Transition | Autism PDD

I am not an education expert - that is tzoya's job! But, when I was reading your post I kept thinking "free and appropriate education". That is what our children are entitled to. NOT what is BEST - but what is appropriate. If they can show that their program is "appropriate" to meet your child's needs, then they do not need to do more. I believe the burden of proof will be on you to show that an all-day kindergarten program would be considered appopriate and necessary for your child's education. If they don't have it and it IS appropriate - then they need to find or create a program to meet his needs - thus INDIVIDUALIZED education.

My guess is it will take a lot more than a letter from a certified behaviorist supporting your argument to get the school to agree. You will need to do tons of research and show data supporting your argument.

I also wonder if they are willing to compromise and not necessarily do all-day K, but have him go half-day and supplement the other part of the day with things like ABA, OT, PT, speech and/or social skills (depending on what he needs)?

Again, I am by no means an expert - these are just my opinions and avenues I would go down... Keep us posted!

Despite "research based" evidence which clearly indicates that early intervention is critical with autistic children, my son's school district refuses to offer him an all-day kinder. program because they do not have it for typical kids. There is a school for autistic children in the area but he's on a waiting list and may never get in. Also, that school does not have typical peers and my son would def. benefit from this. I am seriously considering taking the issue to mediation/due process. I can get a certified behaviorist who works w/ autistic kids (and has worked w/ my son) to write a report supporting my arugment. Any other suggestions or similar experiences?Julie B,
They do get it, they just do not want to pay for it.

I agree that with intense 1:1 ABA our kids do make gains and do play catch-
up. That is what we are talking about, catching up developmentally to what
is expected in terms of our childrens actual age. For typical kids, half day K
is enough because they do not have the same pervasive developmental
delays that your child has. Not only is your child expected to learn what
these typical children learn in K but how is he ever going to play catch-up
his on going delays?

snoopywoman:

I agree that if he can't be in a classroom all day, the other half of the day could (honestly should) be spent on an intensive one-on-one program. The issue will be getting the school to pay for any of it!! My son is aware and engaged. He shows a lot of potential. FOr him, this could be the difference between success and failure in school. Thanks for your input- I know it will be a fight but I really do feel that a FAPE for Will involves more.

IDEA does require the district to use "researched based" methods. Research says that intensive, early intervention is necessary. Not sure they get that.

KathyK:

EXACTLY!!!!