May I just vent? | Autism PDD

But I have never had the super bullet, this super powerful tool before. I have a Mommy of an ASD child!!!!!!!!!!

(GIGGLE).....I just got off the phone with the vice president of my closest ASA chapter, she has reviwed the IEP andis going with me to my meeting.  She wants the IEP dumped and to start from scratch.

Keep your fingers crossed for me and I will do the same for all of you. Funny (or sad) thing is, I dont a lot, just that my child have a behavior pan so that he has a chance!

Thanks again guys!

Oh Jean, I'm SO sorry to hear this too...
First, everything Michelle said....Ditto!  Write everything down!!  Keep a notebook (I have one right next to my phone on my desk, and not only do I jot down any call from the school, I write in it after school almost daily, especially if something happens...I staple all the notes from the teacher in there too....and jot a note if I sent something in).

Michelle also suggested writing a letter about her son each year...another great suggestion...I have one called "Who Is Riley" with his picture on the front, and goes through these "subtitles":
Who is Riley?
What does Riley like?
What does Riley dislike?
What works for Riley?
What doesn't work for Riley?
What is hard/frustrating for Riley?
What is Riley's style of learning?
What does Riley do well?
Where/when/how is homework done?
What are my goals for him this year? (each subject written out)
---and I hand this out in the IEP meeting too, asking that it be attached to his IEP)

There is no way someone can read this (it's only 2 pages) and NOT know exactly who and what they're dealing with...
Sounds like you do already, but communicate communicate communicate!  And don't give up on calling that meeting either, you are entitled and they are required!  ESPECIALLY if you have a dx, there's nothing that should stop them from providing your son the services he needs.  If you haven't sent a letter yet, or even if you have, send another, certified mail so they can't deny receiving it.  And again, don't give up!  And most important...memorize the law!!!  Get them to tell you in writing that they're denying services and for what reason....likely that they won't want to do that, but demand it until they do...or until they provide the services.  They try so hard to get away with the minimal ... but it shouldn't be anything less than what your child needs.

Good luck Jean...behind you all the way!
~Lesley

My son was pulled from pre-school last year because they made NO accomodations for him. This year I met with them and was very, very displeased, same ol thing. No extra anything for him. But they assured me that everything would be just peachy. I had already sent them a letter asking for another IEP meeting, my son's behaviors have become so bad that I had to remove him from therapy.

Yesterday the phone rings, it is from someone who informs me she is my childs teacher and that he and I need to come fkr an orientation. WHen I ask her if it will be private or group, she assures me that her assist will occupy the children while the parents do the paper work (like thats gonna happen). As I start to see the total lack of knowlege she has about my son, I ask...she does NOT know my son has behaviors that are SERIOUS and that prevent him from being able to do 'orientation', follow directions, etc...She does NOT know my son has autisim. She does NOT know my child has anxiety, severe ADHD, OC behaviors, or as far as I can tell, she does NOT know that he has ANY special needs.

WOw, we are off to a great start!!!!! I told her to call the ARC chair and ask her when we are going to meet, because I am NOT sending my son to school without a behavior plan and sensory diet as part of his IEP and to remind everyone that I have formaly requested a complete and total evaluation for special education needs. SHe called back and left a message that they are working on it.........

Sigh........................................................ .

Jean I'm ticked right along with you! Does the school have a copy of the eval the docor or clinic did on him that diagnosed him with Autism and/or any of the other disorders? If not I would get a copy and send it to them return receipt requested or hand it to them with a letter stating you want this information added to his file and ask them to please initial the letter and the  evaluation report and please make you a copy for your records.

If you haven't already done so start IMMEDIATELY,..... with keeping a notebook and writing down the date and time of every phone call who it was with and what it was about. Do the same with any contacts in person and KEEP THE LIST. In addition, start a file with a copy of every note, eval, etc. and keep them together. This will help down the road if/when the time comes to fight the school. Theres a link in the newbie thread of After an IEP is in Place: Educational Issues. that may also be helpful.

Does he have an IEP at all? I wasnt sure because you said you have a meeting but there were no extra services for him. Have you been able to find an advocate that can help you or ask the doctor (some will go to IEP meetings or write letters to help) Does he have a private therapist who's helping you with his issues who can come to the IEP meeting with you? or as a last resort what about an attorney?

Unfortunatley many of our childrens teachers have NO EDUCATION in Autism Spectrum Disorders. I know my son needs MORE than what the school is willing to give him and I am in a huge fight with them over all of that right now.

Maybe the doctor is willing to write a letter about the behaviors and request he have a behavior specialist or an aide with him during the day. But this teacher MUST know his disability and info about him. I always send a letter to the teacher every year about autism and specifically about my son.

I hope you are able to find a solution quickly, Please keep us updated!