Re: OT eval meeting frustration

[Guest guest]

Hi Lori,

I am a parent too, and we all want the best for our children. I feel that this

doctor is not the best. I would consult an other one, if I were you!

You can read about CMT yourself, and find out what it is. The doctors can't

explain the condition to you better. Instead, what you need from your doctor is

a PLAN.

1. What can be done? surgeries, tests, physiotherapy

2. How to handle everyday issues? School, sports, fatigue

3. Aids

So a report is quite useless unless you can use it to also get a plan.

Beata

[Guest guest]

HelloLori,

I am a teacher and I grew up with CMT. From your story it sounds like the OT

wasn't real clear about CMT so he threw the sensory processing issue in there.

In one sense, CMT does cause some sensory processing issues when texture or fine

motor or pencil grip is challenging- difficulty processing the sensory side of

writing. The OT may also be, like you thought, trying to throw jargon in to

cover up his own lack of ideas.

As for the IEP and 504, the IEP would give very specific goals and a plan to

meet those goals. So if handwriting is an issue, the school would be required

to provide support to meet specific goals. The 504 is a more flexible plan that

provides for modifications within a mainstream classroom. So a student on a 504

does not necessarily receive extra services, but a teacher may allow for typed

assignments or typing spelling tests on a laptop instead of handwriting.

If you want a specific path for your student, I would advocate for an IEP. Good

luck and I hope you get more answers than confusion from the school soon!

Best wishes,

Lenka

[Guest guest]

Hi Lenka.

The school outright refused to even consider an IEP as they feel he doesn't not

need special services. I am going to get another OT evaluation from childrens

specialized hospital and see what they recommend. I was unclear if OT could fall

under a 504 plan or not.

Thanks

Lori

[Guest guest]

Lorii,

You need to hire an advocate. Just spend the money and save yourself a

bunch of stress. A good advocate is worth a million dollars.

School stuff is sooo frustrating.

In a message dated 9/18/2009 8:40:49 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,

mattheiss137@... writes:

The school outright refused to evenconsider an IEP as they feel he doesn't not

need special services. I am going to get another OT evaluation from childrens

specialized hospital and see what they recommend. I was unclear if OT could fall

under a 504 plan or not.