Behavioral Consultant for Autism

[Guest guest]

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