how to get help in middle school

[Guest guest]

My 13 year old son,who is in seventh grade was diagnosed with aspergers

and has had an IEP since 4th grade. When I read over his 4th grade IEP I

find that little has changed. He has made little progress in his social

interactions and certain academic areas. He is now in middle school. He

is very verbal, literal, rigid, and controlling. He lacks perspective

when it comes to other people (theory of mind). He has trouble working

in a group.

Last year he saw a speech/language pathologist for 3- 30 min sessions a

week. There was never a set time or day. He got pulled out of math,

science or one of the other academic subjects. He always missed an

important element that was taught or the homework explained. Some weeks

she never saw him. A few times he didn't want to leave his class to go

to speech.

I feel that for him to function in this world and hold a job he needs to

better understand and practice social interaction. The way the school is

addressing this need is mere tokenism that lacks any depth and

accountability.

He had great difficulty in one of his subjects last year. When we

requested one on one assistance by a tutor or aide we were told the

school system doesn't provide that.

I try and want to help him but this causes major melt downs. I tried to

explain that I can help him but he insists I'm not teacher. This is his

rigid thinking. The resistance was so bad that a psychologist told me to

refrain from getting involved in his school work unless he asks for

help. He experiences enough stress in school and doesn't need it at

home.

My dilemma is how to get him the additional help and support within the

school setting that will not interfer with his academic subjects.

[Guest guest]

Although my son is 11, they sound so much alike!! We have had great successes with CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disorders). They have a middle school social group that is really cool. They play video games and then discuss issues that are necessary to help them in their social interactions. My son really has enjoyed this. They meet once a month and you can join in, at no charge, anytime you are ready. Call them and speak with line. Their facilities are in Broward (on RD) and in South Dade. This may also eliminate the need to pull him from his classes.

As far as help academically, I would call the Family Network on Disabilities. I just contacted them yesterday, and they seem to be the agency that can give you the push to get the academic support your son needs.

I have also found that getting a tutor to come in, if even once a week, to help with homework, allows me to be "Mom," and not teacher. There are so many teachers that would be willing and appreciate the added income. I am sure that you can find one in his grade, who is well aware of the cirriculum.

Good luck and keep us "posted!!"

Debbie Marcus

My 13 year old son,who is in seventh grade was diagnosed with aspergersand has had an IEP since 4th grade. When I read over his 4th grade IEP Ifind that little has changed. He has made little progress in his socialinteractions and certain academic areas. He is now in middle school. Heis very verbal, literal, rigid, and controlling. He lacks perspectivewhen it comes to other people (theory of mind). He has trouble workingin a group.Last year he saw a speech/language pathologist for 3- 30 min sessions aweek. There was never a set time or day. He got pulled out of math,science or one of the other academic subjects. He always missed animportant element that was taught or the homework explained. Some weeksshe never saw him. A few times he didn't want to leave his class to goto speech.I feel that for him to function in this world and hold a job he needs tobetter understand and practice social interaction. The way the school isaddressing this need is mere tokenism that lacks any depth andaccountability.He had great difficulty in one of his subjects last year. When werequested one on one assistance by a tutor or aide we were told theschool system doesn't provide that.I try and want to help him but this causes major melt downs. I tried toexplain that I can help him but he insists I'm not teacher. This is hisrigid thinking. The resistance was so bad that a psychologist told me torefrain from getting involved in his school work unless he asks forhelp. He experiences enough stress in school and doesn't need it athome.My dilemma is how to get him the additional help and support within theschool setting that will not interfer with his academic subjects.

[Guest guest]

Thanks for this valuable information.

Subject: Re: how to get help in middle schoolTo: sList Date: Thursday, September 2, 2010, 9:57 AM

Although my son is 11, they sound so much alike!! We have had great successes with CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disorders). They have a middle school social group that is really cool. They play video games and then discuss issues that are necessary to help them in their social interactions. My son really has enjoyed this. They meet once a month and you can join in, at no charge, anytime you are ready. Call them and speak with line. Their facilities are in Broward (on RD) and in South Dade. This may also eliminate the need to pull him from his classes.

As far as help academically, I would call the Family Network on Disabilities. I just contacted them yesterday, and they seem to be the agency that can give you the push to get the academic support your son needs.

I have also found that getting a tutor to come in, if even once a week, to help with homework, allows me to be "Mom," and not teacher. There are so many teachers that would be willing and appreciate the added income. I am sure that you can find one in his grade, who is well aware of the cirriculum.

Good luck and keep us "posted!!"

Debbie Marcus

My 13 year old son,who is in seventh grade was diagnosed with aspergersand has had an IEP since 4th grade. When I read over his 4th grade IEP Ifind that little has changed. He has made little progress in his socialinteractions and certain academic areas. He is now in middle school. Heis very verbal, literal, rigid, and controlling. He lacks perspectivewhen it comes to other people (theory of mind). He has trouble workingin a group.Last year he saw a speech/language pathologist for 3- 30 min sessions aweek. There was never a set time or day. He got pulled out of math,science or one of the other academic subjects. He always missed animportant element that was taught or the homework explained. Some weeksshe never saw him. A few times he didn't want to leave his class to goto speech.I feel that for him to function in this world and hold a job he needs tobetter understand and practice social

interaction. The way the school isaddressing this need is mere tokenism that lacks any depth andaccountability.He had great difficulty in one of his subjects last year. When werequested one on one assistance by a tutor or aide we were told theschool system doesn't provide that.I try and want to help him but this causes major melt downs. I tried toexplain that I can help him but he insists I'm not teacher. This is hisrigid thinking. The resistance was so bad that a psychologist told me torefrain from getting involved in his school work unless he asks forhelp. He experiences enough stress in school and doesn't need it athome.My dilemma is how to get him the additional help and support within theschool setting that will not interfer with his academic subjects.