For those about to turn 3... | Autism PDD

Having just gotten through the transition from ECI to the SD & facing
challenges during it, I have some tidbits of advice for those about to
transition.

*First...breathe slow & deep, relax!!!

*THE book "From Emotions To Advocacy" that tzoya recommends, you
MUST buy it now!!!

*Research and KNOW the law!! Read the law & any supplements you can
get your hands on. Knowledge truly is power, and for these meetings,
knowing your child's rights & the law can make ALL the difference (trust
me!).

*Stay positive & calm, no matter how stressful & crazy things get.

*ASK many, many questions--during the eval, every meeting, etc. w/ the
school & with ECI. Also, refer to message boards & here for any extra
questions you have.

*Stay organized & focused. Get an early start on things, so you are not
cramming. Implement the recommendations from the FETA book. Take
breaks from the work, so your brain doesn't get completely fizzled!

*Focus first on your child's strengths, write them down, and read often--
so you don't get down from all the discussion of test scores & skills not
yet achieved etc.

*Remember that you know your child best, you will know what services &
placement they need. People who may read about your child on paper or
meet them for a 45 minute evaluation, get merely a snapshot of him.
Their expectations or ideas may be way too high--or way too low--for
him. You see your child day in & day out, don't assume the SD & the IEP
committe will know best. If need be, write a letter detailing your's child's
strengths & areas of weakness, for beavioral issues or other concerns,
provide the SD with video of those.

I can't stress the FETA book enough. I'm no where near to being an
expert on any of this. We have only one down (phew!), and many, many
more to go!! I'm sure at some point I may have endless wisdom on all of
this. But, for now, figured I'd jot down some bits I picked up in the last
months & share. Best of luck to all you!!

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