Guest guest Posted April 2, 2010 Report Share Posted April 2, 2010 I am new to this site and am overwhelmed by the process of a newly diagnosed 6 year old with Asperger's. We just went to our first IEP meeting and I felt that they were trying to say that " it could be worse " as he tests high in intelligence but low in applying. It seemed that they were implying that since he was still within " normal " range for a 6 year old, even though it is barely within " normal " and doesn't even touch his potential, that it was fine to essentially only deal with all the social issues and class disruptions. I'm wondering if I'm over-reacting? I thought this was one of the issues that becomes especially important as he gets older.......meeting his potential while addressing his learning issues? Also I am tired of people in the world saying " it's not so bad " . I think I understand that they mean to be positive and please keep in mind that I do know things could be more difficult, but does anyone else run into this and feel it marginalizes their feelings/experience? To be honest, I sometimes feel like it's harder because kids with Asperger's do look so " normal " in so many settings and so folks react in ways that assumes " typical " child.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 First, if you can afford (or find one who is free) an advocate, hire one ASAP. Second, go to s Law's website. They also wrote a new book about IEPs that is supposedly good. Third find out the reputation of your school system in regards to special education...are others having problems getting adequate services? Is there a neighboring school system where the parents are happy? I think IDEA law is pretty clear that school systems should work to address any issues that negatively impact a child's academics, and also schools should prepare children for work or college after their public education; however, I feel the extent to which they are actually compelled to do all this depends on how well the state DOE regulates this stuff, variations in state laws, access to free/cheap advocates, and the individual school system. If your school system is marginal like mine, you might start thinking about the minimal services you need from the school system, and finding out what services you can get get through your insurance (or elsewhere). Then negotiate for what is needed. Good luck. - > > I am new to this site and am overwhelmed by the process of a newly diagnosed 6 year old with Asperger's. We just went to our first IEP meeting and I felt that they were trying to say that " it could be worse " as he tests high in intelligence but low in applying. It seemed that they were implying that since he was still within " normal " range for a 6 year old, even though it is barely within " normal " and doesn't even touch his potential, that it was fine to essentially only deal with all the social issues and class disruptions. I'm wondering if I'm over-reacting? I thought this was one of the issues that becomes especially important as he gets older.......meeting his potential while addressing his learning issues? > Also I am tired of people in the world saying " it's not so bad " . I think I understand that they mean to be positive and please keep in mind that I do know things could be more difficult, but does anyone else run into this and feel it marginalizes their feelings/experience? To be honest, I sometimes feel like it's harder because kids with Asperger's do look so " normal " in so many settings and so folks react in ways that assumes " typical " child.... > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2010 Report Share Posted April 3, 2010 When your son is about 9 have him tested by a nueropsychologist and find out if he truely has deficits in any areas of thinking. Some AS kids don't have any cognitive deficits (like slow processing speed or poor working memory or attentional issues etc). Once you have real data you will feel better and when people say ridiculous things you can say to yourself they don't understand this. He may be in the normal range for academic knowledge but most AS kids even with severe learning issues (like non verbal LD) will test ok especially in the early years. I don't think you are overreacting I think you may realize these are not the people to go to for insight. The neuropsychologist (find one that writes detailed reports for education planning) should give you very good advice. For class disruption your son needs a plan based on ABA or more simply known to the schools as a positive reinforcement plan with gradual exposure and fading of rewards once behaviors are stable (years not days or weeks). People don't understand emotional social issues of any kind or how hard it is to treat many of these kids. My own husband downplays the issues and wonders why I can't also fit in a full time job somehow. That hurts he doesn't see how hard it is to keep her stable and how much school she misses due to illnesses. She is not stable yet he doesn't recognize that. How I cope is to keep seeing the behaviorist for parenting support and a neuropyschologist that also counsels and does know how hard it is to raise an AS child. Our daughter's psychiatrist knows how high our daughter's anxiety is and she advocates at the school. I have to look for support from people who truly do understand the issues our kids have and with their help they help me get what she needs. I hope you find good support. Pam > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2010 Report Share Posted April 4, 2010 Bens tests are very simular. Above average in intelligence but application is a problem. His private school seems enable to comprehend he is not " doing things on purpose " I am noew also to the diagnosis. I have a list of needed things to be done in the classroom. We are going to public school next year > > I am new to this site and am overwhelmed by the process of a newly diagnosed 6 year old with Asperger's. We just went to our first IEP meeting and I felt that they were trying to say that " it could be worse " as he tests high in intelligence but low in applying. It seemed that they were implying that since he was still within " normal " range for a 6 year old, even though it is barely within " normal " and doesn't even touch his potential, that it was fine to essentially only deal with all the social issues and class disruptions. I'm wondering if I'm over-reacting? I thought this was one of the issues that becomes especially important as he gets older.......meeting his potential while addressing his learning issues? > Also I am tired of people in the world saying " it's not so bad " . I think I understand that they mean to be positive and please keep in mind that I do know things could be more difficult, but does anyone else run into this and feel it marginalizes their feelings/experience? To be honest, I sometimes feel like it's harder because kids with Asperger's do look so " normal " in so many settings and so folks react in ways that assumes " typical " child.... > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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