Re: cognitive impairment and autism

[Guest guest]

In my opinion, because of the way fape is set up (legally), adding a cognitive impairment reduces the level to which our children should be held (and, thus fewer services/accomodations required by law).They gave our non-verbal 4 year old an iq test designed for nt, verbal children. Then they (not in writing) said his cognitive ability was too low for an increase in services (he would not benifit).It may be that people are equating what our children can express withtheir ability to think (rather than a nefarious plot). Regardless, the outcome is reduced supports because the child is not held to the same academic standards.I do believe this is a byproduct of thr view that autism was retardation (or a subset).We have been fighting for two years to get that iq report out of my son's file with no success.Sent via BlackBerry by AT&TFrom: "kathytrilla" Date: Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:32:39 -0000To: <AutismBehaviorProblems >Subject: cognitive impairment and autism Has anyone's school added cognitive impairment to their childs qualifications for receiving a iep? 75 % of children with autism have cognitive impairment. Which to me means that this is part of autism. My son's school slammed us with a cognitive impairment label after our eval and I beleive this is because I wanted placement and now they have a out. Let me know what you think and if this has happened to anyone else. Kathy

[Guest guest]

Yes! This happened to us too. And then It screwed up his previous reports which did not have it. I had to do a new psych evail because of it. Some Doctors whom do not work with Autism much will have it, then those specialist (atleast by me) will say no. I was wondering why some would ask me if he was mentally retarded. I would say no, but they said thats what the school added with congnitive delay.

Rhonda

Subject: cognitive impairment and autismTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Friday, December 12, 2008, 11:32 AM

Has anyone's school added cognitive impairment to their childs qualifications for receiving a iep? 75 % of children with autism have cognitive impairment. Which to me means that this is part of autism. My son's school slammed us with a cognitive impairment label after our eval and I beleive this is because I wanted placement and now they have a out. Let me know what you think and if this has happened to anyone else. Kathy

[Guest guest]

I was told by others dont have testing done so noone can try to put

this lable on his school reports. Unfortunatly I have a lawyer that

was supposed to have a good rep and I also used a reputable place

from naperville. I did what the lawyer told me to do and I feel she

couldnt get placement so she helped the school put this label as her

way out of the case. Since his testing from this place in naperville

showed varying scores in testing the psychologist there said lookinig

a the testing you can say that my son has this impairment. She also

said that 75 % of these children also show to have this impairement.

This is a very large number and should be considered part of the

diagnosis of autism. I am very upset with the money I spent to get

help and at my meeting for the school not the lawyer nor the dr.

defended my child. In fact this dr from naperville talked to me

privately and told the school privately why would you do that to this

child. She told me with this label the school will not push him to

his full potential. I am disgusted with my situation. Why do

schools put this label if there is already a label to get special

ed? I know it is there way out. I spoke to the Illinois board of ed

and they agreed, there is somthing behind the reasoning that is not

in the best interest of my child. I was told at my meeting that it

doesnt matter if I dont want this there are two of us and many more

that want this in his iep. So I was out weighed. Kathy

>

>

> Subject: cognitive impairment and autism

> To: AutismBehaviorProblems

> Date: Friday, December 12, 2008, 11:32 AM

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Has anyone's school added cognitive impairment to their childs

> qualifications for receiving a iep? 75 % of children with autism

have

> cognitive impairment. Which to me means that this is part of

autism.

> My son's school slammed us with a cognitive impairment label after

our

> eval and I beleive this is because I wanted placement and now they

have

> a out. Let me know what you think and if this has happened to

anyone

> else. Kathy

>

[Guest guest]

Just out of curiosity, did you sign the iep at the meeting? I refused to sign an iep and it actually worked for the better. You never have to sign it.

Rhonda

Subject: Re: cognitive impairment and autismTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Saturday, December 13, 2008, 8:59 AM

I was told by others dont have testing done so noone can try to put this lable on his school reports. Unfortunatly I have a lawyer that was supposed to have a good rep and I also used a reputable place from naperville. I did what the lawyer told me to do and I feel she couldnt get placement so she helped the school put this label as her way out of the case. Since his testing from this place in naperville showed varying scores in testing the psychologist there said lookinig a the testing you can say that my son has this impairment. She also said that 75 % of these children also show to have this impairement. This is a very large number and should be considered part of the diagnosis of autism. I am very upset with the money I spent to get help and at my meeting for the school not the lawyer nor the dr. defended my child. In fact this dr from naperville talked to me privately and told the school

privately why would you do that to this child. She told me with this label the school will not push him to his full potential. I am disgusted with my situation. Why do schools put this label if there is already a label to get special ed? I know it is there way out. I spoke to the Illinois board of ed and they agreed, there is somthing behind the reasoning that is not in the best interest of my child. I was told at my meeting that it doesnt matter if I dont want this there are two of us and many more that want this in his iep. So I was out weighed. Kathy > > From: kathytrilla <kathytrilla@ ...>> Subject: cognitive impairment and autism> To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com> Date: Friday, December 12, 2008, 11:32 AM> > > > > > > Has anyone's school added cognitive impairment to their childs > qualifications for receiving a iep? 75 % of children with autism have > cognitive impairment. Which to me means that this is part of autism. >

My son's school slammed us with a cognitive impairment label after our > eval and I beleive this is because I wanted placement and now they have > a out. Let me know what you think and if this has happened to anyone > else. Kathy>

[Guest guest]

In my district there is no signing in approval. So unless I write

somthing to be attached that is the only way it will be known. Which

doesnt matter because our district does what ever it wants and does

things like this to cover thier butts. I told them this is part of

autism and I spoke to one of my friends that has a child like mine

and she agrees this is part of autism. Kathy

> >

> > From: kathytrilla <kathytrilla@ ...>

> > Subject: cognitive impairment and autism

> > To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com

> > Date: Friday, December 12, 2008, 11:32 AM

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Has anyone's school added cognitive impairment to their childs

> > qualifications for receiving a iep? 75 % of children with autism

> have

> > cognitive impairment. Which to me means that this is part of

> autism.

> > My son's school slammed us with a cognitive impairment label

after

> our

> > eval and I beleive this is because I wanted placement and now

they

> have

> > a out. Let me know what you think and if this has happened to

> anyone

> > else. Kathy

> >

>

[Guest guest]

My son is was in a aba classroom in the morning and a cross cat

classroom in the after noon teach methods were used in the afternoon

class. Now he is going to only be in the cross cat classroom because

the dr suggested he should only be in the teach classroom where there

are more visuals. this new label has not changed his schooling or

goals. Kathy

>

> Kathy,

> What kind of class is your child in? Are they wanting to have him

placed

> somewhere different? Just wondering?

> Stacie

>

>

> In a message dated 12/12/2008 9:33:15 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

> kathytrilla@... writes:

>

>

>

>

> Has anyone's school added cognitive impairment to their childs

> qualifications for receiving a iep? 75 % of children with autism

have

> cognitive impairment. Which to me means that this is part of

autism.

> My son's school slammed us with a cognitive impairment label after

our

> eval and I beleive this is because I wanted placement and now they

have

> a out. Let me know what you think and if this has happened to

anyone

> else. Kathy

>

>

>

>

> **************Make your life easier with all your friends, email,

and

> favorite sites in one place. Try it now.

> (http://www.aol.com/?optin=new-

dp & icid=aolcom40vanity & ncid=emlcntaolcom00000010)

>

[Guest guest]

Unfortunately I was told that 4 out of 5 kids with autism will have a Developmental Diagnosis as well....this is not part of autism as much as it is just that the gaps keep getting bigger as a child grows up. I am a teacher in an ASD class and have been going through testing with several students of mine with the psychologist. I am finding it extremely interesting.

Basically they have to compare each child to an age equivalent child (e.g., if the child with autism is in grade 4 - they are compared to other students in grade 4).

Also, the tests are quite difficult sometimes for the students with autism to understand - the psychologists are given the scripts of what to say and do and cannot do much more than what is given without the test becoming void. It was hard to watch a child of mine fail on a task I knew they could do - I then showed the psychologist using my materials and she did is successfully. Some is understanding and some is generalization.

I don't think the child having a cognitive deficit label is going to harm the child. We all strive for the same thing - to have the child become a meaningful member of society - to function as independently as possible and to live as independently as possible. Most people with autism are even able to do some sort of job to contribute to society!

Best of luck!

[Guest guest]

"Also, the tests are quite difficult sometimes for the students with autism to understand - the psychologists are given the scripts of what to say and do and cannot do much more than what is given without the test becoming void. It was hard to watch a child of mine fail on a task I knew they could do - I then showed the psychologist using my materials and she did is successfully. Some is understanding and some is generalization."

In all kindness, I have a problem with this...something doesn't settle well with me when I know that a school is not going to give my child a "fair" test...a test that is "fair and appropriate" for his own disability. Autism is different then MR...some children who have Autism have MR as well...no question. There are many of our kiddos who do not. Something needs to change....A test that has a language component to it...a receptive, expressive kind of language to it...will fail my child every time. My child won't fail the test...the test will fail him. WE need more. I'm not sure what...as my friend who is a teacher and does have an 18 yr old with Autism, would be better explaning why she doesn't care for the testing....her child is not MR, and was said to be in his early years...He needed help for Autism, and it is different than MR --- for instance many private programs who enroll both ASD and

other specially abled kiddos make their curriculum and or their program fit the child with ASD...As once it can meet the ASD child's needs it will automatically be able to meet the others as well...I must find that article...cause what I'm saying isn't making sense....

I get your point, and I know being a teacher you care deeply for these kids...but mom's need more.

just my two cents.

e

To: AutismBehaviorProblems Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 9:49:39 PMSubject: Re: cognitive impairment and autism

Unfortunately I was told that 4 out of 5 kids with autism will have a Developmental Diagnosis as well....this is not part of autism as much as it is just that the gaps keep getting bigger as a child grows up. I am a teacher in an ASD class and have been going through testing with several students of mine with the psychologist. I am finding it extremely interesting.

Basically they have to compare each child to an age equivalent child (e.g., if the child with autism is in grade 4 - they are compared to other students in grade 4).

I don't think the child having a cognitive deficit label is going to harm the child. We all strive for the same thing - to have the child become a meaningful member of society - to function as independently as possible and to live as independently as possible. Most people with autism are even able to do some sort of job to contribute to society!

Best of luck!

[Guest guest]

By the way...maybe there isn't another way...I don't want to sound like I'm totally fighting the "system" as the system works most of the time...it just concerns me that so many of our ASD kiddos are being diagnosed as MR as well...I only know what I hear others say and my friends say...that it bothered them. I don't know how I will feel with ...there just are so many unanswered questions as it relates to Autism...I'm grateful that it is finally in the forefront now....Maybe we can all figure this out....

I would love to hear from you mom's who understand all this....I know many of us want to know what you all thing....again just my two cents...

J

To: AutismBehaviorProblems Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:08:26 PMSubject: Re: Re: cognitive impairment and autism

"Also, the tests are quite difficult sometimes for the students with autism to understand - the psychologists are given the scripts of what to say and do and cannot do much more than what is given without the test becoming void. It was hard to watch a child of mine fail on a task I knew they could do - I then showed the psychologist using my materials and she did is successfully. Some is understanding and some is generalization. "

In all kindness, I have a problem with this...something doesn't settle well with me when I know that a school is not going to give my child a "fair" test...a test that is "fair and appropriate" for his own disability. Autism is different then MR...some children who have Autism have MR as well...no question. There are many of our kiddos who do not. Something needs to change....A test that has a language component to it...a receptive, expressive kind of language to it...will fail my child every time. My child won't fail the test...the test will fail him. WE need more. I'm not sure what...as my friend who is a teacher and does have an 18 yr old with Autism, would be better explaning why she doesn't care for the testing....her child is not MR, and was said to be in his early years...He needed help for Autism, and it is different than MR --- for instance many private programs who enroll both ASD and

other specially abled kiddos make their curriculum and or their program fit the child with ASD...As once it can meet the ASD child's needs it will automatically be able to meet the others as well...I must find that article...cause what I'm saying isn't making sense....

I get your point, and I know being a teacher you care deeply for these kids...but mom's need more.

just my two cents.

e

From: Dagg <hdagg2000yahoo (DOT) com>To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) comSent: Monday, December 15, 2008 9:49:39 PMSubject: Re: cognitive impairment and autism

Unfortunately I was told that 4 out of 5 kids with autism will have a Developmental Diagnosis as well....this is not part of autism as much as it is just that the gaps keep getting bigger as a child grows up. I am a teacher in an ASD class and have been going through testing with several students of mine with the psychologist. I am finding it extremely interesting.

Basically they have to compare each child to an age equivalent child (e.g., if the child with autism is in grade 4 - they are compared to other students in grade 4).

I don't think the child having a cognitive deficit label is going to harm the child. We all strive for the same thing - to have the child become a meaningful member of society - to function as independently as possible and to live as independently as possible. Most people with autism are even able to do some sort of job to contribute to society!

Best of luck!

[Guest guest]

,

It sounds like you are a good caring teacher who truly has her students best interest at heart and I applaud you for your understanding and caring. The fact that you are in this group shows a level of commitment that I admire. As a parent labels can be scary. Not all teachers or school districts have a good understanding of autism. The scattering of skills and the behaviors that get in the way can be very confusing to many teachers. I have no problem with testing that compares my son to typical kids as long as it is used as a tool to allow the school to pinpoint his strengths and weaknesses and gives them a better understanding of where he needs the most help. I would also want them to give him a second test that is done in a more AS friendly way. This would allow them to see what he really knows but needs to be able to generalize. The fact is in a bad school they can use these tests

to move your child into a program that is inappropriate. I have heard of AS children being put in classrooms where the work is very far beneath their ability or even moved into a life skills class that has very little academics and really I can teach my son to make his bed on my own. So when we are concerned about testing and labels know it is not directed at the good school systems or the qualified caring teachers but at the ones who would push our children aside because of lack of knowledge, understanding or even funding. This is just my opinion based on my experience and others parents I know. Kellie

Subject: Re: cognitive impairment and autismTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 3:49 AM

Unfortunately I was told that 4 out of 5 kids with autism will have a Developmental Diagnosis as well....this is not part of autism as much as it is just that the gaps keep getting bigger as a child grows up. I am a teacher in an ASD class and have been going through testing with several students of mine with the psychologist. I am finding it extremely interesting.

Basically they have to compare each child to an age equivalent child (e.g., if the child with autism is in grade 4 - they are compared to other students in grade 4).

Also, the tests are quite difficult sometimes for the students with autism to understand - the psychologists are given the scripts of what to say and do and cannot do much more than what is given without the test becoming void. It was hard to watch a child of mine fail on a task I knew they could do - I then showed the psychologist using my materials and she did is successfully. Some is understanding and some is generalization.

I don't think the child having a cognitive deficit label is going to harm the child. We all strive for the same thing - to have the child become a meaningful member of society - to function as independently as possible and to live as independently as possible. Most people with autism are even able to do some sort of job to contribute to society!

Best of luck!

[Guest guest]

The tests though must meet criteria for all kids - these are not tests specifically for kids with autism or it would not be a test to see if they are developmentally delayed. The tests do go through a visual component, expressive component and receptive component but they move quickly upwards. The test has absolutely no bearing on the curriculum taught to the students or the type of class the student is in (unless parents want it to of course).

Some students with ASD actually perform extremely well on the visual section, depending on their abilities or a different area but cannot often complete the entire test witht he same results - that is just autism - it is not a bad thing

[Guest guest]

,

Maybe I am misunderstanding the testing you are talking about. If the tests have no bearing on placement or impact on the curriculum taught to our children what are they for?

For the last 2 years has been eligible for testing but his teachers and I agree that it would be very frustrating for him and really wouldn't give us any new information. We decided not to do formal testing but to summarize his skill levels in a report where each teacher or specialist covers his or her area. He is in a great school with a very caring, knowledgeable special ed. facilitator and teacher. They understand where he is and what he knows. I know I am very fortunate to have this school and I am really not trying to be difficult. I have been in a school that wasn't so good and I know many parents who struggle with their childs school and are very afraid of any additional testing. Again you seem like a very good teacher and your students are lucky to have you. Wish the world was full of teachers and schools who are as dedicated and caring as the one attends now but unfortunately that is not the

case. Thank you for your input. It is great to have someone who works with our children and can explain things from an educators point of view. Kellie

Subject: Re: cognitive impairment and autismTo: AutismBehaviorProblems Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 1:36 PM

The tests though must meet criteria for all kids - these are not tests specifically for kids with autism or it would not be a test to see if they are developmentally delayed. The tests do go through a visual component, expressive component and receptive component but they move quickly upwards. The test has absolutely no bearing on the curriculum taught to the students or the type of class the student is in (unless parents want it to of course).

Some students with ASD actually perform extremely well on the visual section, depending on their abilities or a different area but cannot often complete the entire test witht he same results - that is just autism - it is not a bad thing

[Guest guest]

My son's school career has been a dismal failure....NO teacher has attempted to take the time to work with him 1:1...ever, except me when I home schooled him in 3rd grade.., even though it states in his IEP that he requires this. I am graduating him this year with his twin sister and am VERY glad to kiss this school goodbye. I am hoping to move completely out of this area/state................."Do not fear nor be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you ALWAYS!" 1:9 "The mighty oak was once a NUT that stood it's ground."Protect yourself from radiation and Bring your body back into balance... http://www.cellphoneguardian.com/cmd.php?af=731322

[Guest guest]

Thanks justine for your comments. Since this has recently happened

to my son I think it is a good topic for others to watch out for

since I didnt have a clue that it was coming. I hate the system that

I am in. They tested my son with no understanding of testing a child

with autism. I am not looking forward to these next two weeks off

school since I am at a low right now anyway. It is very unsettling

for someone to say these things about your child and know if the

school would work faster my son could prove himself but it comes down

to resources. Plus the fact that in my iep meeting I was totally

against this label and i was told that " you have no choice you are

outnumbered " . The whole child has to be tooked at if other labels

are added. Thanks for listening. Kathy

>

> By the way...maybe there isn't another way...I don't want to sound

like I'm totally fighting the " system " as the system works most of

the time...it just concerns me that so many of our ASD kiddos are

being diagnosed as MR as well...I only know what I hear others say

and my friends say...that it bothered them.  I don't know how I will

feel with ...there just are so many unanswered questions as it

relates to Autism...I'm grateful that it is finally in the forefront

now....Maybe we can all figure this out....

>

> I would love to hear from you mom's who understand all this....I

know many of us want to know what you all thing....again just my two

cents...

>

> J

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

>

> To: AutismBehaviorProblems

> Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:08:26 PM

> Subject: Re: Re: cognitive impairment and autism

>

>

> " Also, the tests are quite difficult sometimes for the students

with autism to understand - the psychologists are given the scripts

of what to say and do and cannot do much more than what is given

without the test becoming void. It was hard to watch a child of mine

fail on a task I knew they could do - I then showed the psychologist

using my materials and she did is successfully. Some is understanding

and some is generalization. "

>

>

> In all kindness, I have a problem with this...something doesn't

settle well with me when I know that a school is not going to give my

child a " fair " test...a test that is " fair and appropriate " for his

own disability.  Autism is different then MR...some children who have

Autism have MR as well...no question.  There are many of our kiddos

who do not.  Something needs to change....A test that has a

language component to it...a receptive, expressive kind of language

to it...will fail my child every time.  My child won't fail the

test...the test will fail him.  WE need more.  I'm not sure what...as

my friend who is a teacher and does have an 18 yr old with Autism,

would be better explaning why she doesn't care for the testing....her

child is not MR, and was said to be in his early years...He needed

help for Autism, and it is different than MR --- for instance many

private programs who enroll both ASD and other specially abled

kiddos make their

> curriculum and or their program fit the child with ASD...As once

it can meet the ASD child's needs it will automatically be able to

meet the others as well...I must find that article...cause what I'm

saying isn't making sense....

>

> I get your point, and I know being a teacher you care deeply for

these kids...but mom's need more.

>

> just my two cents.

>

> e

>

> ________________________________

> From: Dagg <hdagg2000yahoo (DOT) com>

> To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com

> Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 9:49:39 PM

> Subject: Re: cognitive impairment and autism

>

>

> Unfortunately I was told that 4 out of 5 kids with autism will have

a Developmental Diagnosis as well....this is not part of autism as

much as it is just that the gaps keep getting bigger as a child grows

up. I am a teacher in an ASD class and have been going through

testing with several students of mine with the psychologist. I am

finding it extremely interesting.

> Basically they have to compare each child to an age equivalent

child (e.g., if the child with autism is in grade 4 - they are

compared to other students in grade 4).

> I don't think the child having a cognitive deficit label is going

to harm the child. We all strive for the same thing - to have the

child become a meaningful member of society - to function as

independently as possible and to live as independently as possible.

Most people with autism are even able to do some sort of job to

contribute to society!

> Best of luck!

>

>

[Guest guest]

You are welcome Kathy! Take care---breaks are hard. I'm sorry you are low as well, as breaks are even harder when mom's not up to it. This job is exhausting, and you have been at it a lot longer than I. I will say a prayer for peace for you as soon as I hit send.

e

To: AutismBehaviorProblems Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 1:20:45 PMSubject: Re: cognitive impairment and autism

Thanks justine for your comments. Since this has recently happened to my son I think it is a good topic for others to watch out for since I didnt have a clue that it was coming. I hate the system that I am in. They tested my son with no understanding of testing a child with autism. I am not looking forward to these next two weeks off school since I am at a low right now anyway. It is very unsettling for someone to say these things about your child and know if the school would work faster my son could prove himself but it comes down to resources. Plus the fact that in my iep meeting I was totally against this label and i was told that "you have no choice you are outnumbered" . The whole child has to be tooked at if other labels are added. Thanks for listening. Kathy>> By the way...maybe there isn't another way...I don't want to sound like I'm totally fighting the "system" as the system works most of the time...it just concerns me that so many of our ASD kiddos are being diagnosed as MR as well...I only know what I hear others say and my friends say...that it bothered them. I don't know how I will feel with ...there just are so many unanswered questions as it relates to Autism...I'm grateful that it is finally in the forefront now....Maybe we can all figure this out....> > I would love to hear from you mom's who understand all this....I know many of us want to know what you all thing....again just my two cents...> > J> > > > > ____________

_________ _________ __> From: Two Blessings <ljdjd1234@. ..>> To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com> Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:08:26 PM> Subject: Re: Re: cognitive impairment and autism> > > "Also, the tests are quite difficult sometimes for the students with autism to understand - the psychologists are given the scripts of what to say and do and cannot do much more than what is given without the test becoming void. It was hard to watch a child of mine fail on a task I knew they could do - I then showed the psychologist using my materials and she did is successfully. Some is understanding and some is generalization. "> > > In all kindness, I have a problem with this...something

doesn't settle well with me when I know that a school is not going to give my child a "fair" test...a test that is "fair and appropriate" for his own disability. Autism is different then MR...some children who have Autism have MR as well...no question. There are many of our kiddos who do not. Something needs to change....A test that has a language component to it...a receptive, expressive kind of language to it...will fail my child every time. My child won't fail the test...the test will fail him. WE need more. I'm not sure what...as my friend who is a teacher and does have an 18 yr old with Autism, would be better explaning why she doesn't care for the testing....her child is not MR, and was said to be in his early years...He needed help for Autism, and it is different than MR --- for instance many private programs who enroll both ASD and other specially

abled kiddos make their> curriculum and or their program fit the child with ASD...As once it can meet the ASD child's needs it will automatically be able to meet the others as well...I must find that article...cause what I'm saying isn't making sense....> > I get your point, and I know being a teacher you care deeply for these kids...but mom's need more.> > just my two cents.> > e> > ____________ _________ _________ __> From: Dagg <hdagg2000yahoo (DOT) com>> To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com> Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 9:49:39 PM> Subject: Re: cognitive impairment and autism> > > Unfortunately I was told that 4 out of 5 kids with autism will have a Developmental Diagnosis as well....this is not part of autism as much as it is just that the gaps keep getting bigger as

a child grows up. I am a teacher in an ASD class and have been going through testing with several students of mine with the psychologist. I am finding it extremely interesting.> Basically they have to compare each child to an age equivalent child (e.g., if the child with autism is in grade 4 - they are compared to other students in grade 4). > I don't think the child having a cognitive deficit label is going to harm the child. We all strive for the same thing - to have the child become a meaningful member of society - to function as independently as possible and to live as independently as possible. Most people with autism are even able to do some sort of job to contribute to society!> Best of luck!> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Kathy and e. Kathy, I am feeling your pain, believe me. And they we got hit with an extra day on Friday to the break with a snow day. And I had all these gifts and allf and games to go to school with for the party on Friday. Oh well. Hopefully Miss Jenna will still have one when we come back from break. I was looking forward to what i had planned for the kiddos. And, I am feeling like you are Kathy. It is so hard with these breaks. There are so many schools for Autism, that done have breaks and go all year because of this exact reason.

Stacie

You are welcome Kathy! Take care---breaks are hard. I'm sorry you are low as well, as breaks are even harder when mom's not up to it. This job is exhausting, and you have been at it a lot longer than I. I will say a prayer for peace for you as soon as I hit send.

e

From: kathytrilla <kathytrilla>To: AutismBehaviorProblems Sent: Friday, December 19, 2008 1:20:45 PMSubject: Re: cognitive impairment and autism

Thanks justine for your comments. Since this has recently happened to my son I think it is a good topic for others to watch out for since I didnt have a clue that it was coming. I hate the system that I am in. They tested my son with no understanding of testing a child with autism. I am not looking forward to these next two weeks off school since I am at a low right now anyway. It is very unsettling for someone to say these things about your child and know if the school would work faster my son could prove himself but it comes down to resources. Plus the fact that in my iep meeting I was totally against this label and i was told that "you have no choice you are outnumbered" . The whole child has to be tooked at if other labels are added. Thanks for listening. Kathy>> By the way...maybe there isn't another way...I don't want to sound like I'm totally fighting the "system" as the system works most of the time...it just concerns me that so many of our ASD kiddos are being diagnosed as MR as well...I only know what I hear others say and my friends say...that it bothered them. I don't know how I will feel with ...there just are so many unanswered questions as it relates to Autism...I'm grateful that it is finally in the forefront now....Maybe we can all figure this out....> > I would love to hear from you mom's who understand all this....I know many of us want to know what you all thing....again just my two cents...> > J> > > > > ____________ _________ _________ __> From: Two Blessings <ljdjd1234@. ..>> To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com> Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 10:08:26 PM> Subject: Re: Re: cognitive impairment and autism> > > "Also, the tests are quite difficult sometimes for the students with autism to understand - the psychologists are given the scripts of what to say and do and cannot do much more than what is given without the test becoming void. It was hard to watch a child of mine fail on a task I knew they could do - I then showed the psychologist using my materials and she did is successfully. Some is understanding and some is generalization. "> > > In all kindness, I have a problem with this...something doesn't settle well with me when I know that a school is not going to give my child a "fair" test...a test that is "fair and appropriate" for his own disability. Autism is different then MR...some children who have Autism have MR as well...no question. There are many of our kiddos who do not. Something needs to change....A test that has a language component to it...a receptive, expressive kind of language to it...will fail my child every time. My child won't fail the test...the test will fail him. WE need more. I'm not sure what...as my friend who is a teacher and does have an 18 yr old with Autism, would be better explaning why she doesn't care for the testing....her child is not MR, and was said to be in his early years...He needed help for Autism, and it is different than MR --- for instance many private programs who enroll both ASD and other specially abled kiddos make their> curriculum and or their program fit the child with ASD...As once it can meet the ASD child's needs it will automatically be able to meet the others as well...I must find that article...cause what I'm saying isn't making sense....> > I get your point, and I know being a teacher you care deeply for these kids...but mom's need more.> > just my two cents.> > e> > ____________ _________ _________ __> From: Dagg <hdagg2000yahoo (DOT) com>> To: AutismBehaviorProbl emsyahoogroups (DOT) com> Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 9:49:39 PM> Subject: Re: cognitive impairment and autism> > > Unfortunately I was told that 4 out of 5 kids with autism will have a Developmental Diagnosis as well....this is not part of autism as much as it is just that the gaps keep getting bigger as a child grows up. I am a teacher in an ASD class and have been going through testing with several students of mine with the psychologist. I am finding it extremely interesting.> Basically they have to compare each child to an age equivalent child (e.g., if the child with autism is in grade 4 - they are compared to other students in grade 4). > I don't think the child having a cognitive deficit label is going to harm the child. We all strive for the same thing - to have the child become a meaningful member of society - to function as independently as possible and to live as independently as possible. Most people with autism are even able to do some sort of job to contribute to society!> Best of luck!> >

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I don't know what state u r n, but u should have been given under the IDEA law a Resource Guide written by your state department of education. Within it should be steps to steps to getting services from the beginning of your child's education @ age 3 to graduation and ALL the rights you have.

In this is the Disability Conditions Defined. Here in OH. Autism is listed as a developmental disability, "Cognitive Disability" is defined as (mental retardation) means significantly subaverage general intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive behavior and manifested during the developmental period that adversely affects a child's educational performance. Did you sign the IEP? By them using "Cognitive Disability", this leads me to wonder if they have an appropriate placement for children with autism. Hell they could have better fit his needs under "Multiple Disabilities" But if you have a medical dx of autism by a Dr they can not deny or overlook that! I have advcated 0-2 Early Intervention and age 3 up.

I have not caught how old your son is, was a MFE done, what grade he is in etc. But....what I have caught is possible denial of appropriate services.

E-mail me directly if you wish so as not to bog the list. Give me time, kids are out of school, and evenings are about the only time I get a chance to get on computer.

Our lives begin to end

the day we become silent about things that matter. ~ Luther King, Jr.

DKW

-- Re: cognitive impairment and autism

Kathy,

What kind of class is your child in? Are they wanting to have him placed somewhere different? Just wondering?

Stacie

Has anyone's school added cognitive impairment to their childs Qualifications for receiving a iep? 75 % of children with autism have cognitive impairment. Which to me means that this is part of autism. My son's school slammed us with a cognitive impairment label after our eval and I beleive this is because I wanted placement and now they have a out. Let me know what you think and if this has happened to anyone else. Kathy

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