Successful IEP's?????

[Guest guest]

I've been hearing so much about the antagonistic IEP meetings I have

to ask. Is that the norm????

My son will be 2 years May 11. I had my first IFSP meeting where we

discussed transition when he is 3 (I'm a little nervous now hearing

everyones horror stories). I won't say my meeting was all sun and

roses but it went well. They seemed respectful of my differences of

opinion on a few matters regarding his current abilities as well as

my refusal of certain services. My son has what they would

term " feeding concerns " . I refused any therapy for it, allowed them

to notate their concerns for the SLP that will provide therapy and to

give me advice. I agreed to look at the situation again in 6

months. It really was a respectful meeting where I (who was alone --

next time I'll have support) didn't feel ganged up on.

One of the people at the meeting wanted an OT to provide therapy to

my son, even though his only real issue is speech. They tested him

25% behind in fine motor but both my 2nd opinion SLP, myself, and my

pediatrician disagreed. I eventually did tell them that this was MY

tax dollars they were spending and they should reserve them for

someone who really needed it (in a respectful way). I again agreed

that in 6 months they could retest his fine motor skills if they

wanted. That ended that discussion.

There were disagreements, but all in all it was fine. The SLP who

did his review was very vocal at the meeting and spent extra time

making sure I understood her evaluation and the things that she saw

differently than my pedo, myself, and my 2nd opinion SLP -- I have to

say though that her arguements seemed to come from the fact that she

really did feel that way, and she was very repectful and answered all

my questions. Please tell me that is more the norm. I hate to think

that on top of the stress of having a child with a special need

parents also have to endure antagonism from those that are supposed

to help.

One more little question --- in an IEP do you sign/initial every

page??? I discovered twice now in signing papers for EI that I was

handed a few pages to read, one to sign, then when they left there

were additional pages I never read before signing. It didn't seem

like a big deal -- however these were the pages where EI scored him

lower (not significantly except the 25% in fine motor) than I, my

pedo, and my 2nd opinion SLP believe he should be. Of course in the

future I will take everyone's advice and NEVER sign at the meeting,

wait and review later.

Anyway hope to hear that some people out there have successful,

respectful, and helpful IEP meetings.

mom to 23 months (motor planning disorder??? -- still working

on diagnosis) and Kenny 12 years and the best big brother around