Re: choosing a district

[Guest guest]

I would be happy to meet anywhere to discuss school districts and

possible alternate placements for our children. I would be happy to

book a meeting room at the Lakewood Public Library where parents could

meet. I don't know where everyone is coming from and if Lakewood would

be a centrally located place in which to convene... but it is an

option. Of course coffee shops and Panera are also good :-)

What times are good for everyone? Any specific days? Monday nights or

Friday nights are good. Weekends can get tricky, though a Sunday night

could potentially work as well (if I book the library, it is open until

9 p.m. every night).

It would be great to get a number of parents from varying school

districts to discuss pros and cons of those districts. It would be

especially helpful if you are pleased with your current district and

would be willing to discuss the positive aspects. I think there are a

lot of us who are not-so-pleased and could talk about that at length...

Thanks!

[Guest guest]

If I may toss my hat into the ring here....

Our children living with Autism are like snowflakes...no two are

alike. What works for one won't work for another. Yes, educational

programs are supposed to be individualized. But, I have found that to

not always possible in practice -- yes, I know there are laws. But,

what's written on paper and what's actually done in practice are

sometimes two different things. That's just the reality of the

situation. With the dramatic rise in Autism and special needs students

in general, the school systems are spread pretty thin. So are

parents. It's a vicious circle.

I hate to say it, but many of the parents who have had truly horrible

experiences with any district often don't talk about it for fear of

reprisal. It's not until you've had a truly nightmarish experience

with a district that you find others in the same postion. But this

again goes back to each child and his/her needs being so

different...the very same district can be truly wonderful with one

special needs child, and truly horrible handling another special needs

child.

I wish I could tell you the " right " decision could be made based on

data. Unfortuantely, I can't tell you that. I wish I could tell you

that a good match for your child one year will ALWAYS be a good match

for your child throughout their school career...but that's not the

case. Different teachers have different methods, and different grades

bring new challenges -- and increased challenges to your child. And

realistically...who can really afford to move every time the situation

goes south for your child at school?

So...what's a parent to do? There's no magic answer. All I can tell

you is that you must always monitor your child's situation at school

and their behavior at home. For example, are they suddenly withdrawn?

Do they start to try and get out of going to school every morning? Are

they acting out in ways they never did before? Are your questions to

school personnel answered vaguely? Does something just not seem

right? If so, go and observe your child at school. Get an advocate to

observe on your behalf. Ask administrators if your district employs

the use of " aversive interventions. " Does the school your child

attends have a " time-out " room? Ask. If it has one, go see it. How

do you feel about your child being put in there? Does the school

district have a written policy on the use of physical restraint? If

so, read it and see if you're comfortable with it. If not, ask what

they do if the situation escalates? How do you feel about the answer

you're given?

Always listen to your gut-level reaction. You'll be right more than

you are going to be wrong. And, above all else, be vigilant and

closely monitor your child and their school situation/environment. It

does change.

Best of luck to you all.

--Suzanne

[Guest guest]

Suzanne - Thank you for the wonderful advice! Chris