Ok, so we had Tim tested for Fragile X. and the results came back as "normal male karotype".
Thats fine, and I'm a little relieved, but still we have NO IDEA what his "disability" is..(which is frustrating). I have more appointments w/geneticists to see if further genetic testing is/will be necessary. The dev. ped. was/is 99% sure his situation/issues are genetic.. but with the normal result from Fragile X, I'm left with my hands in the air saying "NOW WHAT DO I DO?????"
New issue developed today. I got a disciplinary notice (policies and procedures) regarding his new classroom. in it it states: IT IS A PRIVELEGE TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS
I do not agree with this.. Is it not a RIGHT to participate in a classroom environment??????
The children are given points for good behavior and staying on task. Now, my son doesn't understand the consept of action vs. consequences. he doesn't understand WHY he's introuble when he's done something wrong.
If a child is needing CONSTANT redirection, they are sent to a "time away" booth. At the end of 3 minutes, they are EXPECTED to explain why what they did was wrong, and how they are going to correct their behavior/actions. If they refuse or fail to do this, they are then held for ANOTHER time away.
The next thing to happen is they lose recess priveleges, (which I can understand this one). After that, its not being allowed to have lunch with peers.
Now, tell me if this makes sense. My son is in a Structured Learning Program, already separated from mainstream 100% of the time. He is taught socialization skills and communication skills. If he fails to communicate properly, he is punished by being removed from his peers.
Perhaps I'm reading more into it than I should, and believe me, I AM going to discuss this w/teacher and principal very soon.. even if its just for clarification purposes.... but I don't feel this is effective or proper to "deal" with Special Needs children by ostrisizing them even MORE when they fail to communicate properly.
Could he have meant that autism is genetic? Research seems to support this, although "genetic" can both mean hereditary or a result of a spontaneous mutation.
Otherwise, I can only assume that the developmental pediatrician noticed physical signs in addition to the autism -- for example abnormal head circumference, unusual facial features, etc. Is that the case?
Besides Fragile X, there are other genetic conditions that are connected with autistic-like behaviors. The ones I'm aware of are Angelmans and Smith-Magenis. Here are some links:
http://www.smithmagenis.org/start.htm
http://www.angelman.org/angel/
Good luck with everything.
Hope2 started a topic where she listed lots of other genetic and metabolic conditions that can resemble autism. Here's the link to that topic:
http://www.autism-pdd.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=19735&am p;PN=1
You are entirely correct. EVERY child in the US has a RIGHT to go to school from K thru age 21 (or until a legitimate HS diploma is earned). The parents have an OBLIGATION to send the child from age 6 thru 16 (tho there is some variation in obligatory ages by state). This is for general education.
Once a child qualifies for Special Education, the right to an IEP starts at age 3 (EI is also offered in every state, but those rules are outside of the rules for school). The school does not provide schooling as a privelege but as an obligation.
HOWEVER, whether a particular placement is APPROPRIATE for a particular child can be up for debate. Inappropriate behavior in a particular setting CAN be used to change that child's setting. I would recommend that you immediately ask for a Functional Behavioral Assessment (in writing) and have a positive Behavior Intervention Plan developed out of it. You can search these two terms on this site and also at www.wrightslaw.com Another good resource for discipline is cecp.air.org
I hope you get an answer soon. Not knowing is terrible.
I hope you get the answers that you need, and the waiting for test results is pure murder. But hang in there and don't stop until someone is able to give you some answers.