Thank you both. I feel like you've given me some direction. We all understand that !!! No one "wants" the label !!! We all have that feeling that says "No... he is not that bad, I am overreacting". It is a process, u will get there.. Just think : label = services . Labels come and go, but if the label will get u access to more services, then so be it!!! We r here for u!!! Thanks again for the help. We had the meeting today and got the label w/o issue. What I wanted yet somehow depressing. I can't explain it.I would also decide what you definately want for your child. You need to know the things you won't compromise on, like if you think your child needs a 1:1 aide. You should also find out if there is a class with enough sensory support and breaks for your child. I was able to visit potential classes and observe what would work best for my child. Lots of luck, and remember you know what is best-don't let them change your mind with the important things.Thank you. Ok... here is hope it works (and I am fairly new to this but we have an attorney and an advocate).
1. Put everything in writing, and keep a copy for yourself.
2. Go get an independent evaluation for your son, that way u killed 2 birds with one stone: a. u got ur label b. u put them in a corner because they did not evaluate in time, and thus cannot refute ur evaluation.
3. Try to document that they did not offer u an evaluation when u requested it, because this will mean that they have not provided a "free appropriate" education .
4. If u catch their mistakes, u can get anything u want. When u go get ur independent evaluation, ur psychologist will have recommendations based on ur child's levels. 40 hrs. ABA (request it, because that can mean 1:1 aide for ur child as part of the 40 hrs.)/ Speech (at least 50 mins of 1:1), (OT)... whatever u can get.
Hope this helps
Dee,
First of all, you need to familiar with the services available to ASD children
in your area. An advocate in your area should be familiar with that. I
personally have learned form other Moms in my area about services in my
area.
In my state, having a dx of autism goes a long way in securing services.
That bing said, ABA is very hard to come by and you need to fight for
these services.
I would ask to see if anyone on this board may be familiar with the
services in your state/county. My motto is always be prepared at these
meetings, never sign a thing until you get it checked out. If you want ABA,
have the specialist that knows your son write that in a report. If you have
a report from a private ST recommending more hours have that in her
report as well. You need to be sure what services you need for your son,
because if you do not know, they surely will not offer it.
I'm a little confused, as this is all new to me and am hoping to get some direction.
Here's the story. My son started in our school districts EECD class last Feb. He was almost 4. It was for a speech delay, with other possible issues they said they would keep an eye on. I asked for them to evaluate him for ASD last spring and basically they ran out of time before the end of the year. In the meantime, the 6month wait was finally up for an outside diagnosis and we were told he has ASD no doubt. This was just earlier in the month, a week after starting school. In the meantime, I get a letter in the mail that his IEP has been scheduled. I call and ask if they can get the ball rolling again on this ASD label, because with that, we may qualify for the family support subsidy through out state. I need this money for outside ST, he is not getting now and really should have. They tell me on the phone that they see notes in there that he has been evaluated and is showing signs, we will discuss it further at the IEP. My son's current services are EECD 5 days a week, 3hrs a day. He is received ST in his classroom 10 minutes a day, everyday. That is all through the schools he is receiving. On the outside, I have him going to OT once a week privately. We are on the waitlist to start PLAY Project, which is similar to Floortime, but this is again not through the schools and 2 months down the road, since it is free and there is a long wait.
There is no doubt he has ASD and I will push for the label from them. I have a doctor who is highly respected in my state and said he has a lot of pull, if there is any problem. I don't think there should be, since I know his teacher agrees, but I could be wrong.
My question is, if they ask why do I want him labeled, what is my answer? Furthermore, what else should I be getting out of them, aside from OT within his school day, which frankly I've seen and is pitiful. Do I have a right to more ST? What about ABA? I don't understand how all this works. Can anyone help?
Aside froma severe speech delay, he has a lot of sensory issues. Noises, anxiety, fears, no food, no tv, etc...He is delayed socially and makes very poor eye contact with people outside the family. We have behavioral issues at home, but he is the class angel at school.
I would truly appreciate any input and suggestions, as our meeting is Tuesday. Thank you!