So grateful for your note.

[Guest guest]

Thank you :

Your experience and your act of "sharing" this experience in your email below, is truely APPRECIATED AND VALUED.

I will take each point into consideration, since he is my one and only son and hence, i'm new to the special education

(ESE) process in the public school system.

So your thoughts and those here of other experienced parents are precious to someone like myself trying to learn the ropes,

while working and raising a child, with social, academic and eating challenges.

Ramona.

To: sList Sent: Tue, June 8, 2010 10:11:44 PMSubject: RE: Re:recommend a McKay school

Hi Ramona,

Whenever you have a meeting or perhaps in this case it was either an interim meeting or annual one, you must request a draft copy of the IEP. Although the school might not like surprises they think nothing of surprising a parent with something new. And if you are like me, you need to digest everything before you can come to your own conclusions. It is also very important you become familiar with the IDEA which is the primary source for doing things the right way. Unfortunately by the time rules get interpreted on the local level, some things might be stated incorrectly. This is the primary reason you see due process hearings.

The autism designation does not mean you drop developmentally delayed. It sounds like your son needs a lot of work on language. An autism eligibility in itself doesn't mean anything because autistic kids are all different. it may help him in getting services but keep in mind that your son has unique, individual needs that are very often different than anyone else's.

You have to determine if your son can function in a regular gen ed class with modifications or supports. The schools are mandated to provide his instruction in the least restrictive environment and that means they should make every effort to educate him with his peers (typical kids).

As far as school tests go, you have the right to know exactly what tests were given, his scores, and a narrative explaining what the results mean.

My experience with more speech and 1:1 becomes less in the cluster class. My grandson had speech 1:1 3 times a day for 30 minutes. When he moved into the speech cluster in K he had speech in a group. If there is one thing the school does not want to do is give anyone 1:1. It is too costly. On the other hand they are suppose to be giving your son what he needs. Although they have this real problem with simple math, if you place 3 or 4 students in a speech class for 30 minutes each one will receive only a fraction of the 30 minutes. Add the fact that most autistic kids have a social deficit they learn nothing form the other children in the class especially if they are on a different page than your son. This is called a waste of valuable time but it is cost effective. It isn't hard to figure whose needs are primary.

I don't like clusters. If your son can be educated in the general ed class, go that route. He will be better off.

The cluster is a program that has little variation and is an excellent example of trying to fit the glass slipper on every foot. The cluster is not academic but specializes in teaching proper behaviors like taking turns. It is very visual even for verbal kids. It only gives you a sprinkling of the sunshine standards, only those that are a part of the program.

Keep in mind they are suppose address the childs individual needs.

I think I just gave myself corporal tunnel.) If you like you can email me with any questions.

Oh, one other thing. Get a good advocate!

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Ramona H.Sent: Tuesday, June 08, 2010 2:10 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re:recommend a McKay school

Hello Mr. Heifferon:

When I was called at the end of his school year in a PLACE program I was asked if I accepted his eligibility be changed from

"developmentally delayed, OT, Speech" to "Autism" eligibility. Due to the public school's evaluation and his PLACE teacher's observation.

When I was in this meeting at his PLACE school office, it was someone hit me over the head and I was dizzy with these new findings.

I always thought my kids was just slower than others ?! who knew. I followed this up with my own personal quest. Took him

to a neurologist who confirmed he is on the Autism Spectrum. He has lite stims, like looks out of the corner of his eye at things and

waves/counts his little fingers when he is bored. That's as far as stimming. Had potty issues and very strict eater.

Has really good behavior and listens to you if he "understands"

what you are actually "saying". He does have the lack of language/conversati on, but is EXCELLENT with math, for a 5 year old.

EXCELLENT on the computer and great at reading your face. I'm floored by it.

But does NOT CONVERSE, just says 2 word utterances and

names things around him. Very accurately, too. He's affectionate and overall a good easy kid.

I was told that within a cluster he would have more speech therapy and more one on one teaching. Since he

has trouble focusing on non=preferred tasks. I don't konw what to do at this point. I thought a cluster was the

best thing for a child on the spectrum (He is PDD diagosed)... ..Any advise is appreciated. God bless all you parents

going thru this journey as well

Ramona.

From: Heifferon <gary00001msn (DOT) com>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Mon, June 7, 2010 2:42:55 PMSubject: RE: Re:recommend a McKay school

Hi Mama Bear,

Why isn't he going into a regular ed class with appropriate support? The cluster should be the place of last resort.

From: sList@ yahoogroups. com [mailto:sList @yahoogroups. com] On Behalf Of Ilyssa HersheySent: Monday, June 07, 2010 12:05 PMTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comSubject: Re: Re:recommend a McKay school

Dear Ramona,

Speech and OT services are not part of the curriculum/program, but parents have the therapist of their choice come to the school during the school day to see the student(s) for therapy. The parent pays the therapist directly. We also have two wonderful therapists that are here two to three full days a week if you needed a recommendation.

Hope that helps.

dr. ilyssa hershey

atlantis academy

coral springs, florida

From: Ramona H. <mamabear_sunrise@ yahoo.com>Subject: Re: Re:recommend a McKay schoolTo: sList@ yahoogroups. comDate: Monday, June 7, 2010, 10:52 AM

Hello April: Hi there my son is 5 year old entering kinder in the fall.

Coral Springs would be a bit far for my son, but I want to ask you in the

event that I ever consider moving to that city and/or if my son doesn't

fit into a cluster "exactly". His dianosis is PDD, has minor stims, good behavior,

excellent with math, but his biggest deficit is in the language/speech comprehension.

So this hinders him to be in a mainstream kinder. Also has lack of focus so

he wanders from his desk. He will likely enter into a cluster...at our

neighborhood public elementary school (SandPiper Elementary in Sunrise).

I saw your posting about Atlantis Academy school and had one question?Are the speech and occupational therapies offered on the campus and as part

of the school day? Or do you have to pay for his therapy at the school?

This is a big deal, since in the public school system my son would have these

therapies as part of his regular school day.

your input is greatly appreciated. .thank you.

From: April Alder <aprilalder@bellsout h.net>To: sList@ yahoogroups. comSent: Sat, June 5, 2010 12:51:49 PMSubject: Re:recommend a McKay school

Our son will be entering third grade in the fall at Atlantis Academy in Coral Springs and he loves going to school there.This will be his third year attending Atlantis Academy for school/camp, and we plan for him to stay there through high school.April