Starting evaluation process

[Guest guest]

Hi all, just as a refresher, my son Ricky (age 5 1/2) was just recently diagnosed with Asperger's and dysgraphia.  He was previously dx'ed with SPD so had no formal accommodations from the school, but I met with them last year on finding a good Kindergarten teacher for him.  They were very open to even looking at a 504 for him then, but we decided to see how it went with the teacher.  She has a special ed. background so she has just been wonderful, making any accommodation that he needs, communicating with me all the time, etc.  Well, we both agree that since he will be advancing to 1st grade and has the new diagnoses, he probably needs something in writing to address his needs.  I contacted the vice principal who seems to be the contact person for special ed. stuff, and she got in touch with the diagnostician assigned to the school.  (By the way, we are in Texas.) The diagnostician finally called me the Friday before spring break and said that the School Success Team would be meeting to discuss Ricky.  His teacher is completing paperwork but that is supposed to include information from me and she hasn't been in touch with me about it yet.  

The diagnost. did say that she would check to see if the school success team had met yet and get back to me.  She said that once I sign releases for testing, they have 60 days to complete the testing (which I read in one of the slaw books) so we need to get going pretty quick in order to get it done by the end of the school year.  I sent an e-mail yesterday to the teacher, diagnostician and vice-principal, detailing the phone conversation I had with the diagnostician, asking for details about the School Success Team (makeup, their purpose, credentials, etc.) and also about the autism team that would be evaluating him, the testing they would conduct, etc.  The only response I got was from the diagnost. stating she would get back to me soon.  Well, she couldn't answer any of the questions I had about the school success team, the testing, etc. before, why would she be able to now?  

Anyway, I am starting to read Emotions to Advocacy by slaw and I have a couple others from them.  Where do I get information on state and county laws?  What else should I be doing?  This school has a great reputation; I've never heard a negative thing about them, but I know special ed. is a whole different ball game.  They have been great to work with so far but I want to be prepared for everything we do so he doesn't miss out on any opportunities.  

The only evaluations he's had done are the screening by the pediatric neurologist for the Asperger's and dysgraphia and evals by the PT and OT he goes to.  The school did say last year that if he qualifies for PT and OT that he could probably use it in school too so at least they are open to what outside professionals have to say.  

TIA for any input.--  McAllisterFB:  www.facebook.com/healfrominsideout

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/healinginsideBlog:  http://healingfrominsideout.blogspot.com

Reiki II practitioner, #1 alternative treatment recommended by Dr. OzHerbal consultations-- McAllisterFB:  www.facebook.com/healfrominsideout

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/healinginsideBlog:  http://healingfrominsideout.blogspot.comReiki II practitioner, #1 alternative treatment recommended by Dr. Oz

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