Re: Help - high school IEP

[Guest guest]

Hello, I can tell you that at my son's last IEP meeting in grade 8, the

Resource Teacher came from the high school to sit in and to give some imput

regarding the transition from middle school to high school. My son has recently

been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and back then they just had him listed as

having a learning disability. The new diagnosis has just been listed on his IEP

plan. The high school experience has been less than wonderful with no support

or guidance. My son is currently going into Grade 11 with only 2 credits

achieved because the teachers are not following what is in his IEP plan. Every

semester I am in there fighting with teachers to get them to follow it and its

just not happening. I have now enlisted the help of an Education Advocate

group to help me in my battle with the school. So what I am saying is this,

good luck but be prepared for a long battle.

a

>

> Hi all. I am wondering two things. Do you generally have an autism specialist

at your IEP meetings? And do you request all the teachers come to the IEP

meetings, or at least as many as can--at least more than the prescribed one

special ed teacher, one general ed teacher?

>

> Some history. We are going from jr high to sr high, and nobody from the high

school came to the spring IEP meeting. The high school doesn't like the IEP the

jr high set up or the placement level. I don't have any problems with the

placement change, but I am nervous about the details of the IEP.

>

> I know we all go through the same thing where autism is not well understood by

either special ed, regular classroom teachers or school administrators, so

switching schools and getting everybody up to speed is always a huge deal. I'm

just thinking that this transition might go a lot faster and my son might end up

with a much more effective IEP if an autism specialist came to the IEP meeting

to help explain the rough spots.

>

> And I'm in a school district big enough to have autism specialists

available--if they would just do it. I don't think they are used to coming to

IEP meetings--for the most part, I think they just do evaluations. I really

don't feel like I should have to pay for an advocate/attorney and/or specialist

when the school district has people available that can explain all these issues.

>

> My son is high-IQ, so I also have legal issues that many of the regular school

administrators are not familiar with, but the higher level special ed people

are. So, there is also the issue of whether an administrator higher level than

one of the usual assistant principals needs to come to the IEP meeting.

>

> I would just really like to know how other people handle this. Am I asking

too much for these " extra " people to attend? How do you ask without offending

people when they are not offering such people attend. The high school SPED

chair has made it clear she wants to handle things within the high school. But

she has said things that make me think we have all the usual problems of lack of

understanding. I'm trying to decide if I should give her a chance to do things

her way. Of course, we all know the wait and see thing usually gets way out of

hand and is not good--I really don't want to wait.

>

> Thoughts? Help!

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Every semester I am in there fighting with teachers to get them to follow it

and its just not happening. I have now enlisted the help of an Education

Advocate group to help me in my battle with the school. So what I am saying is

this, good luck but be prepared for a long battle.

Good luck, a--let us know how it goes. I hear your frustration.

Luckily a couple of people from our son's school district autism team agreed

right away to come to the IEP meeting, so I am hopeful. They've been very

helpful so far. Still busy preparing though...

[Guest guest]

I don't know if all school districts are the same when it comes to the IEP, or

not. When my son transitioned from Middle School to High school, I went to the

HS in spring before he started. We had a transitional IEP meeting with a school

administrator (required to be at every IEP in our district), my son's RSP

teacher from the MS, and the chairman of the special ed department at the HS. We

discussed the current IEP and how it would be implemented at the HS, and what

changes would be needed to implement it.

Then as in the past, every year we did an IEP. Since my son was not diagnosed

with AS until he was in his junior year of HS (he had lots of other

developmental delays due to health issues at birth), we never had anyone from

the autism team present. We always had the school administrator, school

psychologist, his case worker (one of the spec ed teachers) and sometimes the

school counselor. Prior to the IEP, the case worker sent an invitation to every

one of his teachers letting them know about the IEP, and a form for them to fill

our-- current grades, current issues, what improvement they have noted,

concerns, ets. One teacher was required to be present at the IEP as a

representative for all, but sometimes we would get several.

He did graduate HS, and is now in his second year at the community college. Once

he started the CC, he began to like school, has matured dramatically and now he

even has a girl friend!

Debbi in SO CA

Mom to (almost 20)

>

> Hi all. I am wondering two things. Do you generally have an autism specialist

at your IEP meetings? And do you request all the teachers come to the IEP

meetings, or at least as many as can--at least more than the prescribed one

special ed teacher, one general ed teacher?

>

> Some history. We are going from jr high to sr high, and nobody from the high

school came to the spring IEP meeting. The high school doesn't like the IEP the

jr high set up or the placement level. I don't have any problems with the

placement change, but I am nervous about the details of the IEP.

>

> I know we all go through the same thing where autism is not well understood by

either special ed, regular classroom teachers or school administrators, so

switching schools and getting everybody up to speed is always a huge deal. I'm

just thinking that this transition might go a lot faster and my son might end up

with a much more effective IEP if an autism specialist came to the IEP meeting

to help explain the rough spots.

>

> And I'm in a school district big enough to have autism specialists

available--if they would just do it. I don't think they are used to coming to

IEP meetings--for the most part, I think they just do evaluations. I really

don't feel like I should have to pay for an advocate/attorney and/or specialist

when the school district has people available that can explain all these issues.

>

> My son is high-IQ, so I also have legal issues that many of the regular school

administrators are not familiar with, but the higher level special ed people

are. So, there is also the issue of whether an administrator higher level than

one of the usual assistant principals needs to come to the IEP meeting.

>

> I would just really like to know how other people handle this. Am I asking

too much for these " extra " people to attend? How do you ask without offending

people when they are not offering such people attend. The high school SPED

chair has made it clear she wants to handle things within the high school. But

she has said things that make me think we have all the usual problems of lack of

understanding. I'm trying to decide if I should give her a chance to do things

her way. Of course, we all know the wait and see thing usually gets way out of

hand and is not good--I really don't want to wait.

>

> Thoughts? Help!

>

[Guest guest]

We had a 504 Plan. When went from jr high/middle school to high school,

we drew up a new 504 Plan at the high school; something about their not using

*the* one from jr high. But the Plan was the same, I dropped a couple things I

felt he didn't need, but we carried everything over. I don't know if they just

had a different form or what, they just said they couldn't use the jr high one.

The school psych came to the high school meeting and the guidance counselor.

And all his teachers for that semester. Luckily the school psych (who I met for

the first time at the meeting) knew about Aspergers, though OCD was causing

's main school problems. The school psych briefly gave an explanation of

Aspergers to the teachers, so that was nice to have her do it and not me. The

Aspergers dx was actually " new " at that time because I got evaluated in

8th grade and didn't get written results until the latter part of that year so

didn't even tell the jr high about it, just waited for first year of high school

(9th grade).

Each semester I followed up with the teachers by email at least once to ask how

was doing. And then at the start of new semesters, I went ahead and set

up a meeting for after the first week it started, to go over the 504 Plan with

the new teachers and waiting a week gave them a chance to " notice " him and tell

me anything they needed to. As high school progressed, was doing okay

and I didn't call so many meetings. Also the guidance counselor always put a

note (each semester) in each teacher's mailbox that had a 504 Plan and

they had to go read it and also sign a form showing they had read it.

Seriously, I'm sure they didn't immediately read it at start of semesters but

guidance counselor would make sure the form got signed by all, it was a

requirement.

So - I didn't bring anyone with me. If you go to the first meeting and feel

they don't understand Aspergers/autism, then you could request that a specialist

be brought in and set up another meeting.

Quick thoughts,

>

> Hi all. I am wondering two things. Do you generally have an autism specialist

at your IEP meetings? And do you request all the teachers come to the IEP

meetings, or at least as many as can--at least more than the prescribed one

special ed teacher, one general ed teacher?

>

> Some history. We are going from jr high to sr high, and nobody

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie in SO CA- did u mean Southern Calif?? Coz that's where I'am, too, in the Inland Empire.

I did not pose this question, but as i was reading your response it gave me lots of encouragement to know that your son is now doing well in CC. I have a 17 yo AS myself and was just diagnosed 2 mo ago so now I am initiating an IEP for him in his senior yr. so far they all seem to be cooperative. What is your son pursuing? And did you had to have accomodations made for him as well when he entered college?? I'm really curious about what they were, coz' i understand there's no more IEP in college. How did he manage in his 1st yr college, did u have to help him choose classes and go with him?? Also, with the girlfriend issue, does the girl know about his AS?? Sorry for inundating you, just that I will be in your shoes a yr. from now and it's so good to hear from somebody who's been there, done that kind of a thing- or should I say still doing. Coz, it's still a journey after all with our kids. Thank you

again for sharing- you have lifted my spirits up- there is a light at the end of the tunnel. God Bless!

Vickie

From: daffymom <daffymom@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Help - high school IEP Date: Friday, September 4, 2009, 6:56 AM

I don't know if all school districts are the same when it comes to the IEP, or not. When my son transitioned from Middle School to High school, I went to the HS in spring before he started. We had a transitional IEP meeting with a school administrator (required to be at every IEP in our district), my son's RSP teacher from the MS, and the chairman of the special ed department at the HS. We discussed the current IEP and how it would be implemented at the HS, and what changes would be needed to implement it.Then as in the past, every year we did an IEP. Since my son was not diagnosed with AS until he was in his junior year of HS (he had lots of other developmental delays due to health issues at birth), we never had anyone from the autism team present. We always had the school administrator, school psychologist, his case worker (one of the spec ed teachers) and sometimes the school counselor. Prior to the IEP, the case worker sent an invitation

to every one of his teachers letting them know about the IEP, and a form for them to fill our-- current grades, current issues, what improvement they have noted, concerns, ets. One teacher was required to be present at the IEP as a representative for all, but sometimes we would get several.He did graduate HS, and is now in his second year at the community college. Once he started the CC, he began to like school, has matured dramatically and now he even has a girl friend!Debbi in SO CAMom to (almost 20)>> Hi all. I am wondering two things. Do you generally have an autism specialist at your IEP meetings? And do you request all the teachers come to the IEP

meetings, or at least as many as can--at least more than the prescribed one special ed teacher, one general ed teacher? > > Some history. We are going from jr high to sr high, and nobody from the high school came to the spring IEP meeting. The high school doesn't like the IEP the jr high set up or the placement level. I don't have any problems with the placement change, but I am nervous about the details of the IEP.> > I know we all go through the same thing where autism is not well understood by either special ed, regular classroom teachers or school administrators, so switching schools and getting everybody up to speed is always a huge deal. I'm just thinking that this transition might go a lot faster and my son might end up with a much more effective IEP if an autism specialist came to the IEP meeting to help explain the rough spots. > > And I'm in a school district big enough to have autism specialists

available--if they would just do it. I don't think they are used to coming to IEP meetings--for the most part, I think they just do evaluations. I really don't feel like I should have to pay for an advocate/attorney and/or specialist when the school district has people available that can explain all these issues. > > My son is high-IQ, so I also have legal issues that many of the regular school administrators are not familiar with, but the higher level special ed people are. So, there is also the issue of whether an administrator higher level than one of the usual assistant principals needs to come to the IEP meeting.> > I would just really like to know how other people handle this. Am I asking too much for these "extra" people to attend? How do you ask without offending people when they are not offering such people attend. The high school SPED chair has made it clear she wants to handle things within the high school. But she

has said things that make me think we have all the usual problems of lack of understanding. I'm trying to decide if I should give her a chance to do things her way. Of course, we all know the wait and see thing usually gets way out of hand and is not good--I really don't want to wait.> > Thoughts? Help!>

[Guest guest]

Vickie,

Yes, SO CA is Southern CA-- I am in Orange County. I have no idea how receptive

schools are regarding new IEP's for HS Seniors since my son was in the special

ed program from the time he was 12 months old-- as I said he had some very

serious delays due to congenital problems at birth that are all now repaired.

When he was a senior, the Special Services Office at the CC sent packets to all

graduating senior in the Special Ed Department in our High Schools. We had to

fill out a ton of paper regarding our child's diagnosis, what accommodations

they had in HS, and papers for the doctors and psychiatrist to fill out. We then

had to enroll him in a class called Special Services 300 which allowed the

school to do their own testing and assessments and they are only allowed to test

and assess enrolled students so they created this non-existent class so that the

kids were enrolled in the school.

Based on their assessments they met with my son. He let them know what

accommodations he had in HS and they worked with him. The best thing is that

Special Services Students get to register first, just like the football players!

Some of his accommodations are: 1) Laptop to take notes since he has fine motor

skills on the level of a 2 yo, 2) extra time to take tests (has to go to the

Special Services office to take the tests), 3) Essays in English can be typed on

his laptop. One teacher required that he do it under the supervision of the

Special Services Office, the other had him take his test in the hall with the

laptop facing the window so she could see if he was anyplace other than Word

during the test. 4) They supply note taking paper for him, 5) they have a

support group that meets once a week for kids with Autism or Asperger's to talk

about their issues at school, learn to socialize on campus, how to talk to the

teachers about their diagnosis, etc. 6) They meet with him each semester to work

out which combo of classes will be the best for him so that he does not overload

himself with too many difficult classes at the same time.

He would like to go into film editing. He originally wanted to go to either USC

or Chapman's Film Schools, but his grades will not get him into either of those

schools.

HTH

Debbi in SO CA

>

> Hi Debbie in SO CA- did u mean Southern Calif?? Coz that's where I'am, too, in

the Inland Empire.

> I did not pose this question, but as i was reading  your response it gave me

lots of encouragement to know that your son is now doing well in CC.  I have a

17 yo AS myself and was just diagnosed 2 mo ago so now I am initiating an IEP

for him in his senior yr.  so far they all seem to be cooperative.  What is your

son pursuing? And did you had to have accomodations made for him as well when he

entered college?? I'm really curious about what they were, coz' i understand

there's no more IEP in college.  How did he manage in his 1st yr college, did u

have to help him choose classes and go with him?? Also, with the girlfriend

issue, does the girl know about his AS?? Sorry for inundating you, just that I

will be in your shoes a yr. from now and it's so good to hear from somebody

who's been there, done that kind of a thing- or should I say still doing.  Coz,

it's still a journey after all with our kids.  Thank you again for sharing- you

have lifted my

> spirits up- there is a light at the end of the tunnel. God Bless!

> Vickie

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie!! Thanx for your response. Sounds like your son is in a great school and has excellent accomodations. What college does he go to? Also, did he go to a private school in H.S? BTW what is Special Services office at CC?? And how can we sign up with them?? They seem to have an excellent program for AS kids. Also, do they have some sort of support for our kids in terms of getting a part time job? My 16 yo drives his own car now and his senior yr. schedule is light so we are thinking of having him take a part time job. We think it will be a good exposure for him to develop his social skills. About how much load does your son take in college?? Is he in any kind of meds ?? It just sounds so amazing how he was able to overcome a lot of challenges from his congenital issues and

others. And now he's in college. Is he still staying with you?? That is our plan so far for our son, since there are some good junior colleges here and he can just stay w/ us. Again, sorry for the many quest. I appreciate your response to all my queries. Thanx and God Bless.

Vickie

From: daffymom <daffymom@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Help - high school IEP Date: Saturday, September 5, 2009, 6:10 AM

Vickie,Yes, SO CA is Southern CA-- I am in Orange County. I have no idea how receptive schools are regarding new IEP's for HS Seniors since my son was in the special ed program from the time he was 12 months old-- as I said he had some very serious delays due to congenital problems at birth that are all now repaired. When he was a senior, the Special Services Office at the CC sent packets to all graduating senior in the Special Ed Department in our High Schools. We had to fill out a ton of paper regarding our child's diagnosis, what accommodations they had in HS, and papers for the doctors and psychiatrist to fill out. We then had to enroll him in a class called Special Services 300 which allowed the school to do their own testing and assessments and they are only allowed to test and assess enrolled students so they created this non-existent class so that the kids were enrolled in the school.Based on their assessments they met with

my son. He let them know what accommodations he had in HS and they worked with him. The best thing is that Special Services Students get to register first, just like the football players! Some of his accommodations are: 1) Laptop to take notes since he has fine motor skills on the level of a 2 yo, 2) extra time to take tests (has to go to the Special Services office to take the tests), 3) Essays in English can be typed on his laptop. One teacher required that he do it under the supervision of the Special Services Office, the other had him take his test in the hall with the laptop facing the window so she could see if he was anyplace other than Word during the test. 4) They supply note taking paper for him, 5) they have a support group that meets once a week for kids with Autism or Asperger's to talk about their issues at school, learn to socialize on campus, how to talk to the teachers about their diagnosis, etc. 6) They meet with him each semester to

work out which combo of classes will be the best for him so that he does not overload himself with too many difficult classes at the same time.He would like to go into film editing. He originally wanted to go to either USC or Chapman's Film Schools, but his grades will not get him into either of those schools.HTHDebbi in SO CA>> Hi Debbie in SO CA- did u mean Southern Calif?? Coz that's where I'am, too, in the Inland Empire.> I did not pose this question, but as i was reading your response it gave me lots of encouragement to know that your son is now doing well in CC. I have a 17 yo AS myself and was just diagnosed 2 mo ago so now I am

initiating an IEP for him in his senior yr. so far they all seem to be cooperative. What is your son pursuing? And did you had to have accomodations made for him as well when he entered college?? I'm really curious about what they were, coz' i understand there's no more IEP in college. How did he manage in his 1st yr college, did u have to help him choose classes and go with him?? Also, with the girlfriend issue, does the girl know about his AS?? Sorry for inundating you, just that I will be in your shoes a yr. from now and it's so good to hear from somebody who's been there, done that kind of a thing- or should I say still doing. Coz, it's still a journey after all with our kids. Thank you again for sharing- you have lifted my> spirits up- there is a light at the end of the tunnel. God Bless!> Vickie> >

[Guest guest]

My son also has special services. He has more time for tests, taking notes with computers and more time with school work he also has an aid. The only problem is they cant find him a smaller class room. He is in the 10th grade and He is in regular classroom. Today i have to go to the cse meeting to try and get things straightened out. My son wants to be a game designer, He is also taking digital electronics. I hope this year will be better than last year. His special ed teacher would not understand that he needed more time and put presure on him. And things didnt go to well for him last year. I will keep you informed on his progress and what happens at the meeting. Good luck with you child.

From: daffymom <daffymom (DOT) com>Subject: ( ) Re: Help - high school IEP Date: Saturday, September 5, 2009, 6:10 AM

Vickie,Yes, SO CA is Southern CA-- I am in Orange County. I have no idea how receptive schools are regarding new IEP's for HS Seniors since my son was in the special ed program from the time he was 12 months old-- as I said he had some very serious delays due to congenital problems at birth that are all now repaired. When he was a senior, the Special Services Office at the CC sent packets to all graduating senior in the Special Ed Department in our High Schools. We had to fill out a ton of paper regarding our child's diagnosis, what accommodations they had in HS, and papers for the doctors and psychiatrist to fill out. We then had to enroll him in a class called Special Services 300 which allowed the school to do their own testing and assessments and they are only allowed to test and assess enrolled students so they created this non-existent class so that the kids were enrolled in the school.Based on their assessments they met with

my son. He let them know what accommodations he had in HS and they worked with him. The best thing is that Special Services Students get to register first, just like the football players! Some of his accommodations are: 1) Laptop to take notes since he has fine motor skills on the level of a 2 yo, 2) extra time to take tests (has to go to the Special Services office to take the tests), 3) Essays in English can be typed on his laptop. One teacher required that he do it under the supervision of the Special Services Office, the other had him take his test in the hall with the laptop facing the window so she could see if he was anyplace other than Word during the test. 4) They supply note taking paper for him, 5) they have a support group that meets once a week for kids with Autism or Asperger's to talk about their issues at school, learn to socialize on campus, how to talk to the teachers about their diagnosis, etc. 6) They meet with him each semester to

work out which combo of classes will be the best for him so that he does not overload himself with too many difficult classes at the same time.He would like to go into film editing. He originally wanted to go to either USC or Chapman's Film Schools, but his grades will not get him into either of those schools.HTHDebbi in SO CA>> Hi Debbie in SO CA- did u mean Southern Calif?? Coz that's where I'am, too, in the Inland Empire.> I did not pose this question, but as i was reading your response it gave me lots of encouragement to know that your son is now doing well in CC. I have a 17 yo AS myself and was just diagnosed 2 mo ago so now I am initiating an IEP for him in his senior yr. so

far they all seem to be cooperative. What is your son pursuing? And did you had to have accomodations made for him as well when he entered college?? I'm really curious about what they were, coz' i understand there's no more IEP in college. How did he manage in his 1st yr college, did u have to help him choose classes and go with him?? Also, with the girlfriend issue, does the girl know about his AS?? Sorry for inundating you, just that I will be in your shoes a yr. from now and it's so good to hear from somebody who's been there, done that kind of a thing- or should I say still doing. Coz, it's still a journey after all with our kids. Thank you again for sharing- you have lifted my> spirits up- there is a light at the end of the tunnel. God Bless!> Vickie> >

[Guest guest]

Vicki,

1) He is at Saddleback College

2) Both of my children went all the way through school in public school. We did

look at a special education middle school, but they did not want him since AS

was not their kind of special needs-- not easy to control the children. We also

looked at a brand new Catholic HS, but they were violating State law-- far too

many kids in their supposed special ed class per 1 teacher.

3) Special Services is sort of a special education office. They work with all

the students who have some kind of learning problem, physical problem, etc. who

are in need of special services. They require a doctor's certification of the

problem. Don't HAVE to take a student in the same way that K-12 does. They have

their own criterion.

4)Don't know if Special Services assists in job searches since my son has a

part-time job he got through his father. His dad is a heartless cardiologist and

when they needed someone to fill in filing medical files for them, he called my

son at the last minute one day. That last minute fill in has turned into a job

he has held for 2 years now.

5) At school he took 12 units each semester last year, this semester, he has 15

units but only 6 are considered academic GE's. It is going to take him about 5

years before he transfers which is fine, since we hope he will figure out his

own direction by then and it costs so much less than him finding himself at a 4

year institution.

6)He has never been on meds for his AS.

7) He does not drive. When he was in HS, we tied the driver's license to grades

and since his grades were not good, no driver's license. He will be 20 in a

couple of weeks and can go get his license without our permission but does not

seem to have any interest at this time. Neither he nor his GF drive. I

personally think the GF has undiagnosed AS.

Let me know if I can be any more help.

Debbi in SO CA

>

> Hi Debbie!! Thanx for your response. Sounds like your son is in a great school

and has excellent accomodations.  What college does he go to?  Also, did he go

to a private school in H.S?    BTW what is Special Services  office at CC?? And

how can we sign up with them??  They seem to have an excellent program for AS

kids.  Also, do they have some sort of support for our kids in terms of getting

a part time job?  My 16 yo drives his own car now and his senior yr. schedule is

light so we are thinking of having him take a part time job.  We think it will

be a good exposure for him to develop his social skills.  About how much load

does your son take in college?? Is he in any kind of meds ?? It just sounds so

amazing how he was able to overcome a lot of challenges from his congenital

issues and others.  And now he's in college.  Is he still staying with you??

That is our plan so far for our son, since there are some good junior colleges

here and

> he can just stay w/ us.  Again, sorry for the many quest.  I appreciate your

response to all my queries.  Thanx and God Bless.

> Vickie

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

thnk u for ur response. Is this Special services office located only at Saddleback ?? or is it available for other CC?? My son is a senior at International Poly h.s. which is the h.s. for the CalPoly, Pomona Univ. it is a public h.s. but very limited in students only about 400 from 9-12th gr. we are thinking of just sending him to a junior college here as well, maybe Mt. San or Chaffey College. I wonder if they would have a Special Services office as well. Or is Special Services Office a separate office entirely?? I really like the support group that they have set up in ur sons school, where they could meet w/ other students w/the same challenges. Hopefully meet a girl as well. my son is very timid and shy in approaching girls- always has been- he just has very low self-esteem, in spite of his very good looking appearance- as a lot of people has mentioned about his good looks.

Unfortunately right now he is very much focused on hanging out w/ a - younger kid about 3 yrs. younger. We're still not sure if at this pt, it's just a friendship level or is something more. He does have some gender identity issue which he did admit to us before he was even diagnosed w/ AS. But since the dx about 2 mo ago, now we're rethinking maybe he just misinterpreted some social cues. this is an entirely different more complex issue which i have already spoken lengthily about in this group earlier. there were a lot of good advise but seems like nobody has really encountered this gender identity issue w/ their AS kids. He says he's interested in girls, too. I just hope he finds the right girl.

That's great that your son has a stable job. So is he able to balance school and work pretty ok? he must be loving the extra money he's earning and I'm still assuming that he still lives with you right?? did u say he has a brother? younger or older. My son has a younger bro about 13 yo and i've read about shadow AS wherein the younger sibling tends to mimic certain characteristics of the sibling. as far as we know, my younger son has no AS- he's a bit more social , but still shy in many ways. have u noticed anything w/ the other son??

Again, too, many quest. and I really appreciate ur response and help.. thank u and God bless!!

Vickie

From: daffymom <daffymom@...>Subject: ( ) Re: Help - high school IEP Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2009, 6:46 AM

Vicki,1) He is at Saddleback College2) Both of my children went all the way through school in public school. We did look at a special education middle school, but they did not want him since AS was not their kind of special needs-- not easy to control the children. We also looked at a brand new Catholic HS, but they were violating State law-- far too many kids in their supposed special ed class per 1 teacher. 3) Special Services is sort of a special education office. They work with all the students who have some kind of learning problem, physical problem, etc. who are in need of special services. They require a doctor's certification of the problem. Don't HAVE to take a student in the same way that K-12 does. They have their own criterion.4)Don't know if Special Services assists in job searches since my son has a part-time job he got through his father. His dad is a heartless cardiologist and when they needed someone

to fill in filing medical files for them, he called my son at the last minute one day. That last minute fill in has turned into a job he has held for 2 years now.5) At school he took 12 units each semester last year, this semester, he has 15 units but only 6 are considered academic GE's. It is going to take him about 5 years before he transfers which is fine, since we hope he will figure out his own direction by then and it costs so much less than him finding himself at a 4 year institution.6)He has never been on meds for his AS. 7) He does not drive. When he was in HS, we tied the driver's license to grades and since his grades were not good, no driver's license. He will be 20 in a couple of weeks and can go get his license without our permission but does not seem to have any interest at this time. Neither he nor his GF drive. I personally think the GF has undiagnosed AS.Let me know if I can be any more

help.Debbi in SO CA>> Hi Debbie!! Thanx for your response. Sounds like your son is in a great school and has excellent accomodations. What college does he go to? Also, did he go to a private school in H.S? BTW what is Special Services office at CC?? And how can we sign up with them?? They seem to have an excellent program for AS kids. Also, do they have some sort of support for our kids in terms of getting a part time job? My 16 yo drives his own car now and his senior yr. schedule is light so we are thinking of having him take a part time job. We think it will be a good exposure for him to develop his social skills. About how much load does

your son take in college?? Is he in any kind of meds ?? It just sounds so amazing how he was able to overcome a lot of challenges from his congenital issues and others. And now he's in college. Is he still staying with you?? That is our plan so far for our son, since there are some good junior colleges here and> he can just stay w/ us. Again, sorry for the many quest. I appreciate your response to all my queries. Thanx and God Bless.> Vickie

[Guest guest]

I think all California Community Colleges offer services. Some call the

department Disabled Student Program and Services, which is what Saddleback

called the department until a few years ago.

My son has an older sister who graduated from U of Pittsburgh with top honors

and is now doing an internship at Disney's Wild Animal Park in Orlando-- hard

having her across the country. When she was little, and I was pregnant with my

son, she took swimming lessons at Mt. Sac until one day out of nowhere she

developed a horrible irrational fear of the black racing lines at the bottom of

the pool. At that time BKK was still operating and I have often wondered if both

my son's birth defects and his AS were somehow related to the area.

Debbi in SO CA

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> Debbie,

> thnk u for ur response.  Is this Special services office located only at

Saddleback ?? or is it available  for other CC?? My son is a senior at

International Poly h.s. which is the h.s. for the CalPoly, Pomona Univ.  it is a

public h.s. but very limited in students only about 400 from 9-12th gr.  we are

thinking of just sending him to a junior college here as well, maybe Mt. San

or Chaffey College.  I wonder if they would have a Special Services

office as well. Or is Special Services Office a separate office entirely??  I

really like the support group that they have set up in ur sons school, where

they could meet w/ other students w/the same challenges.  Hopefully meet a girl

as well. my son is very timid and shy in approaching girls- always has been- he

just has very low self-esteem, in spite of his very good looking appearance- as

a lot of people has mentioned about his good looks.  Unfortunately right now he

is very much focused on

> hanging out w/ a - younger kid  about 3 yrs. younger. We're still not sure if

at this pt, it's just a friendship level or is something more. He does have some

gender identity issue which he did admit to us before he was even diagnosed w/

AS.  But since the dx about 2 mo ago, now we're rethinking maybe he just

misinterpreted some social cues. this is an entirely different more complex

issue which i have already spoken lengthily about in this group earlier. there

were a lot of good advise but seems like nobody has really encountered this

gender identity issue w/ their AS kids.  He says he's interested in girls, too. 

I just hope he finds the right girl. 

> That's great that your son has a stable job.  So is he able to balance school

and work pretty ok?  he must be loving the extra money he's earning and I'm

still assuming that he still lives with you right?? did u say he has a brother? 

younger or older.  My son has a younger bro about 13 yo and i've read about

shadow AS wherein the younger sibling tends to mimic certain characteristics of

the sibling.  as far as we know, my younger son has no AS- he's a bit more

social , but still shy in many ways. have u noticed anything w/ the other son??

> Again, too, many quest. and I really appreciate ur response and help.. thank u

and God bless!!

> Vickie

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