Re: IEP Reference Guide for NJ

[Guest guest]

I'd like to hear what parents in New Jersey have to say about autism services in their state. I think most of us not living there always hear that NJ is THE state to live in to get really good services. Would you all please chime in to tell us what you think about the quality of services for your child. Would you please include the county you live in, too, and any other information you think is relevant. Thanks!

On Wed, Nov 10, 2010 at 4:16 PM, <clarrisse_mone@...> wrote:

 

Dear fellow NJ parents:

For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ Administrative Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and translates it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously to help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well. Here is the link:

http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_ed_gde.pdf

Regards,

[Guest guest]

I live in PA...Monroe County. A lot of people move to PA for service...they move here from NJ and NY. We have great services!

jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

Success is not measured by one's position but by the obstacles one has overcome to obtain that position

From: <doyourecycle@...> Sent: Fri, November 12, 2010 10:22:46 AMSubject: Re: ( ) IEP Reference Guide for NJ

I'd like to hear what parents in New Jersey have to say about autism services in their state. I think most of us not living there always hear that NJ is THE state to live in to get really good services. Would you all please chime in to tell us what you think about the quality of services for your child. Would you please include the county you live in, too, and any other information you think is relevant. Thanks!

On Wed, Nov 10, 2010 at 4:16 PM, <clarrisse_mone@...> wrote:

Dear fellow NJ parents:For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ Administrative Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and translates it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously to help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well. Here is the link:http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_ed_gde.pdfRegards,

[Guest guest]

,

I don't believe that NJ is too different from other states in the sense that the

support levels vary from district to district, even within the same county.

This is true with attitudes as well.

I live in Monmouth County, NJ, and there are over 50 districts alone in that

county. Now I thought I was goind to move so one thing that I did was to mail

out surveys to those Monmouth County districts. My survey had specialized

questions that inquired about the availability of certain services.

Out of the 50, about 5 responded. Out of those 5, three had an attitude of, " If

it is in the IEP, then it will be provided. " This was beyond avoidance.

Another one had a positive attitude but not was I was looking for. The last one

sounded really good.

Due to lack of finances, though, I couldn't move. So I will make my stand here.

I have heard from other parents that a neighboring district has a plethora of

programs and services and then, from others, there is scant availability. Some

districts are easy to work with and others make you go bald.

In NJ, we have almost 650 school districts. I pulled the list from the Dept. of

Ed. So, I would have to believe that each is a world to themselves.

I know that this doesn't give much info. for parents that are considering moving

to this state. For those parents, I would suggest, first selecting your

prefered county. Then send out letters to the districts in that county. The

ones that respond are the ones that care enough for you to invest your time

with. Forget the others. Well, that is my take on it.

Regards,

>

> >

> >

> > Dear fellow NJ parents:

> >

> > For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ

> > Administrative Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state

> > law and translates it into concise language that us regular folk need. I

> > used this religiously to help me get started with my current fight. It has

> > letter templates as well. Here is the link:

> >

> >

> >

http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_e\

d_gde.pdf

> >

> > Regards,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

JanI lived in Mt Pocono for 6 years before joining the military in 91 and was wondering what services are there?-- Sent from my Palm PreOn Nov 12, 2010 21:53, rushen janice <jrushen@...> wrote:

I live in PA...Monroe County. A lot of people move to PA for service...they move here from NJ and NY. We have great services!

jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

Success is not measured by one's position but by the obstacles one has overcome to obtain that position

From: <doyourecycle@...> Sent: Fri, November 12, 2010 10:22:46 AMSubject: Re: ( ) IEP Reference Guide for NJ

I'd like to hear what parents in New Jersey have to say about autism services in their state. I think most of us not living there always hear that NJ is THE state to live in to get really good services. Would you all please chime in to tell us what you think about the quality of services for your child. Would you please include the county you live in, too, and any other information you think is relevant. Thanks!

On Wed, Nov 10, 2010 at 4:16 PM, <clarrisse_mone@...> wrote:

Dear fellow NJ parents:For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ Administrative Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and translates it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously to help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well. Here is the link:http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_ed_gde.pdfRegards,

[Guest guest]

Completely agree with I also lived in Bergen County many years and some districts are good and some are very bad for special services. It depends on too many variables. Now I moved to county and we will see how it goes. From: <clarrisse_mone@...> Sent: Fri, November 12, 2010 11:39:23 PMSubject: Re: ( ) IEP Reference Guide for NJ

,

I don't believe that NJ is too different from other states in the sense that the support levels vary from district to district, even within the same county. This is true with attitudes as well.

I live in Monmouth County, NJ, and there are over 50 districts alone in that county. Now I thought I was goind to move so one thing that I did was to mail out surveys to those Monmouth County districts. My survey had specialized questions that inquired about the availability of certain services.

Out of the 50, about 5 responded. Out of those 5, three had an attitude of, "If it is in the IEP, then it will be provided." This was beyond avoidance. Another one had a positive attitude but not was I was looking for. The last one sounded really good.

Due to lack of finances, though, I couldn't move. So I will make my stand here.

I have heard from other parents that a neighboring district has a plethora of programs and services and then, from others, there is scant availability. Some districts are easy to work with and others make you go bald.

In NJ, we have almost 650 school districts. I pulled the list from the Dept. of Ed. So, I would have to believe that each is a world to themselves.

I know that this doesn't give much info. for parents that are considering moving to this state. For those parents, I would suggest, first selecting your prefered county. Then send out letters to the districts in that county. The ones that respond are the ones that care enough for you to invest your time with. Forget the others. Well, that is my take on it.

Regards,

>

> >

> >

> > Dear fellow NJ parents:

> >

> > For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ

> > Administrative Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state

> > law and translates it into concise language that us regular folk need. I

> > used this religiously to help me get started with my current fight. It has

> > letter templates as well. Here is the link:

> >

> >

> > http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_ed_gde.pdf

> >

> > Regards,

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Jan,

I live in PA also-Wyoming county-which isn't far. What services have you found

locally? I haven't had any luck in finding anything local, and we travel to

town for social skills groups on a weekly basis! They are great there. We

go to a center-ARCH of Lehigh Valley. That is where he was diagnosed. I wish we

lived closer to be able to take advantage of all of their programs. They have a

summer camp that would be great! I don't know what we are going to do with him

this summer, since we both work and we cannot leave him home alone because he is

very high anxiety and is scared of his own shadow. He will constantly call me

at work screaming that he heard noises and someone is trying to get into the

house. It usually is the wind, or the ceiling fan or refrigerator running!

Also, he would just sit at the computer all day long.

>

>  

> >Dear fellow NJ parents:

> >

> >For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ Administrative

> >Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and

translates

> >it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously

to

> >help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well.

Here

> >is the link:

> >

>

>http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_\

ed_gde.pdf

> >

> >

> >Regards,

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

First of all in our school district they adhere to the time line stated for testing. My child was diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist and they did not question the dx even though the school pscyhiatrist said my son had ADHD.

My son now has an IEP and is getting help in reading. He also gets modified tests and study guides. He rides the smaller bus due to noise problems. I find our school bends over backwards to help the child.

Then there is Wrap-around services..Provider 50. You need to apply at the Office of Assistance. Doesn't matter the parent's income. He gets a medical card and help thru an agency I chose. He saw the psychiatrist 2x a year, had a casemanager, mobilt therpist and a TSS who came to the house to work with him. I was denied SSI for him but I know if I kept trying I would probably get it.

Parent to Parent is just starting up in the area. And, there is an Asperger's Group that meets once a week.

I am sure there are other things available to our children...I just have not seeked them out. But I do know for a fact that the Head of Special Education is very active and all for the child.

Jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

Success is not measured by one's position but by the obstacles one has overcome to obtain that position

From: Robyn Iuliano <hamptonroadsaspergers@...>" " <Aspergers Treatment >Sent: Sat, November 13, 2010 6:28:21 AMSubject: Re: ( ) IEP Reference Guide for NJ

JanI lived in Mt Pocono for 6 years before joining the military in 91 and was wondering what services are there?

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

On Nov 12, 2010 21:53, rushen janice <jrushen@...> wrote:

I live in PA...Monroe County. A lot of people move to PA for service...they move here from NJ and NY. We have great services!

jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

Success is not measured by one's position but by the obstacles one has overcome to obtain that position

From: <doyourecycle@...> Sent: Fri, November 12, 2010 10:22:46 AMSubject: Re: ( ) IEP Reference Guide for NJ

I'd like to hear what parents in New Jersey have to say about autism services in their state. I think most of us not living there always hear that NJ is THE state to live in to get really good services. Would you all please chime in to tell us what you think about the quality of services for your child. Would you please include the county you live in, too, and any other information you think is relevant. Thanks!

On Wed, Nov 10, 2010 at 4:16 PM, <clarrisse_mone@...> wrote:

Dear fellow NJ parents:For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ Administrative Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and translates it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously to help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well. Here is the link:http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_ed_gde.pdfRegards,

[Guest guest]

Hi!

I know there are some camps ...I went to Rising Above Obstacles at the Pocono Mt. West High School...there were a lot of people and services there. It usually happens once or twice a year. I know there are some camps but I thing they are sleep away camps. I know there is a day camp some where up past Mount Pocono. I just never checked into camps as my son would NEVER go.

Does your son/daughter receive wrap around services? (Provider 50).

They may have some ideas.

I will look in my files and see what I have...I know there are some. Have you googled Camps for Special Needs or AS children in PA?

I was thinking more of services available at school.....I know my son's IEP is very accommodating and things are going pretty good. He hates going to school but once he is there he is okay. He doesn't study or do homework at home and is doing okay. I can only imagine if he really did try.

My son sees a therapist every other week. It is helping a bit. Most of our problems are at home.

I will check my records and see what I come up with.

Jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

Success is not measured by one's position but by the obstacles one has overcome to obtain that position

From: craftmasterk <craftmasterk@...> Sent: Sat, November 13, 2010 10:46:02 AMSubject: Re: ( ) IEP Reference Guide for NJ

Jan,I live in PA also-Wyoming county-which isn't far. What services have you found locally? I haven't had any luck in finding anything local, and we travel to town for social skills groups on a weekly basis! They are great there. We go to a center-ARCH of Lehigh Valley. That is where he was diagnosed. I wish we lived closer to be able to take advantage of all of their programs. They have a summer camp that would be great! I don't know what we are going to do with him this summer, since we both work and we cannot leave him home alone because he is very high anxiety and is scared of his own shadow. He will constantly call me at work screaming that he heard noises and someone is trying to get into the house. It usually is the wind, or the ceiling fan or refrigerator running! Also, he would just sit at the computer all day long.> > Â > >Dear fellow NJ parents:> >> >For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ Administrative > >Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and translates > >it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously

to > >help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well. Here > >is the link:> >> >http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_ed_gde.pdf> >> >> >Regards,> >> >> >> >>

[Guest guest]

I do know there are some sleepover camps around, but he definitely would not do

that. He might not even be very receptive to a day camp, but we need to find

something. He did go to the YMCA, but they really don't have any staff familiar

with ASD, and he does not want to go back. I also thought I might look into

area college students studying Special Ed who may need one on one time with a

child on the spectrum. We do not have wraparound service for him. We were told

that our county doesn't have anyone with experience in ASD, so we never tried.

He also is very worried that someone he knows may find out about his dx, as he

tries very hard to hide it from others. He is really having a hard time

sccepting.

So far we don't have an IEP, but we should be meeting soon, so we'll see what

they can do to help him. He does very well academically, but has problems with

behavior,social skills, sensory issues,etc. I do know he qualified for OT, but

I'm not sure how they will do that without calling attention to him. Are you in

the Pocono school district? We are in Tunkhannock Area school district. Your

son must be very smart also if he does well without studying or doing homework

at home!

My son also sees a psychologist, usually once a month for the past year and a

half to help with self-esteem issues and anxiety. He doesn't like going there

either,but is OK once he gets there. We also have a lot of problems at

home...it is going to be a long winter, especially since we just finished social

skills groups Fall session and the Winter one doesn't start until January! He

has absolutely no interests except the computer these days. We are going to be

going to Great Wolf Lodge tomorrow for a family getaway though, and he loves it

there.

Thanks for listening, and for your advice!

> >

> >  

> > >Dear fellow NJ parents:

> > >

> > >For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ

Administrative

> > >Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and

> >translates

> >

> > >it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously

to

> >

> > >help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well.

> >Here

> >

> > >is the link:

> > >

>

>>http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec\

_ed_gde.pdf

> >f

> > >

> > >

> > >Regards,

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, we are in Pocono Mt. School District.

It is great that you are taking your son to social groups...does it help? My son would never go. My son is 15 and in 9th grade and he would think it was "uncool". He is smart (not brillant) but could do so much better in school if he tired but he doesn't. I worried about it for the longest time....but I have come to the realization that I would rather he get the grades he is getting then fighting with him every night to study and/or homework. So, basically I have backed off. I have told him he is a teen, wants to be treated like a teen, then he needs to be responsible too.

I suggest you get an IEP for your son and have his DX as the main reason. If something occurs in school....he will be more protected due to his DX. Also with an IEP, you can put things in it to help him such as ...if he gets anxious, he could take a short walk. Or he could go to guidance. If he gets fustrated with projects etc. his work could be broken down into chunks. He could have extra time on tests and/or take the foresight and PSSA tests in a smaller group setting. Having an IEP will only help him.

You say your son doesn't want anyone to know his DX, that he doesn't want to stand out. But does he stand out already? Does he have a lot of friends? Does he eat with a bunch of kids? Kids in school are very perceptive....they probably already know (not the DX) but that he is different (and I am not saying this in a bad way or to hurt you). But, I work in the school...I see it all the time. And, not that kids are making fun of him...they just know he is different.

Have a great day at Great Wolf....I live right around the corner.

Jan

"In the Midst of Difficulty lies Opportunity" Albert Einstein

Success is not measured by one's position but by the obstacles one has overcome to obtain that position

From: craftmasterk <craftmasterk@...> Sent: Sat, November 13, 2010 10:17:54 PMSubject: Re: ( ) IEP Reference Guide for NJ

I do know there are some sleepover camps around, but he definitely would not do that. He might not even be very receptive to a day camp, but we need to find something. He did go to the YMCA, but they really don't have any staff familiar with ASD, and he does not want to go back. I also thought I might look into area college students studying Special Ed who may need one on one time with a child on the spectrum. We do not have wraparound service for him. We were told that our county doesn't have anyone with experience in ASD, so we never tried. He also is very worried that someone he knows may find out about his dx, as he tries very hard to hide it from others. He is really having a hard time sccepting.So far we don't have an IEP, but we should be meeting soon, so we'll see what they can do to help him. He does very well academically, but has problems with behavior,social skills, sensory issues,etc. I do know he qualified for OT, but I'm not

sure how they will do that without calling attention to him. Are you in the Pocono school district? We are in Tunkhannock Area school district. Your son must be very smart also if he does well without studying or doing homework at home! My son also sees a psychologist, usually once a month for the past year and a half to help with self-esteem issues and anxiety. He doesn't like going there either,but is OK once he gets there. We also have a lot of problems at home...it is going to be a long winter, especially since we just finished social skills groups Fall session and the Winter one doesn't start until January! He has absolutely no interests except the computer these days. We are going to be going to Great Wolf Lodge tomorrow for a family getaway though, and he loves it there.Thanks for listening, and for your advice!> > > >  > > >Dear fellow NJ parents:> > >> > >For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ Administrative > > >Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and > >translates > >> > >it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously to > >> > >help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well. > >Here > >> > >is the link:> > >>

>>http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_ed_gde.pdf> >f> > >> > >> > >Regards,> > >> > >> > >> > >> >>

[Guest guest]

Yes, I do think the social groups help, although he would never admit it. He

was very against going and actually had a major meltdown the first time and

wouldn't go back to the room, but the therapist there was wonderful with him and

was able to coax him back. After that, he went back without any problems, and

has gotten more and more comfortable each time. I can understand that your son

wouldn't go because it isn't " cool " , though, especially being older. They

actually do teach them what is " cool " and what isn't.

My son also does not like to try too hard in school and I know he could do so

much better, but it is too much effort. He still manages to stay on the high

honor roll for now. We definitely do have to choose our battles though.

My son did qualify for an IEP based on ADHD only, but we have not met yet to

compose this. I also wrote a letter of dissent because I do think it is

important to list his AS as a dx also. I hope I won't have to fight them on

this. Our advocate says that because they do mention this outside dx on their

ER, they will have to consider it in any manifestation determination. I would

still like it listed so teachers are aware that there is more than ADHD going on

here.

As far as him " standing out " , he definitely does, and has no friends at all

because of it. A teacher actually said that one of the kids called him " mental "

recently. He is realizing that he is different and becoming very depressed at

times. I do know they make fun of him in school-I have seen it. Kids can be so

mean. He doesn't actually eat lunch-he stands and talks with one of the lunch

ladies that he has bonded with, and she doesn't seem to mind. He isn't hungry

at lunch because of his ADHD meds, and he doesn't care for the assigned seating

arrangement. He has always gotten along very well with most adults, so he

prefers it this way. What is your job in the school? I wish our school had

people working there who also had kids on the spectrum-maybe they would " get

it " . The center that we go to in town has a lot of employees who are

parents of kids on the spectrum , and I think this makes a world of difference!

Thanks again.

> > >

> > >  

> > > >Dear fellow NJ parents:

> > > >

> > > >For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ

Administrative

> >

> > > >Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and

> > >translates

> > >

> > > >it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this

religiously

> >to

> >

> > >

> > > >help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as

well.

>

> > >Here

> > >

> > > >is the link:

> > > >

>

>>>http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spe\

c_ed_gde.pdf

> >f

> > >f

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >Regards,

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Your right, I agree that PA does have a lot of great services. I work for Child Development and Family Council and Child Care Information Services of Centre County and I've been luck enough to find out whats available for my kids. I've also found that all services are also different based on what county you live in.-

Dear fellow NJ parents:For those of you who need a reader's digest version of the NJ Administrative Code, I have a link that would be helpful. It takes the state law and translates it into concise language that us regular folk need. I used this religiously to help me get started with my current fight. It has letter templates as well. Here is the link:http://www.edlawcenter.org/ELCPublic/StudentRights/SRPPublications/rights_spec_ed_gde.pdfRegards,