Before I begin, thanks to all for your help and advice. Many of you have so much more knowledge than I do. My son is 10 years old and was diagnosed in December with PDD-NOS after many years of problems and being diagnosed as ODD and Anxiety Disorder.
I requested a Functional Behavior Assessment as well as some other assessments so that my son would get an IEP on March 6. I was told to do this by the state department of public instruction and a friend I meet on here. Two weeks ago, the school had me sign papers to begin the psy testing, which I did not request. I called today to inquire where we were with the FBA and the special education director told me that that was just a Connors or Burkes and could be completed by the classroom teacher. My understanding of the FBA is that it is done by a trained behavioral specialist and involves more than a check list.
I called today because he has been suspended for a minor incident and is now over the magic number of 10 days.
I need to vent a little, I am sorry. This has been horrible. Getting the school system to work with you is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I also have not been real impressed with the advocated that "covers my area". I live in a very rural area and that person is about an hour away. The advocate in the next region has been much more supportive than the one in my region. Right now I feel like just running away and taking my son with me. I just don't know where to turn next.
Thanks for listening or reading. I will take any help that I can get.
Lori
Hi Lori,
I'm no expert here either, there are alot of people on here with tons of experience, keep checking these boards and you'll get the help you need!
Just from my experiences,,yes, the FBA is a pretty involved document, and more than just a checklist done by the classroom teacher. You have a legal right to request this type of evaluation!
You'll find that the school systems tend to not be very coopertive with any info. You really do have to be the best advocate possible! You can do it!! Parents can have amazing power when we put our minds to it. My best advice would be to read up on your rights. Several other posts on here provide links to laws. You really do have to keep after the school, and tell them what you are entitled to.
I just recently joined this forum not long ago and have learned so much. It is a very empowering place to hang out.
I'm sorry your advocate seems to not be working for you. Maybe you can request another?
Best of luck with your school and your son.
Kelly
An FBA can be done by anyone trained in ABC observations (Antecedent, Behavior, Consequence). If you want to know more about FBA's, go to cecp.air.org Click on FBA and BIP. The trick is changing the FBA into a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan). I'd also go to your state ed site and search Functional Behavioral Assessment. There are most likely guidelines there. Clearly, your school misunderstand what an FBA is. It's most definitely NOT a Connors Rating Scale. An FBA is an observation of CURRENT behavior in the environment that exists at the moment.Thanks for the info. I did talk with another advocate last night and I found Wright's law. It states that a trained person must complete this. I have also contacted the state department. She is suppose to call me back today. I feel better just hearing from you guys. Thanks so much.
Lori