Hey y'all. I'm new at this and had a question or two. My son has not been Dx as Asperger's or any other thing (yet), but he has an appointment on Nov 12 with a psychologist to get the ball rolling. I am 99.9% positive that he indeed does have Asperger's. He is having some difficulties at school, and I was wondering what to do. Can I request that the school have him tested as well? Do I just wait until after his appoinment? His teacher is frustrating me IMMENSELY, and I don't know if I can demand the school do something NOW, or if I have to wait until our Drs and psychologists give us some answers. Thank you! ~~~ Lori
You don't have to wait. You can request an educational evaluation today (which would drive all school-related interventions/services anyway). I would definitely put it in writing and get it date-stamped as the school only has a certain amount of time to complete it. Hope that things get better soon with more clarity.
Don't wait - I have learned the IE can take LONGER for them to accept and approve than their own. Once they do their own assessment you can go forward MUCH quicker...at least that was my experience.Hi Lori, and welcome!
As the others have stated, you certainly can request that the school do an evaluation. If he does turn out to have a diagnosis, they will probably need to do one anyway to help develop any special education services that he might need. Do put the request in writing with a date and keep a copy for yourself of anything you submit. I would suggest still keeping your other appointment, in case the school needs more time than that to set up the evaluation. Your son's teacher simply may not know the rules and requirements about special education. Unfortunately, general education teachers are often not given the opportunity to have much special education training. I hope this helps!
Nicole
Free Autism/Asperger's Resources and Printable Activities for Parents and Teachers! ~ http://www.PositivelyAutism.com/
I'd go for the dual testing assuming that you can afford it. If your son is doing well academically (Asperger's kids tend to) then the SD may take the approach that there are no educational problems and so - whatever the diagnosis - there is no need for special education. In this case your independent evaluation might become necessary anyway.