Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

[Guest guest]

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

To: sList Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

[Guest guest]

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

To: sList Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

[Guest guest]

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

[Guest guest]

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

[Guest guest]

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

[Guest guest]

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe

some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

To: sList Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to

pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

I just think that not all children who have neurological and/or psychiatric issues have autism, so I don’t necessarily think that at the end of the day its "all" autism. I have also seen children who have some aspects of autism but not enough to really have autism. then again, what is autism, how is the word defined and being used by us and others?? The word autism usually is used to classify people according to shared traits, and if one child doesn’t have some of those traits then that child may not fit in to the label of autism. It depends on what the word autism is used to mean. Whether or not my son has autism is not something Im not too concerned with - I know his issues, his symptoms, his strengths, and I also know that he hasn’t and doesn’t fit in with "classical" or typical autism. This is not to say he doesn’t have some autistic traits and behaviors. I think that’s why he got the PDD NOS label, because I think its used when there arent quite enough traits to be autism but enough to be related to autism. But my main concern is that he is in the right environment for him. Here he is in a supported behavior classroom. I imagine they must have something similar in Broward? We did varying exceptionalities here one year and it wasn’t a very good match for him, he didn’t have enough social opportunities in that classroom.

thanks for your ideas.

From: cheryl

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:32 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

Cheryl et al ,One thing for sure, I have seen the difference first hand what sports can do for kids with A.S.D. or many other disabilities is that children with heightened awareness of what others think or feel about them, as in this case where the child is having hurt feelings.. or other feelings not typical of making peer relation.ships, sporting events and especially practice and the friendships that come out of being on a team helps quite a bit. Some children are more aloof will do better in karate or something such as that where they are not always in 'contact' with others. A few years back my son who was 14.5 at the time had two incidents in a week in which boys would invade one of my daughters 'space'. Little brother was then at about

160 lbs and quite stocky like his dad. Autistic a/Aug comm/'non verbal' ... Instead of pressing a few buttons to talk he had a knee jerk reaction like any other kid would and defended his petite big sisters. One of the 'offending parties' was a linebacker on the J.V. football team and actually pushed my youngest daughter who is a cheer leader. II blasted the kid hard with a full force tackle and to his back the football player went. The next week it was my oldest daughter who is also equally a pretty girl... then almost 17 she had a boy leaning on the bus and II waiting in line, he saw the boy grab at her rear as she walked away and before she herself could slap the boy for disrespecting her... II slammed him down the same way. Now.. what could we do about this ? Before either I met with his behaviorist the football coach called " Can

practice with us ? " I know my son and knew he could easily memorize any playbook or pattern.. but would the whistle blowing stop him in a play ? Another immediate thought was he can't learn to just plummet those in his opposition if he didn't know why. So I decided to allow him to practice. Through his device he told me he wants to 'play' . That to him meant just practice. He ended up making so many NT friends that fall his social level rose dramatically. He never played in a game and he never did any 'scrimmaging' of any kind... and loved the fun of pushing the blocking sleds around. After the season was over his mom and I had a talk in an IEP for him and we decided it was best to not continue him in doing so and instead see how it went with the special olympics. After a yr. and half he finally has a trainer and literally enjoys running and jumping...and doing the long

jump. He got very fit and trim in working out for them for was unable to attend last summer due to a bad flu. This summer he is already preparing himself, not only a way to make more friends typical of him... but a way to keep the old ones as they wanted to know constantly how he was doing in the Olympics and have continued to befriend him. Practicing with them and his continued desire to be physically fit to run and jump in the Special Olympics has led to him losing weight that he needed to and as well allow him to socialize in a way he never did before. Of course other social programs are available and he does go to a twice a week social 'class' after school for 2 hours which helps him alot too - that coupled with the 5 day a week work out/training he does gives him 7 days a week for something to look forward to, to work off any 'steam' he has built up and the big plus is it stopped almost all stem

activity which wasn't expected at all. His hands are moving as they should side by side on his body as if he's running ..which stopped the hand eye stem.. so alot came of all of what happened..sports being more then just the deterence but also a way to socialize that we never though would happen for him. A full program within school is essential... sports are always an elective type of thing but I agree and strongly believe from my own son's experiences that sports have changed his life. E. , Sr. E. , Sr. Nationwide Spec. Ed. Advocate/AdviserThe Office of Special Education Advocacy, Inc. " O.S.E.A. " Founder, The Office of Advocacy for Autistic Children, est.1996NOTE: OFFICE has MOVED TO CALIF...Hm/office #(530)605-3548You can also reach my Sr. Advocate and Business Manager at the Home Office # aboveCELL # *best way to reach me is by cell**BAN Illegal Restraint, Seclusion, and Arrest of Dev. Disabled** JOIN US AT: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EveryoneUnited4DisabilityReform/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParentsUnitedforSpecialEd/This electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.)To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 12:32:30 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe

some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not

meaning to

pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

Cheryl et al ,One thing for sure, I have seen the difference first hand what sports can do for kids with A.S.D. or many other disabilities is that children with heightened awareness of what others think or feel about them, as in this case where the child is having hurt feelings.. or other feelings not typical of making peer relation.ships, sporting events and especially practice and the friendships that come out of being on a team helps quite a bit. Some children are more aloof will do better in karate or something such as that where they are not always in 'contact' with others. A few years back my son who was 14.5 at the time had two incidents in a week in which boys would invade one of my daughters 'space'. Little brother was then at about

160 lbs and quite stocky like his dad. Autistic a/Aug comm/'non verbal' ... Instead of pressing a few buttons to talk he had a knee jerk reaction like any other kid would and defended his petite big sisters. One of the 'offending parties' was a linebacker on the J.V. football team and actually pushed my youngest daughter who is a cheer leader. II blasted the kid hard with a full force tackle and to his back the football player went. The next week it was my oldest daughter who is also equally a pretty girl... then almost 17 she had a boy leaning on the bus and II waiting in line, he saw the boy grab at her rear as she walked away and before she herself could slap the boy for disrespecting her... II slammed him down the same way. Now.. what could we do about this ? Before either I met with his behaviorist the football coach called " Can

practice with us ? " I know my son and knew he could easily memorize any playbook or pattern.. but would the whistle blowing stop him in a play ? Another immediate thought was he can't learn to just plummet those in his opposition if he didn't know why. So I decided to allow him to practice. Through his device he told me he wants to 'play' . That to him meant just practice. He ended up making so many NT friends that fall his social level rose dramatically. He never played in a game and he never did any 'scrimmaging' of any kind... and loved the fun of pushing the blocking sleds around. After the season was over his mom and I had a talk in an IEP for him and we decided it was best to not continue him in doing so and instead see how it went with the special olympics. After a yr. and half he finally has a trainer and literally enjoys running and jumping...and doing the long

jump. He got very fit and trim in working out for them for was unable to attend last summer due to a bad flu. This summer he is already preparing himself, not only a way to make more friends typical of him... but a way to keep the old ones as they wanted to know constantly how he was doing in the Olympics and have continued to befriend him. Practicing with them and his continued desire to be physically fit to run and jump in the Special Olympics has led to him losing weight that he needed to and as well allow him to socialize in a way he never did before. Of course other social programs are available and he does go to a twice a week social 'class' after school for 2 hours which helps him alot too - that coupled with the 5 day a week work out/training he does gives him 7 days a week for something to look forward to, to work off any 'steam' he has built up and the big plus is it stopped almost all stem

activity which wasn't expected at all. His hands are moving as they should side by side on his body as if he's running ..which stopped the hand eye stem.. so alot came of all of what happened..sports being more then just the deterence but also a way to socialize that we never though would happen for him. A full program within school is essential... sports are always an elective type of thing but I agree and strongly believe from my own son's experiences that sports have changed his life. E. , Sr. E. , Sr. Nationwide Spec. Ed. Advocate/AdviserThe Office of Special Education Advocacy, Inc. " O.S.E.A. " Founder, The Office of Advocacy for Autistic Children, est.1996NOTE: OFFICE has MOVED TO CALIF...Hm/office #(530)605-3548You can also reach my Sr. Advocate and Business Manager at the Home Office # aboveCELL # *best way to reach me is by cell**BAN Illegal Restraint, Seclusion, and Arrest of Dev. Disabled** JOIN US AT: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EveryoneUnited4DisabilityReform/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParentsUnitedforSpecialEd/This electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.)To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 12:32:30 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe

some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not

meaning to

pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

That's a great story! I'm so happy your son got to have those experiences with the football team.

From: E. , Sr.

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 6:59 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Cheryl et al ,One thing for sure, I have seen the difference first hand what sports can do for kids with A.S.D. or many other disabilities is that children with heightened awareness of what others think or feel about them, as in this case where the child is having hurt feelings.. or other feelings not typical of making peer relation.ships, sporting events and especially practice and the friendships that come out of being on a team helps quite a bit. Some children are more aloof will do better in karate or something such as that where they are not always in 'contact' with others. A few years back my son who was 14.5 at the time had two incidents in a week in which boys would invade one of my daughters 'space'. Little brother was then at about 160 lbs and quite stocky like his dad. Autistic a/Aug comm/'non verbal' ... Instead of pressing a few buttons to talk he had a knee jerk reaction like any other kid would and defended his petite big sisters. One of the 'offending parties' was a linebacker on the J.V. football team and actually pushed my youngest daughter who is a cheer leader. II blasted the kid hard with a full force tackle and to his back the football player went. The next week it was my oldest daughter who is also equally a pretty girl... then almost 17 she had a boy leaning on the bus and II waiting in line, he saw the boy grab at her rear as she walked away and before she herself could slap the boy for disrespecting her... II slammed him down the same way. Now.. what could we do about this ? Before either I met with his behaviorist the football coach called " Can practice with us ? " I know my son and knew he could easily memorize any playbook or pattern.. but would the whistle blowing stop him in a play ? Another immediate thought was he can't learn to just plummet those in his opposition if he didn't know why. So I decided to allow him to practice. Through his device he told me he wants to 'play' . That to him meant just practice. He ended up making so many NT friends that fall his social level rose dramatically. He never played in a game and he never did any 'scrimmaging' of any kind... and loved the fun of pushing the blocking sleds around. After the season was over his mom and I had a talk in an IEP for him and we decided it was best to not continue him in doing so and instead see how it went with the special olympics. After a yr. and half he finally has a trainer and literally enjoys running and jumping...and doing the long jump. He got very fit and trim in working out for them for was unable to attend last summer due to a bad flu. This summer he is already preparing himself, not only a way to make more friends typical of him... but a way to keep the old ones as they wanted to know constantly how he was doing in the Olympics and have continued to befriend him. Practicing with them and his continued desire to be physically fit to run and jump in the Special Olympics has led to him losing weight that he needed to and as well allow him to socialize in a way he never did before. Of course other social programs are available and he does go to a twice a week social 'class' after school for 2 hours which helps him alot too - that coupled with the 5 day a week work out/training he does gives him 7 days a week for something to look forward to, to work off any 'steam' he has built up and the big plus is it stopped almost all stem activity which wasn't expected at all. His hands are moving as they should side by side on his body as if he's running ..which stopped the hand eye stem.. so alot came of all of what happened..sports being more then just the deterence but also a way to socialize that we never though would happen for him. A full program within school is essential... sports are always an elective type of thing but I agree and strongly believe from my own son's experiences that sports have changed his life. E. , Sr.

E. , Sr. Nationwide Spec. Ed. Advocate/AdviserThe Office of Special Education Advocacy, Inc. " O.S.E.A. "

Founder, The Office of Advocacy for Autistic Children, est.1996NOTE: OFFICE has MOVED TO CALIF...Hm/office #(530)605-3548You can also reach my Sr. Advocate and Business Manager at the Home Office # aboveCELL # *best way to reach me is by cell**BAN Illegal Restraint, Seclusion, and Arrest of Dev. Disabled** JOIN US AT: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EveryoneUnited4DisabilityReform/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParentsUnitedforSpecialEd/This electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.)

From: cheryl <otnsu>To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 12:32:30 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

That's a great story! I'm so happy your son got to have those experiences with the football team.

From: E. , Sr.

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 6:59 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Cheryl et al ,One thing for sure, I have seen the difference first hand what sports can do for kids with A.S.D. or many other disabilities is that children with heightened awareness of what others think or feel about them, as in this case where the child is having hurt feelings.. or other feelings not typical of making peer relation.ships, sporting events and especially practice and the friendships that come out of being on a team helps quite a bit. Some children are more aloof will do better in karate or something such as that where they are not always in 'contact' with others. A few years back my son who was 14.5 at the time had two incidents in a week in which boys would invade one of my daughters 'space'. Little brother was then at about 160 lbs and quite stocky like his dad. Autistic a/Aug comm/'non verbal' ... Instead of pressing a few buttons to talk he had a knee jerk reaction like any other kid would and defended his petite big sisters. One of the 'offending parties' was a linebacker on the J.V. football team and actually pushed my youngest daughter who is a cheer leader. II blasted the kid hard with a full force tackle and to his back the football player went. The next week it was my oldest daughter who is also equally a pretty girl... then almost 17 she had a boy leaning on the bus and II waiting in line, he saw the boy grab at her rear as she walked away and before she herself could slap the boy for disrespecting her... II slammed him down the same way. Now.. what could we do about this ? Before either I met with his behaviorist the football coach called " Can practice with us ? " I know my son and knew he could easily memorize any playbook or pattern.. but would the whistle blowing stop him in a play ? Another immediate thought was he can't learn to just plummet those in his opposition if he didn't know why. So I decided to allow him to practice. Through his device he told me he wants to 'play' . That to him meant just practice. He ended up making so many NT friends that fall his social level rose dramatically. He never played in a game and he never did any 'scrimmaging' of any kind... and loved the fun of pushing the blocking sleds around. After the season was over his mom and I had a talk in an IEP for him and we decided it was best to not continue him in doing so and instead see how it went with the special olympics. After a yr. and half he finally has a trainer and literally enjoys running and jumping...and doing the long jump. He got very fit and trim in working out for them for was unable to attend last summer due to a bad flu. This summer he is already preparing himself, not only a way to make more friends typical of him... but a way to keep the old ones as they wanted to know constantly how he was doing in the Olympics and have continued to befriend him. Practicing with them and his continued desire to be physically fit to run and jump in the Special Olympics has led to him losing weight that he needed to and as well allow him to socialize in a way he never did before. Of course other social programs are available and he does go to a twice a week social 'class' after school for 2 hours which helps him alot too - that coupled with the 5 day a week work out/training he does gives him 7 days a week for something to look forward to, to work off any 'steam' he has built up and the big plus is it stopped almost all stem activity which wasn't expected at all. His hands are moving as they should side by side on his body as if he's running ..which stopped the hand eye stem.. so alot came of all of what happened..sports being more then just the deterence but also a way to socialize that we never though would happen for him. A full program within school is essential... sports are always an elective type of thing but I agree and strongly believe from my own son's experiences that sports have changed his life. E. , Sr.

E. , Sr. Nationwide Spec. Ed. Advocate/AdviserThe Office of Special Education Advocacy, Inc. " O.S.E.A. "

Founder, The Office of Advocacy for Autistic Children, est.1996NOTE: OFFICE has MOVED TO CALIF...Hm/office #(530)605-3548You can also reach my Sr. Advocate and Business Manager at the Home Office # aboveCELL # *best way to reach me is by cell**BAN Illegal Restraint, Seclusion, and Arrest of Dev. Disabled** JOIN US AT: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EveryoneUnited4DisabilityReform/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParentsUnitedforSpecialEd/This electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.)

From: cheryl <otnsu>To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 12:32:30 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

That's a great story! I'm so happy your son got to have those experiences with the football team.

From: E. , Sr.

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 6:59 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Cheryl et al ,One thing for sure, I have seen the difference first hand what sports can do for kids with A.S.D. or many other disabilities is that children with heightened awareness of what others think or feel about them, as in this case where the child is having hurt feelings.. or other feelings not typical of making peer relation.ships, sporting events and especially practice and the friendships that come out of being on a team helps quite a bit. Some children are more aloof will do better in karate or something such as that where they are not always in 'contact' with others. A few years back my son who was 14.5 at the time had two incidents in a week in which boys would invade one of my daughters 'space'. Little brother was then at about 160 lbs and quite stocky like his dad. Autistic a/Aug comm/'non verbal' ... Instead of pressing a few buttons to talk he had a knee jerk reaction like any other kid would and defended his petite big sisters. One of the 'offending parties' was a linebacker on the J.V. football team and actually pushed my youngest daughter who is a cheer leader. II blasted the kid hard with a full force tackle and to his back the football player went. The next week it was my oldest daughter who is also equally a pretty girl... then almost 17 she had a boy leaning on the bus and II waiting in line, he saw the boy grab at her rear as she walked away and before she herself could slap the boy for disrespecting her... II slammed him down the same way. Now.. what could we do about this ? Before either I met with his behaviorist the football coach called " Can practice with us ? " I know my son and knew he could easily memorize any playbook or pattern.. but would the whistle blowing stop him in a play ? Another immediate thought was he can't learn to just plummet those in his opposition if he didn't know why. So I decided to allow him to practice. Through his device he told me he wants to 'play' . That to him meant just practice. He ended up making so many NT friends that fall his social level rose dramatically. He never played in a game and he never did any 'scrimmaging' of any kind... and loved the fun of pushing the blocking sleds around. After the season was over his mom and I had a talk in an IEP for him and we decided it was best to not continue him in doing so and instead see how it went with the special olympics. After a yr. and half he finally has a trainer and literally enjoys running and jumping...and doing the long jump. He got very fit and trim in working out for them for was unable to attend last summer due to a bad flu. This summer he is already preparing himself, not only a way to make more friends typical of him... but a way to keep the old ones as they wanted to know constantly how he was doing in the Olympics and have continued to befriend him. Practicing with them and his continued desire to be physically fit to run and jump in the Special Olympics has led to him losing weight that he needed to and as well allow him to socialize in a way he never did before. Of course other social programs are available and he does go to a twice a week social 'class' after school for 2 hours which helps him alot too - that coupled with the 5 day a week work out/training he does gives him 7 days a week for something to look forward to, to work off any 'steam' he has built up and the big plus is it stopped almost all stem activity which wasn't expected at all. His hands are moving as they should side by side on his body as if he's running ..which stopped the hand eye stem.. so alot came of all of what happened..sports being more then just the deterence but also a way to socialize that we never though would happen for him. A full program within school is essential... sports are always an elective type of thing but I agree and strongly believe from my own son's experiences that sports have changed his life. E. , Sr.

E. , Sr. Nationwide Spec. Ed. Advocate/AdviserThe Office of Special Education Advocacy, Inc. " O.S.E.A. "

Founder, The Office of Advocacy for Autistic Children, est.1996NOTE: OFFICE has MOVED TO CALIF...Hm/office #(530)605-3548You can also reach my Sr. Advocate and Business Manager at the Home Office # aboveCELL # *best way to reach me is by cell**BAN Illegal Restraint, Seclusion, and Arrest of Dev. Disabled** JOIN US AT: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EveryoneUnited4DisabilityReform/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ParentsUnitedforSpecialEd/This electronic mail message and any attached files contain information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, (18 U.S.C. §§ 2510-2521.)

From: cheryl <otnsu>To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 12:32:30 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

You're last email is confusing as I am not sure what you are asking or suggesting. No one has said that all children that have a neurological or psychological issue have autism. There are many characteristics of autism that many of our children have and don't have. If you feel that your child has been diagnosed incorrectly then please have the diagnosis changed. The autism spectrum is wide and varied. It has been a tough and hardly won fight for awareness for our children and loved ones. What some of us went through at the early ages when some of the traits were not so visible have made teenage years and adulthood even more challenging as we try to get services for transitions and job training etc. I hope that I am wrong in that reading your email is that

you would like to have the diagnosis put back in the shadows in which many of us have fought to put in the forefront. Not all classrooms are the same and they change frequently even throughout the year with the abilities of each student and or teacher/s in the class. What worked one year may not work the next or even in 3 months. All you can do is advocate the best for your child

As to what autism is please read the following: Note that the numbers are now 1 in 75. ;There are many types of autism - not only the "classic or typical". As many of us know - none of our children are "typical" in their differing traits.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

Over one have million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.

Is There More Than One Type Of Autism?

Several related disorders are grouped under the broad heading "Pervasive Developmental Disorder" or PDD-a general category of disorders which are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development (American Psychiatric Association 1994). A standard reference is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM),a diagnostic handbook now in its fourth edition. The DSM-IV lists criteria to be met for a specific diagnosis under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Diagnosis is made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. Diagnostic evaluations are based on the presence of specific behaviors indicated by observation and through parent consultation, and should be made by an experienced, highly trained team. Thus, when professionals or parents are referring to different types of autism, often they are distinguishing autism from one of the other pervasive developmental disorders.

Individuals who fall under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder category in the DSM-IV exhibit commonalties in communication and social deficits, but differ in terms of severity. Here are some major points, (from the Autism Society of America), that help distinguish the differences between the specific diagnoses used:

Autistic Disorder impairments in social interaction, communication, and imaginative play prior to age 3 years. Stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities. Asperger's Disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions and the presence of restricted interests and activities, with no clinical significant general delay in language, and testing in the range of average to above average intelligence. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (commonly referred to as atypical autism)a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child does not meet the criteria for a specified diagnosis, but there is a severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors. Rett's Disorder a progressive disorder which, to date, has occurred only in girls. Period of normal development and then loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands replaced with repetitive hand movements beginning at the age of 1-4 years. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years, significant loss of previously acquired skills. (American Psychiatric Association 1994)

Autism is a spectrum disorder. In other words, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Therefore, there is no standard "type" or "typical" person with autism. Parents may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, such as: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled. More important to understand is, whatever the diagnosis, children can learn and function productively and show gains from appropriate education and treatment.

To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 4:24:55 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

I just think that not all children who have neurological and/or psychiatric issues have autism, so I don’t necessarily think that at the end of the day its "all" autism. I have also seen children who have some aspects of autism but not enough to really have autism. then again, what is autism, how is the word defined and being used by us and others?? The word autism usually is used to classify people according to shared traits, and if one child doesn’t have some of those traits then that child may not fit in to the label of autism. It depends on what the word autism is used to mean. Whether or not my son has autism is not something Im not too concerned with - I know his issues, his symptoms, his strengths, and I also know that he hasn’t and doesn’t fit in with "classical" or typical autism. This is not to say he doesn’t have some autistic traits and behaviors. I think that’s why he got the PDD NOS label, because I

think its used when there arent quite enough traits to be autism but enough to be related to autism. But my main concern is that he is in the right environment for him. Here he is in a supported behavior classroom. I imagine they must have something similar in Broward? We did varying exceptionalities here one year and it wasn’t a very good match for him, he didn’t have enough social opportunities in that classroom.

thanks for your ideas.

From: cheryl

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:32 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to

pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

You're last email is confusing as I am not sure what you are asking or suggesting. No one has said that all children that have a neurological or psychological issue have autism. There are many characteristics of autism that many of our children have and don't have. If you feel that your child has been diagnosed incorrectly then please have the diagnosis changed. The autism spectrum is wide and varied. It has been a tough and hardly won fight for awareness for our children and loved ones. What some of us went through at the early ages when some of the traits were not so visible have made teenage years and adulthood even more challenging as we try to get services for transitions and job training etc. I hope that I am wrong in that reading your email is that

you would like to have the diagnosis put back in the shadows in which many of us have fought to put in the forefront. Not all classrooms are the same and they change frequently even throughout the year with the abilities of each student and or teacher/s in the class. What worked one year may not work the next or even in 3 months. All you can do is advocate the best for your child

As to what autism is please read the following: Note that the numbers are now 1 in 75. ;There are many types of autism - not only the "classic or typical". As many of us know - none of our children are "typical" in their differing traits.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

Over one have million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.

Is There More Than One Type Of Autism?

Several related disorders are grouped under the broad heading "Pervasive Developmental Disorder" or PDD-a general category of disorders which are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development (American Psychiatric Association 1994). A standard reference is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM),a diagnostic handbook now in its fourth edition. The DSM-IV lists criteria to be met for a specific diagnosis under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Diagnosis is made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. Diagnostic evaluations are based on the presence of specific behaviors indicated by observation and through parent consultation, and should be made by an experienced, highly trained team. Thus, when professionals or parents are referring to different types of autism, often they are distinguishing autism from one of the other pervasive developmental disorders.

Individuals who fall under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder category in the DSM-IV exhibit commonalties in communication and social deficits, but differ in terms of severity. Here are some major points, (from the Autism Society of America), that help distinguish the differences between the specific diagnoses used:

Autistic Disorder impairments in social interaction, communication, and imaginative play prior to age 3 years. Stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities. Asperger's Disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions and the presence of restricted interests and activities, with no clinical significant general delay in language, and testing in the range of average to above average intelligence. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (commonly referred to as atypical autism)a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child does not meet the criteria for a specified diagnosis, but there is a severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors. Rett's Disorder a progressive disorder which, to date, has occurred only in girls. Period of normal development and then loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands replaced with repetitive hand movements beginning at the age of 1-4 years. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years, significant loss of previously acquired skills. (American Psychiatric Association 1994)

Autism is a spectrum disorder. In other words, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Therefore, there is no standard "type" or "typical" person with autism. Parents may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, such as: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled. More important to understand is, whatever the diagnosis, children can learn and function productively and show gains from appropriate education and treatment.

To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 4:24:55 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

I just think that not all children who have neurological and/or psychiatric issues have autism, so I don’t necessarily think that at the end of the day its "all" autism. I have also seen children who have some aspects of autism but not enough to really have autism. then again, what is autism, how is the word defined and being used by us and others?? The word autism usually is used to classify people according to shared traits, and if one child doesn’t have some of those traits then that child may not fit in to the label of autism. It depends on what the word autism is used to mean. Whether or not my son has autism is not something Im not too concerned with - I know his issues, his symptoms, his strengths, and I also know that he hasn’t and doesn’t fit in with "classical" or typical autism. This is not to say he doesn’t have some autistic traits and behaviors. I think that’s why he got the PDD NOS label, because I

think its used when there arent quite enough traits to be autism but enough to be related to autism. But my main concern is that he is in the right environment for him. Here he is in a supported behavior classroom. I imagine they must have something similar in Broward? We did varying exceptionalities here one year and it wasn’t a very good match for him, he didn’t have enough social opportunities in that classroom.

thanks for your ideas.

From: cheryl

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:32 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to

pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

You're last email is confusing as I am not sure what you are asking or suggesting. No one has said that all children that have a neurological or psychological issue have autism. There are many characteristics of autism that many of our children have and don't have. If you feel that your child has been diagnosed incorrectly then please have the diagnosis changed. The autism spectrum is wide and varied. It has been a tough and hardly won fight for awareness for our children and loved ones. What some of us went through at the early ages when some of the traits were not so visible have made teenage years and adulthood even more challenging as we try to get services for transitions and job training etc. I hope that I am wrong in that reading your email is that

you would like to have the diagnosis put back in the shadows in which many of us have fought to put in the forefront. Not all classrooms are the same and they change frequently even throughout the year with the abilities of each student and or teacher/s in the class. What worked one year may not work the next or even in 3 months. All you can do is advocate the best for your child

As to what autism is please read the following: Note that the numbers are now 1 in 75. ;There are many types of autism - not only the "classic or typical". As many of us know - none of our children are "typical" in their differing traits.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

Over one have million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.

Is There More Than One Type Of Autism?

Several related disorders are grouped under the broad heading "Pervasive Developmental Disorder" or PDD-a general category of disorders which are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development (American Psychiatric Association 1994). A standard reference is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM),a diagnostic handbook now in its fourth edition. The DSM-IV lists criteria to be met for a specific diagnosis under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Diagnosis is made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. Diagnostic evaluations are based on the presence of specific behaviors indicated by observation and through parent consultation, and should be made by an experienced, highly trained team. Thus, when professionals or parents are referring to different types of autism, often they are distinguishing autism from one of the other pervasive developmental disorders.

Individuals who fall under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder category in the DSM-IV exhibit commonalties in communication and social deficits, but differ in terms of severity. Here are some major points, (from the Autism Society of America), that help distinguish the differences between the specific diagnoses used:

Autistic Disorder impairments in social interaction, communication, and imaginative play prior to age 3 years. Stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities. Asperger's Disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions and the presence of restricted interests and activities, with no clinical significant general delay in language, and testing in the range of average to above average intelligence. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (commonly referred to as atypical autism)a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child does not meet the criteria for a specified diagnosis, but there is a severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors. Rett's Disorder a progressive disorder which, to date, has occurred only in girls. Period of normal development and then loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands replaced with repetitive hand movements beginning at the age of 1-4 years. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years, significant loss of previously acquired skills. (American Psychiatric Association 1994)

Autism is a spectrum disorder. In other words, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Therefore, there is no standard "type" or "typical" person with autism. Parents may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, such as: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled. More important to understand is, whatever the diagnosis, children can learn and function productively and show gains from appropriate education and treatment.

To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 4:24:55 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

I just think that not all children who have neurological and/or psychiatric issues have autism, so I don’t necessarily think that at the end of the day its "all" autism. I have also seen children who have some aspects of autism but not enough to really have autism. then again, what is autism, how is the word defined and being used by us and others?? The word autism usually is used to classify people according to shared traits, and if one child doesn’t have some of those traits then that child may not fit in to the label of autism. It depends on what the word autism is used to mean. Whether or not my son has autism is not something Im not too concerned with - I know his issues, his symptoms, his strengths, and I also know that he hasn’t and doesn’t fit in with "classical" or typical autism. This is not to say he doesn’t have some autistic traits and behaviors. I think that’s why he got the PDD NOS label, because I

think its used when there arent quite enough traits to be autism but enough to be related to autism. But my main concern is that he is in the right environment for him. Here he is in a supported behavior classroom. I imagine they must have something similar in Broward? We did varying exceptionalities here one year and it wasn’t a very good match for him, he didn’t have enough social opportunities in that classroom.

thanks for your ideas.

From: cheryl

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:32 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to

pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

I in no way was saying anything in the way of putting the diagnosis back into shadows - Im not sure where in my message you got that idea. Im not even sure what that means? My son has had the autism label since 2 years old, I am very familiar with autism, the different types of it and the challenges that it presents to the individual and family. My comments were made in light of how a diagnosis can affect school placement. I was really just talking about how things are when a kid doesn’t quite fit in to any of the major diagnosis. That’s about it. I have been part of autism community for 8 years now, and although I don’t always feel that my son fits in with autism, I support and celebrate anyone who is advocating for rights and spreading diversity. Im not actually suggesting anything at all in my email....

From: cheryl

Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 4:20 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

You're last email is confusing as I am not sure what you are asking or suggesting. No one has said that all children that have a neurological or psychological issue have autism. There are many characteristics of autism that many of our children have and don't have. If you feel that your child has been diagnosed incorrectly then please have the diagnosis changed. The autism spectrum is wide and varied. It has been a tough and hardly won fight for awareness for our children and loved ones. What some of us went through at the early ages when some of the traits were not so visible have made teenage years and adulthood even more challenging as we try to get services for transitions and job training etc. I hope that I am wrong in that reading your email is that you would like to have the diagnosis put back in the shadows in which many of us have fought to put in the forefront. Not all classrooms are the same and they change frequently even throughout the year with the abilities of each student and or teacher/s in the class. What worked one year may not work the next or even in 3 months. All you can do is advocate the best for your child

As to what autism is please read the following: Note that the numbers are now 1 in 75. ;There are many types of autism - not only the "classic or typical". As many of us know - none of our children are "typical" in their differing traits.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

Over one have million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.

Is There More Than One Type Of Autism?

Several related disorders are grouped under the broad heading "Pervasive Developmental Disorder" or PDD-a general category of disorders which are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development (American Psychiatric Association 1994). A standard reference is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM),a diagnostic handbook now in its fourth edition. The DSM-IV lists criteria to be met for a specific diagnosis under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Diagnosis is made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. Diagnostic evaluations are based on the presence of specific behaviors indicated by observation and through parent consultation, and should be made by an experienced, highly trained team. Thus, when professionals or parents are referring to different types of autism, often they are distinguishing autism from one of the other pervasive developmental disorders.

Individuals who fall under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder category in the DSM-IV exhibit commonalties in communication and social deficits, but differ in terms of severity. Here are some major points, (from the Autism Society of America), that help distinguish the differences between the specific diagnoses used:

Autistic Disorder impairments in social interaction, communication, and imaginative play prior to age 3 years. Stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities. Asperger's Disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions and the presence of restricted interests and activities, with no clinical significant general delay in language, and testing in the range of average to above average intelligence. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (commonly referred to as atypical autism)a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child does not meet the criteria for a specified diagnosis, but there is a severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors. Rett's Disorder a progressive disorder which, to date, has occurred only in girls. Period of normal development and then loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands replaced with repetitive hand movements beginning at the age of 1-4 years. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years, significant loss of previously acquired skills. (American Psychiatric Association 1994)

Autism is a spectrum disorder. In other words, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Therefore, there is no standard "type" or "typical" person with autism. Parents may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, such as: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled. More important to understand is, whatever the diagnosis, children can learn and function productively and show gains from appropriate education and treatment.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 4:24:55 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

I just think that not all children who have neurological and/or psychiatric issues have autism, so I don’t necessarily think that at the end of the day its "all" autism. I have also seen children who have some aspects of autism but not enough to really have autism. then again, what is autism, how is the word defined and being used by us and others?? The word autism usually is used to classify people according to shared traits, and if one child doesn’t have some of those traits then that child may not fit in to the label of autism. It depends on what the word autism is used to mean. Whether or not my son has autism is not something Im not too concerned with - I know his issues, his symptoms, his strengths, and I also know that he hasn’t and doesn’t fit in with "classical" or typical autism. This is not to say he doesn’t have some autistic traits and behaviors. I think that’s why he got the PDD NOS label, because I think its used when there arent quite enough traits to be autism but enough to be related to autism. But my main concern is that he is in the right environment for him. Here he is in a supported behavior classroom. I imagine they must have something similar in Broward? We did varying exceptionalities here one year and it wasn’t a very good match for him, he didn’t have enough social opportunities in that classroom.

thanks for your ideas.

From: cheryl

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:32 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

I in no way was saying anything in the way of putting the diagnosis back into shadows - Im not sure where in my message you got that idea. Im not even sure what that means? My son has had the autism label since 2 years old, I am very familiar with autism, the different types of it and the challenges that it presents to the individual and family. My comments were made in light of how a diagnosis can affect school placement. I was really just talking about how things are when a kid doesn’t quite fit in to any of the major diagnosis. That’s about it. I have been part of autism community for 8 years now, and although I don’t always feel that my son fits in with autism, I support and celebrate anyone who is advocating for rights and spreading diversity. Im not actually suggesting anything at all in my email....

From: cheryl

Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 4:20 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

You're last email is confusing as I am not sure what you are asking or suggesting. No one has said that all children that have a neurological or psychological issue have autism. There are many characteristics of autism that many of our children have and don't have. If you feel that your child has been diagnosed incorrectly then please have the diagnosis changed. The autism spectrum is wide and varied. It has been a tough and hardly won fight for awareness for our children and loved ones. What some of us went through at the early ages when some of the traits were not so visible have made teenage years and adulthood even more challenging as we try to get services for transitions and job training etc. I hope that I am wrong in that reading your email is that you would like to have the diagnosis put back in the shadows in which many of us have fought to put in the forefront. Not all classrooms are the same and they change frequently even throughout the year with the abilities of each student and or teacher/s in the class. What worked one year may not work the next or even in 3 months. All you can do is advocate the best for your child

As to what autism is please read the following: Note that the numbers are now 1 in 75. ;There are many types of autism - not only the "classic or typical". As many of us know - none of our children are "typical" in their differing traits.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

Over one have million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.

Is There More Than One Type Of Autism?

Several related disorders are grouped under the broad heading "Pervasive Developmental Disorder" or PDD-a general category of disorders which are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development (American Psychiatric Association 1994). A standard reference is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM),a diagnostic handbook now in its fourth edition. The DSM-IV lists criteria to be met for a specific diagnosis under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Diagnosis is made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. Diagnostic evaluations are based on the presence of specific behaviors indicated by observation and through parent consultation, and should be made by an experienced, highly trained team. Thus, when professionals or parents are referring to different types of autism, often they are distinguishing autism from one of the other pervasive developmental disorders.

Individuals who fall under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder category in the DSM-IV exhibit commonalties in communication and social deficits, but differ in terms of severity. Here are some major points, (from the Autism Society of America), that help distinguish the differences between the specific diagnoses used:

Autistic Disorder impairments in social interaction, communication, and imaginative play prior to age 3 years. Stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities. Asperger's Disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions and the presence of restricted interests and activities, with no clinical significant general delay in language, and testing in the range of average to above average intelligence. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (commonly referred to as atypical autism)a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child does not meet the criteria for a specified diagnosis, but there is a severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors. Rett's Disorder a progressive disorder which, to date, has occurred only in girls. Period of normal development and then loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands replaced with repetitive hand movements beginning at the age of 1-4 years. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years, significant loss of previously acquired skills. (American Psychiatric Association 1994)

Autism is a spectrum disorder. In other words, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Therefore, there is no standard "type" or "typical" person with autism. Parents may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, such as: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled. More important to understand is, whatever the diagnosis, children can learn and function productively and show gains from appropriate education and treatment.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 4:24:55 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

I just think that not all children who have neurological and/or psychiatric issues have autism, so I don’t necessarily think that at the end of the day its "all" autism. I have also seen children who have some aspects of autism but not enough to really have autism. then again, what is autism, how is the word defined and being used by us and others?? The word autism usually is used to classify people according to shared traits, and if one child doesn’t have some of those traits then that child may not fit in to the label of autism. It depends on what the word autism is used to mean. Whether or not my son has autism is not something Im not too concerned with - I know his issues, his symptoms, his strengths, and I also know that he hasn’t and doesn’t fit in with "classical" or typical autism. This is not to say he doesn’t have some autistic traits and behaviors. I think that’s why he got the PDD NOS label, because I think its used when there arent quite enough traits to be autism but enough to be related to autism. But my main concern is that he is in the right environment for him. Here he is in a supported behavior classroom. I imagine they must have something similar in Broward? We did varying exceptionalities here one year and it wasn’t a very good match for him, he didn’t have enough social opportunities in that classroom.

thanks for your ideas.

From: cheryl

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:32 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n

[Guest guest]

I in no way was saying anything in the way of putting the diagnosis back into shadows - Im not sure where in my message you got that idea. Im not even sure what that means? My son has had the autism label since 2 years old, I am very familiar with autism, the different types of it and the challenges that it presents to the individual and family. My comments were made in light of how a diagnosis can affect school placement. I was really just talking about how things are when a kid doesn’t quite fit in to any of the major diagnosis. That’s about it. I have been part of autism community for 8 years now, and although I don’t always feel that my son fits in with autism, I support and celebrate anyone who is advocating for rights and spreading diversity. Im not actually suggesting anything at all in my email....

From: cheryl

Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 4:20 PM

To: sList

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

You're last email is confusing as I am not sure what you are asking or suggesting. No one has said that all children that have a neurological or psychological issue have autism. There are many characteristics of autism that many of our children have and don't have. If you feel that your child has been diagnosed incorrectly then please have the diagnosis changed. The autism spectrum is wide and varied. It has been a tough and hardly won fight for awareness for our children and loved ones. What some of us went through at the early ages when some of the traits were not so visible have made teenage years and adulthood even more challenging as we try to get services for transitions and job training etc. I hope that I am wrong in that reading your email is that you would like to have the diagnosis put back in the shadows in which many of us have fought to put in the forefront. Not all classrooms are the same and they change frequently even throughout the year with the abilities of each student and or teacher/s in the class. What worked one year may not work the next or even in 3 months. All you can do is advocate the best for your child

As to what autism is please read the following: Note that the numbers are now 1 in 75. ;There are many types of autism - not only the "classic or typical". As many of us know - none of our children are "typical" in their differing traits.

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 1 in 500 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1997). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence.

Autism impacts the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction and communication skills. Children and adults with autism typically have difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions, and leisure or play activities. The disorder makes it hard for them to communicate with others and relate to the outside world. In some cases, aggressive and/or self-injurious behavior may be present. Persons with autism may exhibit repeated body movements (hand flapping, rocking), unusual responses to people or attachments to objects and resistance to changes in routines. Individuals may also experience sensitivities in the five senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.

Over one have million people in the U.S. today have autism or some form of pervasive developmental disorder. Its prevalence rate makes autism one of the most common developmental disabilities. Yet most of the public, including many professionals in the medical, educational, and vocational fields, are still unaware of how autism affects people and how they can effectively work with individuals with autism.

Is There More Than One Type Of Autism?

Several related disorders are grouped under the broad heading "Pervasive Developmental Disorder" or PDD-a general category of disorders which are characterized by severe and pervasive impairment in several areas of development (American Psychiatric Association 1994). A standard reference is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM),a diagnostic handbook now in its fourth edition. The DSM-IV lists criteria to be met for a specific diagnosis under the category of Pervasive Developmental Disorder. Diagnosis is made when a specified number of characteristics listed in the DSM-IV are present. Diagnostic evaluations are based on the presence of specific behaviors indicated by observation and through parent consultation, and should be made by an experienced, highly trained team. Thus, when professionals or parents are referring to different types of autism, often they are distinguishing autism from one of the other pervasive developmental disorders.

Individuals who fall under the Pervasive Developmental Disorder category in the DSM-IV exhibit commonalties in communication and social deficits, but differ in terms of severity. Here are some major points, (from the Autism Society of America), that help distinguish the differences between the specific diagnoses used:

Autistic Disorder impairments in social interaction, communication, and imaginative play prior to age 3 years. Stereotyped behaviors, interests and activities. Asperger's Disorder characterized by impairments in social interactions and the presence of restricted interests and activities, with no clinical significant general delay in language, and testing in the range of average to above average intelligence. Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (commonly referred to as atypical autism)a diagnosis of PDD-NOS may be made when a child does not meet the criteria for a specified diagnosis, but there is a severe and pervasive impairment in specified behaviors. Rett's Disorder a progressive disorder which, to date, has occurred only in girls. Period of normal development and then loss of previously acquired skills, loss of purposeful use of the hands replaced with repetitive hand movements beginning at the age of 1-4 years. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder characterized by normal development for at least the first 2 years, significant loss of previously acquired skills. (American Psychiatric Association 1994)

Autism is a spectrum disorder. In other words, the symptoms and characteristics of autism can present themselves in a wide variety of combinations, from mild to severe. Although autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors, children and adults can exhibit any combination of the behaviors in any degree of severity. Two children, both with the same diagnosis, can act very differently from one another and have varying skills.

Therefore, there is no standard "type" or "typical" person with autism. Parents may hear different terms used to describe children within this spectrum, such as: autistic-like, autistic tendencies, autism spectrum, high-functioning or low-functioning autism, more-abled or less-abled. More important to understand is, whatever the diagnosis, children can learn and function productively and show gains from appropriate education and treatment.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList Sent: Wed, February 3, 2010 4:24:55 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

I just think that not all children who have neurological and/or psychiatric issues have autism, so I don’t necessarily think that at the end of the day its "all" autism. I have also seen children who have some aspects of autism but not enough to really have autism. then again, what is autism, how is the word defined and being used by us and others?? The word autism usually is used to classify people according to shared traits, and if one child doesn’t have some of those traits then that child may not fit in to the label of autism. It depends on what the word autism is used to mean. Whether or not my son has autism is not something Im not too concerned with - I know his issues, his symptoms, his strengths, and I also know that he hasn’t and doesn’t fit in with "classical" or typical autism. This is not to say he doesn’t have some autistic traits and behaviors. I think that’s why he got the PDD NOS label, because I think its used when there arent quite enough traits to be autism but enough to be related to autism. But my main concern is that he is in the right environment for him. Here he is in a supported behavior classroom. I imagine they must have something similar in Broward? We did varying exceptionalities here one year and it wasn’t a very good match for him, he didn’t have enough social opportunities in that classroom.

thanks for your ideas.

From: cheryl

Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 3:32 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

All of our children have varying exceptionalities whether they are diagnosed with autism or pdd-nos or aspergers but as has kindly pointed out at the end of the day it is still autism. Either way they need support in any environment. Perhaps a higher functioning varying exceptionality classroom is the way to go because it is very hard to get a unique aide in a regular classroom. Get a good advocate with you to the iep and get accommodations & modifications placed on his iep for different academic work/school settings etc.. It could be an OT for handwriting/ computer support, assistive technology assessment needed, extra time for testing, etc. You may also want to try a social skills group outside of school & maybe some sort of sports. The structure does help.

Good luck.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 4:25:11 PMSubject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

yes I agree it is autism, I'm just saying that he has some features of autism but lack a lot of the more common features that would make him a good candidate for an autism classroom. He doesn’t have issues with social reciprocity, he is hyper aware of others and what they are doing and how they're reacting to him, etc., and he doesn’t like being alone/is very social. He has social quirks and lacks some social skills but not so much in the areas of reciprocity etc. He becomes very agitated when another child doesn’t respond in a typical way to his advances of friendship (I.e, he will say hi and ask if a kid wants to play or something) or to conversation. His big issues are more frustration, OCD, fixations, control problems, explosiveness, low tolerance, and emotional labilaty (don’t know if I spelled that correctly, I mean no emotional boundaries or control). Not meaning to pigeonhole or be a know it all, just speaking from my experience of autism.

From: Karp

Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 2:33 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: was Dade vs Broward now PDD vs Autism

Hi Clara,

I think that a very large percentage of our kids have been diagnosed PDD-NOS. At the end of the day, it's still autism.

From: "airbucketcomcast (DOT) net" <airbucketcomcast (DOT) net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Tue, February 2, 2010 1:53:32 PMSubject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I wonder if that expertise in Broward would extend to more ED issues/mental health issues that are a little different from autism? Although my son is diagnosed PDD NOS, he doesn’t ever go into the "autism" classrooms because he doesn’t fit in there and has issues that are outside the realm of autism and also different social functioning than you see with typical autism. He has mostly been in the supported behavior classrooms with social supports you would see in the autism rooms.

From: Hilda S. Mitrani

Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 12:47 PM

To: sList@ yahoogroups. com

Subject: Re: Dade vs Broward ESE

I have kids in schools in both counties. Certain elementaries in Dade are okay but Broward has been helping children with autism for 25 plus years, starting with its revolutionary Baudhuin program. Miami-Dade started an autism task force a couple of years ago.DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS. Dade vs Broward ESE

As our family gets closer to moving to the east coast of FL (from the west coast of FL) I am trying to gather some opinions on anything better or worse between Miami Dade ESE and Broward ESE. I have not heard anything and perhaps no one living in Broward would have a reason to know, but I am still trying to get some opinion if anyone has knowledge of which district may have a slightly better ESE dept/classes? my son is more SED than autism. OR if anyone knows of another list serve or forum on which to find out more about the two counties compared. Thank you.

n