cognitive skills

[Guest guest]

I have been hesitant to share my good news as I am sensitive to the many

parents of CHARGErs who are severely cognitively delayed.

But because there is so much talk on this list as to what the R stands for,

I feel that reporting my good news is in the best interest of all parents

who come after me as well as the professionals who follow our kids.

Caitlyn's IEP was Friday. It was a nightmare because I wanted help on her

horrible behavior problems which they denied they have. I held up the IEP

for 1 1/2 hrs until they gave in with an appropriate behavior treatment

plan.

Anyway, though they are not denying spec ed services (they were in full

agreement as to the need) they were pleased to report that she tested within

normal limits on her cognitive skills on her last evaluation. This was up

from a 28% delay last year and up from a 50% delay the year before. Yay

Caitlyn!

The testers made a lot of accommodations for her visual impairments (they

limited visual distractions), for her auditory processing skills (again

limiting distractions, giving plenty of wait time, using both auditory and

visual cues) and for her fine motor difficulties (which are now even more

than 50% delayed). With these adaptations, she showed a remarkable grasp of

concepts and of course we knew she has an exceptional memory. We are so

happy for her.

Everyone on the list has said how they don't think our CHARGErs get enough

credit for their cognitive abilities due to their sensory impairments. Well

now, one finally has.

The big surprise of the day? I found out the OT was only giving her therapy

for 1/2hr a week as opposed to what the IEP said of 1 hr a week. When asked

why she wasn't getting what was ordered on the IEP, his response was, I

never saw it, I thought she was only supposed to get 1/2 hr. Can you

believe it? Now the school is saying this is legal because there was a

certified occupational assistant in the classroom for the whole time working

with the kids doing fine motor stuff. Does this sound right?

Jeanne mom to Caitlyn who will be 4 y.o. in July cHaRgEr

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