Re: Off topic school blues

[Guest guest]

Ooh, that sounds very scary. I can't say don't worry cuz I remember those

days and I was terrified that in a blink of an eye something would happen to

my son. If you can I would go to school with him and talk directly to the

principal. I think sometimes you can only tell a teacher so much but if you

tell the big guy it usually gets taken care of. I don't know if you are able

to but if possible volunteer on a weekly basis. I'm so happy I did. His

teacher did not know things that I thought she should've known and to tell

you the truth most people do not know (even teachers) how broad a spectrum

autism can be and how dangerous it can be for the child who fears nothing.

Explain till you can explain no more and let them know all the far fetched

things your child has done and will do. Believe me the last thing the school

wants is a bad reputation because they did not take the precautions that they

were warned about. Good luck and let us know how it went.

MA

[Guest guest]

Another note. You don't have to makes waves but just make everyone very

AWARE. I tried to be as nice as possible and very tolerant but then I had to

finally let them know where I was coming from and that's when I sent in a

copy of a term paper I did in psychology on autism. The teacher made copies

for everyone who dealt with my son and after that I guess they realized that

it was alot harder for me than it would ever be for them. They need to know

what they can do and then they can also in turn let you know what else you

can do. When it comes down to it everyone will be involved in how well your

child does and I'm sure they will want him to do his best. I got alot more

respect (I am younger than most of the moms and I always need to prove

myself) and I'm always volunteering at the school whenever I can. If they

see you there you usually can get what you want and get what your child

needs. I know not all moms can do this but if you can it'll definitely put

your mind at ease. Good luck one more time. I really feel what you're going

through.

MA

[Guest guest]

Sounds like a nightmare day. Two things:

1) Change in any way is going to be traumatic for you and your child

2) The school district HAS TO FOLLOW THE IEP to the " T "

Was all this in the IEP? If not, get it re-done. If yes, write a

formal letter complaining

Hand it in tomorrow and beg the teacher " I usually don't complain, but

this was MY understanding. "

and " I write letters because I have a terrible memory and it helps me. "

Kill the school district staff with KINDNESS and just kill the school

district MANAGEMENT!

And a final note:

School district employees RARELY know ANYTHING About autism. They get

training which usually means a 1-3 hours

session on autism. Spend time with them. Ask them if you can arrive early

and hang out with their staff or

assist in a staff training times. It is worth asking...

Good luck!

A jeffs mom

Off topic school blues

I really need to get this out or I may have a stroke. First day of school

today. I was supposed to have ono to one aide-no aide-they forgot.They dont

want to do PECS because he is more verbal-but PECS structure his day and he

is much more cooperative with structure-she stated he did his own thing

today mostly wandered and explored the classroom.They put a sign on a string

around his neck-and could not figure out why he was bothered with it-HELLO

tactile issues-I explained this.Now the classroom is right by the exit from

the school-literally he goes out the door he can turn and exit

again-PANIC-the sign on the string was if he got out someone could direct

him where his classroom is-GEE he does not care where it is if he gets out

he is gone-probably straight for the wheels of a car which still facinate

him. She said they would just close the door and then he cant get

out-WRONG-I also made them aware he is very skilled at manipulating locks

and doors-and will wait TILL your back in turned and then leave.I spent

countless hours wrighting letters full of information about my son and his

habits-no one read them-His IEP-have not read that either or else would have

remembered the aide. OK its out-thank you all for reading-and someone please

tell me it gets better-Arent they the least bit familiar with autism? F

[Guest guest]

,

You are making my nightmares about my daughter starting school (in

Nov)come true. YIKES! Go to school with him tomorrow and explain your

concerns. I would go to the principal, too. I am so mad for you. Let

us know what happens.

Janelle

[Guest guest]

F:

Making' waves baby! Making waves in California!! (Ok.. say this like you

are y Shore or the copy guy from Saturday Night Live!)

Hey.. its your kid and they have to follow the rules. AND... when you see

something not right and it is not written, CHANGE IT . The IEP is something

you have full " say " in and can change at any time to accommodate the needs

of your child (Within reason! They do not cook dinner for you or say,

balance your check book, but they have to educate your child in the " least

restrictive way " possible.)

You can inforce " THE RULES " nicely and with firm sentences and letters. But

you can smile, offer to bring gluten free/casein free donuts and help out in

the classroom (if this is possible.) Offer the people that work there the

world! I always start sentences with " Gee, I could be wrong and I don't

want to make waves BUT........ " This works well for me.

As far as writing the letter... I rely heavily on my attorney because I am

scared to death of special ed law... but last time I wrote a letter I wrote

it to my son's teacher and to the Director of Special Education for the

school district. So answer is - one at the top and one to the person you

see everyday that is the boss. Check w/ your attorney or advocate to be

sure.

Each school district is different.

Hey,... tired of QUOTE marks yet?

Hugs,

A Jeffs mom

(who by the way has drank WAY too much coffee today... WOO HOO!)

Re: Off topic school blues

A- a line denoted " parent safety concerns " is in it as a line about

special diet-Pecs were in it too. I did not know his tactile issues could be

in the IEP-but he is to get OT at school for these so they are{or at least I

thought aware} Thanks so much for responding. I will write my letters-to

whom should they be addresseed? the teacher? or higher? Gosh I hate to make

waves so soon. If I need an advocate what agency do I contact? Lis aF

Off topic school blues

>

>

> I really need to get this out or I may have a stroke. First day of school

> today. I was supposed to have ono to one aide-no aide-they forgot.They

dont

> want to do PECS because he is more verbal-but PECS structure his day and

he

> is much more cooperative with structure-she stated he did his own thing

> today mostly wandered and explored the classroom.They put a sign on a

string

> around his neck-and could not figure out why he was bothered with it-HELLO

> tactile issues-I explained this.Now the classroom is right by the exit

from

> the school-literally he goes out the door he can turn and exit

> again-PANIC-the sign on the string was if he got out someone could direct

> him where his classroom is-GEE he does not care where it is if he gets out

> he is gone-probably straight for the wheels of a car which still facinate

> him. She said they would just close the door and then he cant get

> out-WRONG-I also made them aware he is very skilled at manipulating locks

> and doors-and will wait TILL your back in turned and then leave.I spent

> countless hours wrighting letters full of information about my son and his

> habits-no one read them-His IEP-have not read that either or else would

have

> remembered the aide. OK its out-thank you all for reading-and someone

please

> tell me it gets better-Arent they the least bit familiar with autism?

F

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh , I do hope it gets better. I truly believe it all depends on the

teacher. I was very nervous about the fact that we moved to a new city and

state. I was dreading my son's new class. His preschool class was so

incredible. Well, I guess I lucked out, because he truly has a great

kindergarten teacher, who knows her stuff. His first few days were real rough,

but she's managed to get him into the groove. Do push the PECS with them. My

son is very verbal, but visual cues really help him understand what's expected.

He doesn't like suprises, and needs to get his mind into gear, before switching

activities.

Keep us posted, and hang in there.

a - who hopes this message doesn't take 4-6 days to post!

>>>>>.I really need to get this out or I may have a stroke. First day of school

today. I was supposed to have ono to one aide-no aide-they forgot.They dont want

to do PECS because he is more verbal-but PECS structure his day and he is much

more cooperative with structure-she stated he did his own thing today mostly

wandered and explored the classroom.They put a sign on a string around his

neck-and could not figure out why he was bothered with it-HELLO tactile issues-I

explained this.Now the classroom is right by the exit from the school-literally

he goes out the door he can turn and exit again-PANIC-the sign on the string was

if he got out someone could direct him where his classroom is-GEE he does not

care where it is if he gets out he is gone-probably straight for the wheels of a

car which still facinate him. She said they would just close the door and then

he cant get out-WRONG-I also made them aware he is very skilled at manipulating

locks and doors-and will wait TILL your back in turned and then leave.I spent

countless hours wrighting letters full of information about my son and his

habits-no one read them-His IEP-have not read that either or else would have

remembered the aide. OK its out-thank you all for reading-and someone please

tell me it gets better-Arent they the least bit familiar with autism?

F<<<<<<Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download :

http://explorer.msn.com

[Guest guest]

,

I contacted ARC(Association for Retarded Citizens). They work with

people who have many different disabilities. Their national #1-800-

252-9729. The school doesn't even have to know you are using them.

They can just guide you through the process.

Janelle

[Guest guest]

A- a line denoted " parent safety concerns " is in it as a line about

special diet-Pecs were in it too. I did not know his tactile issues could be

in the IEP-but he is to get OT at school for these so they are{or at least I

thought aware} Thanks so much for responding. I will write my letters-to

whom should they be addresseed? the teacher? or higher? Gosh I hate to make

waves so soon. If I need an advocate what agency do I contact? Lis aF

Off topic school blues

>

>

> I really need to get this out or I may have a stroke. First day of school

> today. I was supposed to have ono to one aide-no aide-they forgot.They

dont

> want to do PECS because he is more verbal-but PECS structure his day and

he

> is much more cooperative with structure-she stated he did his own thing

> today mostly wandered and explored the classroom.They put a sign on a

string

> around his neck-and could not figure out why he was bothered with it-HELLO

> tactile issues-I explained this.Now the classroom is right by the exit

from

> the school-literally he goes out the door he can turn and exit

> again-PANIC-the sign on the string was if he got out someone could direct

> him where his classroom is-GEE he does not care where it is if he gets out

> he is gone-probably straight for the wheels of a car which still facinate

> him. She said they would just close the door and then he cant get

> out-WRONG-I also made them aware he is very skilled at manipulating locks

> and doors-and will wait TILL your back in turned and then leave.I spent

> countless hours wrighting letters full of information about my son and his

> habits-no one read them-His IEP-have not read that either or else would

have

> remembered the aide. OK its out-thank you all for reading-and someone

please

> tell me it gets better-Arent they the least bit familiar with autism?

F

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

> I really need to get this out or I may have a stroke. First day of

school today. I was supposed to have ono to one aide-no aide-they

forgot.They dont want to do PECS because he is more verbal-but PECS

structure his day and he is much more cooperative with structure-she

stated he did his own thing today mostly wandered and explored the

classroom.

I will agree with the others here, if it is in the IEP, then enforce

it, if it is not in the IEP, call a meeting. Don't let them put you

off with " we forgot so we have to hire/train someone " , if it is in the

IEP, your son is entitled to an aide TOMORROW. They can use their

substitute teacher list if they have to, but your son is entitled and

it is not your fault they did not have an aide available.

Also, be sure your school is keeping daily data on your son's

progress, or at least weekly data, depending on how old is your son.

They should have sheets similar to ABA-type sheets, altho modified for

school setting, about what activities your son does, how he performs,

etc. For the first day it may be okay, but if your son spends the

majority of his days " wandering around " and other things, it will show

in the data, or they will falsify the data, which if you observe the

classroom every once in a while, you will catch, or you will catch

because you will find he is unable to duplicate things on the data

sheets at home. Write these data sheets [or call them reports] into

the IEP.

> They put a sign on a string around his neck-and could not

figure out why he was bothered with it-HELLO tactile issues-I

explained this.

This is a violation of most state laws. Kids cannot even have strings

on their jackets and play on the playground. What if your son got

that neck-string hung on a door handle or something and strangled?

You must INSIST that the sign be taped on his back or not used, or see

my ideas below.

> Now the classroom is right by the exit from the

school-literally he goes out the door he can turn and exit

again-PANIC-the sign on the string was if he got out someone could

direct him where his classroom is-GEE he does not care where it is if

he gets out he is gone-probably straight for the wheels of a car which

still facinate him.

If you agree to have a sign on your son, make it taped to his back or

something. But I don't like the idea of singling him out with a

visible sign, will this make the other kids shy away from him? Also,

what about the predator who sees his name [presumably the sign

includes his name] on the sign and says " hey ny, let me find your

mom with you? " Names visible on kids is not recommended. The school

can tape a notice on the inside of his shirt [or you can sew it on the

inside] if you believe it is that important that his identity and

location be on his person. You can also buy ID bracelets, or put it

on his shoelaces, or lots of other ideas.

> She said they would just close the door and then

he cant get out-WRONG-I also made them aware he is very skilled at

manipulating locks and doors-and will wait TILL your back in turned

and then leave.

Ask them for their " escape " plan IN WRITING for what they are doing

for 1. preventing his escape, and 2. in case he does escape. This is

very important, and probably should be included in the IEP.

> I spent countless hours wrighting letters full of

information about my son and his habits-no one read them-His IEP-have

not read that either or else would have remembered the aide. OK its

out-thank you all for reading-and someone please tell me it gets

better-Arent they the least bit familiar with autism? F

I homeschool because you are right, they don't even read it. Write

your letters and send them up the chain, as recommended by someone

else here. Ask for their liability policy, in case 1. your son

strangles himself on that stupid neck-sign, and 2. your son escapes

and is injured. That might put the fear of financial ruin in their

hearts.

Here are advocate links for you. Both of these organizations are

highly recommended by others I know.

http://www.protectionandadvocacy.com

http://www.fcsn.org/ptis/ptilist.htm

I have lists of sped attorneys if you would like an attorney.

Dana

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

-First of all ((hugs)) you poor thing. That has to be every parents

nightmare. Do you live in a well informed school district that just

dropped the ball on this or is it not such a great area? I ask

because if they are generally uninformed I would get all the

information they need-and it sounds like they need alot-and have a

meeting with everyone in contact with your son. This cannot go on

especially when you are dealing with matters of his safety. I guess

I am lucky because our school district is very well informed and my

daughter has the same aide-this will be her 3rd year-and I swear the

woman is an angel. She has taught my daughter soooo much and gets her

to try new foods and do things she wouldn't dream of doing for us!

Every child deserves the same treatment. Definitely don't let that

slide. Best of luck.Also, if you don't have it get the book " You,Your

Child and Special Education " A Guide to Making the System Work. Its

by Barbara Coyne Cutler and really spells out your rights.

Kathy-- In GFCFKids@y..., danaatty@y... wrote:

>

> > I really need to get this out or I may have a stroke. First day

of

> school today. I was supposed to have ono to one aide-no aide-they

> forgot.They dont want to do PECS because he is more verbal-but PECS

> structure his day and he is much more cooperative with structure-

she

> stated he did his own thing today mostly wandered and explored the

> classroom.

>

> I will agree with the others here, if it is in the IEP, then

enforce

> it, if it is not in the IEP, call a meeting. Don't let them put

you

> off with " we forgot so we have to hire/train someone " , if it is in

the

> IEP, your son is entitled to an aide TOMORROW. They can use their

> substitute teacher list if they have to, but your son is entitled

and

> it is not your fault they did not have an aide available.

>

> Also, be sure your school is keeping daily data on your son's

> progress, or at least weekly data, depending on how old is your

son.

> They should have sheets similar to ABA-type sheets, altho modified

for

> school setting, about what activities your son does, how he

performs,

> etc. For the first day it may be okay, but if your son spends the

> majority of his days " wandering around " and other things, it will

show

> in the data, or they will falsify the data, which if you observe

the

> classroom every once in a while, you will catch, or you will catch

> because you will find he is unable to duplicate things on the data

> sheets at home. Write these data sheets [or call them reports]

into

> the IEP.

>

>

> > They put a sign on a string around his neck-and could not

> figure out why he was bothered with it-HELLO tactile issues-I

> explained this.

>

> This is a violation of most state laws. Kids cannot even have

strings

> on their jackets and play on the playground. What if your son got

> that neck-string hung on a door handle or something and strangled?

> You must INSIST that the sign be taped on his back or not used, or

see

> my ideas below.

>

>

> > Now the classroom is right by the exit from the

> school-literally he goes out the door he can turn and exit

> again-PANIC-the sign on the string was if he got out someone could

> direct him where his classroom is-GEE he does not care where it is

if

> he gets out he is gone-probably straight for the wheels of a car

which

> still facinate him.

>

> If you agree to have a sign on your son, make it taped to his back

or

> something. But I don't like the idea of singling him out with a

> visible sign, will this make the other kids shy away from him?

Also,

> what about the predator who sees his name [presumably the sign

> includes his name] on the sign and says " hey ny, let me find

your

> mom with you? " Names visible on kids is not recommended. The

school

> can tape a notice on the inside of his shirt [or you can sew it on

the

> inside] if you believe it is that important that his identity and

> location be on his person. You can also buy ID bracelets, or put

it

> on his shoelaces, or lots of other ideas.

>

>

> > She said they would just close the door and then

> he cant get out-WRONG-I also made them aware he is very skilled at

> manipulating locks and doors-and will wait TILL your back in turned

> and then leave.

>

> Ask them for their " escape " plan IN WRITING for what they are doing

> for 1. preventing his escape, and 2. in case he does escape. This

is

> very important, and probably should be included in the IEP.

>

>

> > I spent countless hours wrighting letters full of

> information about my son and his habits-no one read them-His IEP-

have

> not read that either or else would have remembered the aide. OK its

> out-thank you all for reading-and someone please tell me it gets

> better-Arent they the least bit familiar with autism? F

>

> I homeschool because you are right, they don't even read it. Write

> your letters and send them up the chain, as recommended by someone

> else here. Ask for their liability policy, in case 1. your son

> strangles himself on that stupid neck-sign, and 2. your son escapes

> and is injured. That might put the fear of financial ruin in their

> hearts.

>

> Here are advocate links for you. Both of these organizations are

> highly recommended by others I know.

>

> http://www.protectionandadvocacy.com

>

> http://www.fcsn.org/ptis/ptilist.htm

>

> I have lists of sped attorneys if you would like an attorney.

>

> Dana

>

>

> >

> >

> >