Re: Behavioral Consultant for Autism

[Guest guest]

I just found out our local MRDD has a behavioral intervention

specialist, so try there for direction or use your county resources

for information.

Also the bus issue needs to be addressed. If they say your child

cannot ride the bus then maybe they should provide a bus aide for

him. They are required to provide the same transportation for the

disabled kids as they do the typical kids. Offering to provide your

child a taxi is ridiculous, I would decline also. As long as you will

drive your child back and forth they don't have to do anything. My

district told me my child was not allowed to ride the bus and my

question in response was, how do you intend on getting him to school

then? They said I would have to transport, I said, I'm afraid you are

wrong, better go check your law. I got the phone call back with the

alternative arrangements. Parents if you ever feel like your child is

not being treated fairly, don't back down, research your childs

rights and get to know the laws, you will be much more successful in

advocating for your child.

-- In , " vintagelovingmom "

<vintagelovingmom@...> wrote:

>

> Hi,

>

> I have a few problems with the school this year (as usual!) but the

> main issue is my son's behavior and the school's reaction to it.

>

> The second week, three staff members wanted to know if he was on

> medication (he wasn't - the doctor took him off of it) and why I

> didn't let them know. They said he was impulsive and aggressive.

> The aggression they are talking about is him acting out cartoons -

> he's not really hitting anyone, just pretending. He was also

talking

> non-stop.

>

> I called the doctor and she was reluctant to put him back on the

> medication but did so upon my request. She says it's the school's

> responsibility to have a person or aide with him who knows how to

> shape his behavior rather than react to it, i.e, social stories,

> modeling, redirection. We've also not allowed him to watch

cartoons.

>

> When I spoke to the school psychologist and asked about an autism

> consultant, she said that the intervention specialist is that

person.

> Yeah, right! Her only credentials is a program called PEP

(whatever

> that is) she worked for years ago. I don't see or hear of her using

> correct methods to shape his behavior. There are just time-outs as

> far as I can tell. The speech/language therapist works with him 20

> minutes three times a week.

>

> What are your thoughts? Can I insist that an independent autism

> consultant be hired for my son and other kids.

>

> They also won't let him ride the bus and they have no alternate

> transportation to offer except a taxi (with a stranger). So I have

to

> drive him back and forth every day.

>

> I need to take action - what are your recommendations?

>

> Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide.

>

> Marilyn

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn,

I don't know what school district it is but I know in Westlake, there are at least two separate people that will consult with the school.? We have had similar problems with our 11 year old and the Behavior and curriculum intervention specialist from?CCBMRDD has been wonderful.? She has made social stories and gone into the school to help them implement them along with other resources.? She also spent a day observing in his school before she came up with a " plan. " ? I cannot stress enough how wonderful our BCIS has been.? There is also a county autism consultant (Cayahoga County) but I have never met her.? Her name is Reeve and I do not have her contact info. ? She will observe the child at school and write up a report with recommendations.? I have yet to see a copy of the report so I do not know how helpful that would be.

On a personal note, we had to cut out all cartoon and and even shows like Drake and Josh.? Our son is also not allowed on Youtube (the site is horrible!).? His free time is also scheduled heavily so there is not time to " ruminate " on the negative thoughts and scenes he sees as in cartoons etc.? He still acts out everything he sees but we just change the subject and redirect him.

Hope this helps.

Tara

On Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:51:10 -0000, vintagelovingmom wrote > Hi, > > I have a few problems with the school this year (as usual!) but the > main issue is my son's behavior and the school's reaction to it. > > The second week, three staff members wanted to know if he was on > medication (he wasn't - the doctor took him off of it) and why I > didn't let them know. They said he was impulsive and aggressive. > The aggression they are talking about is him acting out cartoons - > he's not really hitting anyone, just pretending. He was also talking > non-stop. > > I called the doctor and she was reluctant to put him back on the > medication but did so upon my request. She says it's the school's > responsibility to have a person or aide with him who knows how to > shape his behavior rather than react to it, i.e, social stories, > modeling, redirection. We've also not allowed him to watch cartoons. > > When I spoke to the school psychologist and asked about an autism > consultant, she said that the intervention specialist is that person. > Yeah, right! Her only credentials is a program called PEP (whatever > that is) she worked for years ago. I don't see or hear of her using > correct methods to shape his behavior. There are just time-outs as > far as I can tell. The speech/language therapist works with him 20 > minutes three times a week. > > What are your thoughts? Can I insist that an independent autism > consultant be hired for my son and other kids. > > They also won't let him ride the bus and they have no alternate > transportation to offer except a taxi (with a stranger). So I have to > drive him back and forth every day. > > I need to take action - what are your recommendations? > > Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide. > > Marilyn > >

-- WOW! Homepage (http://www.wowway.com)

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi Marilyn,

>

> I don't know what school district it is but I know in Westlake,

there are at least two separate people that will consult with the

school.? We have had similar problems with our 11 year old and the

Behavior and curriculum intervention specialist from?CCBMRDD has been

wonderful.? She has made social stories and gone into the school to

help them implement them along with other resources.? She also spent a

day observing in his school before she came up with a " plan. " ? I

cannot stress enough how wonderful our BCIS has been.? There is also a

county autism consultant (Cayahoga County) but I have never met her.?

Her name is Reeve and I do not have her contact info. ? She

will observe the child at school and write up a report with

recommendations.? I have yet to see a copy of the report so I do not

know how helpful that would be.

>

> On a personal note, we had to cut out all cartoon and and even shows

like Drake and Josh.? Our son is also not allowed on Youtube (the site

is horrible!).? His free time is also scheduled heavily so there is

not time to " ruminate " on the negative thoughts and scenes he sees as

in cartoons etc.? He still acts out everything he sees but we just

change the subject and redirect him.

>

> Hope this helps.

>

> Tara

>

> On Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:51:10 -0000, vintagelovingmom wrote

> > Hi,

> >

> > I have a few problems with the school this year (as usual!) but the

> > main issue is my son's behavior and the school's reaction to it.

> >

> > The second week, three staff members wanted to know if he was on

> > medication (he wasn't - the doctor took him off of it) and why I

> > didn't let them know. They said he was impulsive and aggressive.

> > The aggression they are talking about is him acting out cartoons -

> > he's not really hitting anyone, just pretending. He was also talking

> > non-stop.

> >

> > I called the doctor and she was reluctant to put him back on the

> > medication but did so upon my request. She says it's the school's

> > responsibility to have a person or aide with him who knows how to

> > shape his behavior rather than react to it, i.e, social stories,

> > modeling, redirection. We've also not allowed him to watch cartoons.

> >

> > When I spoke to the school psychologist and asked about an autism

> > consultant, she said that the intervention specialist is that person.

> > Yeah, right! Her only credentials is a program called PEP (whatever

> > that is) she worked for years ago. I don't see or hear of her using

> > correct methods to shape his behavior. There are just time-outs as

> > far as I can tell. The speech/language therapist works with him 20

> > minutes three times a week.

> >

> > What are your thoughts? Can I insist that an independent autism

> > consultant be hired for my son and other kids.

> >

> > They also won't let him ride the bus and they have no alternate

> > transportation to offer except a taxi (with a stranger). So I have to

> > drive him back and forth every day.

> >

> > I need to take action - what are your recommendations?

> >

> > Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide.

> >

> > Marilyn

> >

> >

>

> --

> WOW! Homepage (http://www.wowway.com)

>

Thank you very much for the excellent advice - my son is also 11.

I've spoken with transportation and was told that a taxi is the only

option. I don't want that and will take this to the next level. This

year, a few bus and van drivers retired and they didn't replace them.

The buses/vans are being loaded up with more children to save money

and there is no option for my son other than a taxi. What does a taxi

driver know about dealing with a child with autism?

I was reluctant to sign my son up for MRDD because I don't like

dealing with government programs. However, I spoke with a MRDD rep

and have begun gathering my son's documents for an intake interview.

I didn't realize they have resources for my son. He's approaching the

teen-age years and I've heard the problems get worse.

I'm feeling discouraged right now - does every school year have to

start off with a fight? Aren't these the people who make the claim

" we are for the children " ? Am I missing something here or just being

Pollyanna-ish?

Thanks for listening,

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

If your school will allow an outside consult, that is one of the

services Behavioral Consulting offers throughout the state.

Feel free to visit our website (www.andersonbehavioralconsulting.com)

and/or call or email us for more information. (937-258-0614)

Meghan , BA

Behavior Analyst

Director, Behavioral Consulting

> >

> > Hi Marilyn,

> >

> > I don't know what school district it is but I know in Westlake,

> there are at least two separate people that will consult with the

> school.? We have had similar problems with our 11 year old and the

> Behavior and curriculum intervention specialist from?CCBMRDD has

been

> wonderful.? She has made social stories and gone into the school to

> help them implement them along with other resources.? She also

spent a

> day observing in his school before she came up with a " plan. " ? I

> cannot stress enough how wonderful our BCIS has been.? There is

also a

> county autism consultant (Cayahoga County) but I have never met

her.?

> Her name is Reeve and I do not have her contact info. ?

She

> will observe the child at school and write up a report with

> recommendations.? I have yet to see a copy of the report so I do not

> know how helpful that would be.

> >

> > On a personal note, we had to cut out all cartoon and and even

shows

> like Drake and Josh.? Our son is also not allowed on Youtube (the

site

> is horrible!).? His free time is also scheduled heavily so there is

> not time to " ruminate " on the negative thoughts and scenes he sees

as

> in cartoons etc.? He still acts out everything he sees but we just

> change the subject and redirect him.

> >

> > Hope this helps.

> >

> > Tara

> >

> > On Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:51:10 -0000, vintagelovingmom wrote

> > > Hi,

> > >

> > > I have a few problems with the school this year (as usual!) but

the

> > > main issue is my son's behavior and the school's reaction to

it.

> > >

> > > The second week, three staff members wanted to know if he was

on

> > > medication (he wasn't - the doctor took him off of it) and why

I

> > > didn't let them know. They said he was impulsive and

aggressive.

> > > The aggression they are talking about is him acting out

cartoons -

> > > he's not really hitting anyone, just pretending. He was also

talking

> > > non-stop.

> > >

> > > I called the doctor and she was reluctant to put him back on

the

> > > medication but did so upon my request. She says it's the

school's

> > > responsibility to have a person or aide with him who knows how

to

> > > shape his behavior rather than react to it, i.e, social

stories,

> > > modeling, redirection. We've also not allowed him to watch

cartoons.

> > >

> > > When I spoke to the school psychologist and asked about an

autism

> > > consultant, she said that the intervention specialist is that

person.

> > > Yeah, right! Her only credentials is a program called PEP

(whatever

> > > that is) she worked for years ago. I don't see or hear of her

using

> > > correct methods to shape his behavior. There are just time-outs

as

> > > far as I can tell. The speech/language therapist works with him

20

> > > minutes three times a week.

> > >

> > > What are your thoughts? Can I insist that an independent autism

> > > consultant be hired for my son and other kids.

> > >

> > > They also won't let him ride the bus and they have no alternate

> > > transportation to offer except a taxi (with a stranger). So I

have to

> > > drive him back and forth every day.

> > >

> > > I need to take action - what are your recommendations?

> > >

> > > Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to provide.

> > >

> > > Marilyn

> > >

> > >

> >

> > --

> > WOW! Homepage (http://www.wowway.com)

> >

>

>

> Thank you very much for the excellent advice - my son is also 11.

> I've spoken with transportation and was told that a taxi is the only

> option. I don't want that and will take this to the next level.

This

> year, a few bus and van drivers retired and they didn't replace

them.

> The buses/vans are being loaded up with more children to save money

> and there is no option for my son other than a taxi. What does a

taxi

> driver know about dealing with a child with autism?

>

> I was reluctant to sign my son up for MRDD because I don't like

> dealing with government programs. However, I spoke with a MRDD rep

> and have begun gathering my son's documents for an intake

interview.

> I didn't realize they have resources for my son. He's approaching

the

> teen-age years and I've heard the problems get worse.

>

> I'm feeling discouraged right now - does every school year have to

> start off with a fight? Aren't these the people who make the claim

> " we are for the children " ? Am I missing something here or just

being

> Pollyanna-ish?

>

> Thanks for listening,

> Marilyn

>

[Guest guest]

About transportation, I have to agree. The school must address the bus issue. They must provide transportation at no cost to you, especially if they bus non-disabled children. If my school offered taxi service, I would say something like, "Well let's get that in writing (in the Related Services section in the IEP). I'm surprised the school is willing to take on such a liability! Can you guarantee the taxi driver (not screened by the school) is not a ... child sex predator? ...physically or mentally abusive?, etc"

I'd even go further. If your child's behaviors is preventing him from taking advantage of transportation to school, then your child is being deprived of his special education! I would include "bus goals" on his IEP! Why not? You mentioned your son is nearing the teens years. Will he ever take public transportation as an adult? Then he need to learn proper behavior now! "B. will sit quietly on the bus and keep his hands to himself, 8 out of 10 trips." This can only increase his independence and help prepare him for adult life - all appropriate goals under IDEA.

As for medication, can the school ask about medication? Is it a violation of your son's privacy rights? If you tell the school about your child's medication, is his medical information no longer protected by HIPPA? I ask because this week the school staff asked about meds (my son had a rough day). If they had just informed me of his difficulties, I'd probably would have replied with info about his meds (no changes), but since they point blank asked in an email, I felt outraged. They expect me to just give them his private medical information? Yesterday, I wrote a cryptic one sentence reply cause had I written more, I would have been insulting. Today, I wrote a longer email appreciating all they are doing for my son and for the communication they are providing me with. Well, you know what topic I'll next research: schools and medical information.

PEP = Positive Education Program. I don't know everything about it, but some students are what most people consider criminals. To give you an idea of what it's like, here's what the husband of a former teach told me his wife said to a student, "Put the knife down or else you will loose your smoking break." Makes me want to work there. ha

As for a behavioral consultant, I like the idea of going to the MRDD board. Also, your SERCC might have a consultant as well. They both may have experience working with your school/district and hopefully have a good or professional relationship with them already. As for making the school pay for a private behavior consultant, I think it's possible. You'd have to do your homework first. First I'd research the topic at www.wrightslaw.com. Then next time the school mentions the special interventionist being the autism consultant (that's an oxy-moronic statement I think - what is she, a intervention specialist or a consultant?) or the next time you bring up the topic of functional behavior analysis (because his behavior is not allowing him to benefit from special education), ask what the spec inter.'s credentials are. Have the school list her

autism related degrees, classes, experience. Is she a certified behavior analyst? If she isn't a certified behavior analyst and/or she isn't degreed specifically in autism-related area, then how can the school district claim she is an autism consultant? If they don't have a qualified autism consultant, then I think you can insist they get one (through MRDD or SERCC). If they refuse, I think you have grounds to force the school pay for a private consultant. I wish you the best. Chris

[Guest guest]

I have only lurked on this board up until now, but feel very

compelled to respond to this post. The Positive Education Program is

NOT full of children one would consider " criminals " . PEP serves

students with serious mental, emotional and/or cognitive challenges.

They serve children most districts can't or won't. They have a great

staff and a great track record, and I think your comment may be

giving a very damaging and misleading impression. And, no, I don't

work there or even have a child there, but I have worked with a

number of families whose children were very successful there.

> About transportation, I have to agree.  The school must address the

bus issue.  They must provide transportation at no cost to you,

especially if they bus non-disabled children.  If my school offered

taxi service, I would say something like, " Well let's get that in

writing (in the Related Services section in the IEP).  I'm surprised

the school is willing to take on such a liability!  Can you guarantee

the taxi driver (not screened by the school) is not a ... child

sex predator?  ...physically or mentally abusive?, etc "

>  

> I'd even go further.  If your child's behaviors is preventing him

from taking advantage of transportation to school, then your child is

being deprived of his special education!  I would include  " bus

goals "  on his IEP!  Why not?  You mentioned your son is nearing the

teens years.  Will he ever take public transportation as an adult? 

Then he need to learn proper behavior now!  " B. will sit quietly on

the bus and keep his hands to himself, 8 out of 10 trips. "   This can

only increase his independence and help prepare him for adult life -

all appropriate goals under IDEA.

>  

> As for medication, can the school ask about medication?  Is it a

violation of your son's privacy rights?   If you tell the school

about your child's medication, is his medical information no longer

protected by HIPPA?  I ask because this week the school staff asked

about meds (my son had a rough day).  If they had just informed me of

his difficulties, I'd probably would have replied with info about his

meds (no changes), but since they point blank asked in an email, I

felt outraged.  They expect me to just give them his private medical

information?  Yesterday, I wrote a cryptic one sentence reply cause

had I written more, I would have been insulting.  Today, I wrote a

longer email appreciating all they are doing for my son and for the

communication they are providing me with.  Well, you know what topic

I'll next research:  schools and medical information.

>  

> PEP = Positive Education Program.  I don't know everything about

it, but some students are what most people consider criminals.  To

give you an idea of what it's like, here's what the husband of a

former teach told me his wife said to a student, " Put the knife down

or else you will loose your smoking break. "   Makes me want to work

there. ha

>  

> As for a behavioral consultant, I like the idea of going to the

MRDD board.  Also, your SERCC might have a consultant as well.  They

both may have experience working with your school/district and

hopefully have a good or professional relationship with them

already.   As for making the school pay for a private behavior

consultant, I think it's possible.  You'd have to do your homework

first.  First I'd research the topic at www.wrightslaw.com.  Then

next time the school mentions the special interventionist being the

autism consultant (that's an oxy-moronic statement I think - what is

she, a intervention specialist or a consultant?) or the next time you

bring up the topic of functional behavior analysis (because his

behavior is not allowing him to benefit from special education), ask

what the spec inter.'s credentials are.  Have the school list her

autism related degrees, classes, experience.  Is she a certified

behavior analyst?  If she

> isn't a certified behavior analyst and/or she isn't degreed

specifically in autism-related area, then how can the school district

claim she is an autism consultant?  If they don't have a qualified

autism consultant, then I think you can insist they get one (through

MRDD or SERCC).  If they refuse, I think you have grounds to force

the school pay for a private consultant.  I wish you the best.  Chris

>

[Guest guest]

It sounds like you have more knowledge about PEP than I. I

shouldn't have written what I did, since all I know about it is what

the husband of a former teacher told me. No doubt he may have

gotten the wrong impression himself. Thank you for correcting me.

> I have only lurked on this board up until now, but feel very

> compelled to respond to this post. The Positive Education Program

is

> NOT full of children one would consider " criminals " . PEP serves

> students with serious mental, emotional and/or cognitive

challenges.

> They serve children most districts can't or won't. They have a

great

> staff and a great track record, and I think your comment may be

> giving a very damaging and misleading impression. And, no, I

don't

> work there or even have a child there, but I have worked with a

> number of families whose children were very successful there.

>

>

>

> > About transportation, I have to agree.  The school must address

the

> bus issue.  They must provide transportation at no cost to you,

> especially if they bus non-disabled children.  If my

school offered

> taxi service, I would say something like, " Well let's get that in

> writing (in the Related Services section in the IEP).  I'm

surprised

> the school is willing to take on such a liability!  Can you

guarantee

> the taxi driver (not screened by the school) is not a ... child

> sex predator?  ...physically or mentally abusive?, etc "

> >  

> > I'd even go further.  If your child's behaviors is preventing

him

> from taking advantage of transportation to school, then your child

is

> being deprived of his special education!  I would include  " bus

> goals "  on his IEP!  Why not?  You mentioned your son is nearing

the

> teens years.  Will he ever take public transportation as an

adult? 

> Then he need to learn proper behavior now!  " B. will sit quietly

on

> the bus and keep his hands to himself, 8 out of 10 trips. "   This

can

> only increase his independence and help prepare him for adult

life -

> all appropriate goals under IDEA.

> >  

> > As for medication, can the school ask about medication?  Is it a

> violation of your son's privacy rights?   If you tell the school

> about your child's medication, is his medical information no

longer

> protected by HIPPA?  I ask because this week the school

staff asked

> about meds (my son had a rough day).  If they had just informed

me of

> his difficulties, I'd probably would have replied with info about

his

> meds (no changes), but since they point blank asked in an email, I

> felt outraged.  They expect me to just give them his private

medical

> information?  Yesterday, I wrote a cryptic one sentence reply

cause

> had I written more, I would have been insulting.  Today, I wrote a

> longer email appreciating all they are doing for my son and for

the

> communication they are providing me with.  Well, you know what

topic

> I'll next research:  schools and medical information.

> >  

> > PEP = Positive Education Program.  I don't know everything about

> it, but some students are what most people consider criminals.  To

> give you an idea of what it's like, here's what the husband of a

> former teach told me his wife said to a student, " Put the knife

down

> or else you will loose your smoking break. "   Makes me want to work

> there. ha

> >  

> > As for a behavioral consultant, I like the idea of going to the

> MRDD board.  Also, your SERCC might have a consultant as well. 

They

> both may have experience working with your school/district and

> hopefully have a good or professional relationship with them

> already.   As for making the school pay for a private behavior

> consultant, I think it's possible.  You'd have to do your homework

> first.  First I'd research the topic at www.wrightslaw.com.  Then

> next time the school mentions the special interventionist being

the

> autism consultant (that's an oxy-moronic statement I think - what

is

> she, a intervention specialist or a consultant?) or the next

time you

> bring up the topic of functional behavior analysis (because his

> behavior is not allowing him to benefit from special education),

ask

> what the spec inter.'s credentials are.  Have the school list her

> autism related degrees, classes, experience.  Is she a certified

> behavior analyst?  If she

> > isn't a certified behavior analyst and/or she isn't degreed

> specifically in autism-related area, then how can the school

district

> claim she is an autism consultant?  If they don't have a qualified

> autism consultant, then I think you can insist they get one

(through

> MRDD or SERCC).  If they refuse, I think you have grounds to force

> the school pay for a private consultant.  I wish you the best. 

Chris

> >

>

[Guest guest]

> > I have only lurked on this board up until now, but feel very

> > compelled to respond to this post. The Positive Education Program

> is

> > NOT full of children one would consider " criminals " . PEP serves

> > students with serious mental, emotional and/or cognitive

> challenges.

> > They serve children most districts can't or won't. They have a

> great

> > staff and a great track record, and I think your comment may be

> > giving a very damaging and misleading impression. And, no, I

> don't

> > work there or even have a child there, but I have worked with a

> > number of families whose children were very successful there.

> >

> >

> >

> > > About transportation, I have to agree.  The school must address

> the

> > bus issue.  They must provide transportation at no cost to you,

> > especially if they bus non-disabled children.  If my

> school offered

> > taxi service, I would say something like, " Well let's get that in

> > writing (in the Related Services section in the IEP).  I'm

> surprised

> > the school is willing to take on such a liability!  Can you

> guarantee

> > the taxi driver (not screened by the school) is not a ... child

> > sex predator?  ...physically or mentally abusive?, etc "

> > >  

> > > I'd even go further.  If your child's behaviors is preventing

> him

> > from taking advantage of transportation to school, then your child

> is

> > being deprived of his special education!  I would include  " bus

> > goals "  on his IEP!  Why not?  You mentioned your son is nearing

> the

> > teens years.  Will he ever take public transportation as an

> adult? 

> > Then he need to learn proper behavior now!  " B. will sit quietly

> on

> > the bus and keep his hands to himself, 8 out of 10 trips. "   This

> can

> > only increase his independence and help prepare him for adult

> life -

> > all appropriate goals under IDEA.

> > >  

> > > As for medication, can the school ask about medication?  Is it a

> > violation of your son's privacy rights?   If you tell the school

> > about your child's medication, is his medical information no

> longer

> > protected by HIPPA?  I ask because this week the school

> staff asked

> > about meds (my son had a rough day).  If they had just informed

> me of

> > his difficulties, I'd probably would have replied with info about

> his

> > meds (no changes), but since they point blank asked in an email, I

> > felt outraged.  They expect me to just give them his private

> medical

> > information?  Yesterday, I wrote a cryptic one sentence reply

> cause

> > had I written more, I would have been insulting.  Today, I wrote a

> > longer email appreciating all they are doing for my son and for

> the

> > communication they are providing me with.  Well, you know what

> topic

> > I'll next research:  schools and medical information.

> > >  

> > > PEP = Positive Education Program.  I don't know everything about

> > it, but some students are what most people consider criminals.  To

> > give you an idea of what it's like, here's what the husband of a

> > former teach told me his wife said to a student, " Put the knife

> down

> > or else you will loose your smoking break. "   Makes me want to work

> > there. ha

> > >  

> > > As for a behavioral consultant, I like the idea of going to the

> > MRDD board.  Also, your SERCC might have a consultant as well. 

> They

> > both may have experience working with your school/district and

> > hopefully have a good or professional relationship with them

> > already.   As for making the school pay for a private behavior

> > consultant, I think it's possible.  You'd have to do your homework

> > first.  First I'd research the topic at www.wrightslaw.com.  Then

> > next time the school mentions the special interventionist being

> the

> > autism consultant (that's an oxy-moronic statement I think - what

> is

> > she, a intervention specialist or a consultant?) or the next

> time you

> > bring up the topic of functional behavior analysis (because his

> > behavior is not allowing him to benefit from special education),

> ask

> > what the spec inter.'s credentials are.  Have the school list her

> > autism related degrees, classes, experience.  Is she a certified

> > behavior analyst?  If she

> > > isn't a certified behavior analyst and/or she isn't degreed

> > specifically in autism-related area, then how can the school

> district

> > claim she is an autism consultant?  If they don't have a qualified

> > autism consultant, then I think you can insist they get one

> (through

> > MRDD or SERCC).  If they refuse, I think you have grounds to force

> > the school pay for a private consultant.  I wish you the best. 

> Chris

> > >

> >

>