where need existed when she was classified. If they did not do this, you can lodge a state complaint.  But I'd speak to the District first to give them a chance to correct their error. Even if EVERYONE (including you) thinks she'll "pass" these tests with flying colors, the test still have to be given and you still have the right to ask for IEE's for every one of them before your child can be "declassified."

Been out of town for two days, but I'm back.

The only way to lose services is if they are truly not needed any more.  Autism does not guarantee anything (except some supports in NYS). It doesn't even guarantee and IEP at all.  And IEP is given based on NEED.  Services are given based on NEED.  The school district must have done testing this year and that testing must be showing that your daughter no longer NEEDS the services.  That may be true.  It may not be. If you are not sure and/or don't agree with the testing done by the schools, you must ask for a full complement of Independent Educational Evaluations at public expense so you can get second, unbiased opinionts (search the term here and on www.wrightslaw.com )  You HAVE to make ONE request for ALL IEE's you want.  You can only ask once each time the District tests.  If they actually haven't DONE testing in the areas in which they want to reduce services, ASK that they test.  Decisions to increase or decrease existing services must be based on data about the child's progress or lack of it. Not simply on someone's say so.

 

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