Re: Question about requesting an IEP

[Guest guest]

In writing ask for an assessment. Under IDEA they have only a certain

amount of time to perform an assessment and convene a meeting to

determine if there is a need for an IEP. You can disagree with the

assessment and ask for an independent assessment if they have decided

your son does not require an IEP or accomodations. There are state

specific procedures to do this and I am in California, but overall the

states must comply with the Federal IDEA requirements. Check to see

if there is a local support groups for parents of children with IEPs.

Also, your social worker may be aware of local agencies equivalent to

our California Regional Centers who may also be able to support you

and connect you with trained volunteer advocates.

Kathy J.

On 11/11/10, boogermeanie@... <boogermeanie@...> wrote:

> Hi,

> I adopted my son , he was foster child. He came to us sick from meth use

> of his bio mom and then contracted whooping cough. He almost died several

> times in his first 3 months of life. He now has asthma.

> When my son was 3 he was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues. He did 2

> years of OT and Speech Therapy. Now at 5 he is diagnosed Aspergers and a

> mood disorder along with the other ones. He has been at the same school

> for his second year. We asked from the day he entered for an IEP. We have

> been told NO over and over that we must first do child studies monthly.

> Long story short they change their minds constantly on what they can do.

> He

> is above grade level academically, but failing socially. I could give more

> details but I wont unless needed ( let me know if you need more to give

> advice). The school claims they cant take our doctor or neurodevelopmental

> doctor assessments either. So I said okay do the IEP so we can get the

> assessments through the school district and Im told, " ma'am you cant just

> demand them " . Anyhow, I've given up being nice. I'm writing a letter to

> the

> principal and district superintendent . Who else should I send the letter

> demanding the IEP and do I ask for specific tests?

>

> Thanks,

> Sandy in VA

[Guest guest]

Here is a link to an article by an expert from W. VA. about special

education advocacy.

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/advo.disagree.heitin.htm

On 11/11/10, Kathy <rrabbits@...> wrote:

> In writing ask for an assessment. Under IDEA they have only a certain

> amount of time to perform an assessment and convene a meeting to

> determine if there is a need for an IEP. You can disagree with the

> assessment and ask for an independent assessment if they have decided

> your son does not require an IEP or accomodations. There are state

> specific procedures to do this and I am in California, but overall the

> states must comply with the Federal IDEA requirements. Check to see

> if there is a local support groups for parents of children with IEPs.

> Also, your social worker may be aware of local agencies equivalent to

> our California Regional Centers who may also be able to support you

> and connect you with trained volunteer advocates.

>

> Kathy J.

>

> On 11/11/10, boogermeanie@... <boogermeanie@...> wrote:

>> Hi,

>> I adopted my son , he was foster child. He came to us sick from meth

>> use

>> of his bio mom and then contracted whooping cough. He almost died

>> several

>> times in his first 3 months of life. He now has asthma.

>> When my son was 3 he was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues. He did

>> 2

>> years of OT and Speech Therapy. Now at 5 he is diagnosed Aspergers and

>> a

>> mood disorder along with the other ones. He has been at the same school

>> for his second year. We asked from the day he entered for an IEP. We

>> have

>> been told NO over and over that we must first do child studies monthly.

>> Long story short they change their minds constantly on what they can do.

>> He

>> is above grade level academically, but failing socially. I could give

>> more

>> details but I wont unless needed ( let me know if you need more to give

>> advice). The school claims they cant take our doctor or

>> neurodevelopmental

>> doctor assessments either. So I said okay do the IEP so we can get the

>> assessments through the school district and Im told, " ma'am you cant

>> just

>> demand them " . Anyhow, I've given up being nice. I'm writing a letter

>> to

>> the

>> principal and district superintendent . Who else should I send the

>> letter

>> demanding the IEP and do I ask for specific tests?

>>

>> Thanks,

>> Sandy in VA

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Sandy,

I think you should send the request to the Director of Special Education, and a

copy to the school psychologist. I found this information on our school

district website.

[Guest guest]

Thanks ,

I will look both up. Today the doctor gave us a handicapped parking permit form for DMV. Is this typically given?

Sandy

In a message dated 11/12/2010 6:04:41 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, jenniferdarawi@... writes:

Hi Sandy,I think you should send the request to the Director of Special Education, and a copy to the school psychologist. I found this information on our school district website.

[Guest guest]

You need to put everything in writing with these people to help stop their yanking your chain on everything. You write a letter to the head of sped services and/or the principal of the school. CC copies to anyone you think relevant. Let them know the areas of concern that you have.

I don't think you have to list tests specifically in your request. If you want to list categories (such as, "He needs an evaluation for pragmatic speech and social skill delays") that is fine. You should have a meeting after this with the psychologist to discuss the testing and go over what tests will be given. Then I would make sure they are covering all areas of concern at that time.

I've never heard that you had to do some kind of "child studies" first. But whatever they tell you that smells funny, ask to see the process in writing. Ask to see the rule or procedure in writing. That is another way to stop the BS.

Roxanna

"I

predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Jefferson

( ) Question about requesting an IEP

Hi,

I adopted my son , he was foster child. He came to us sick from meth use of his bio mom and then contracted whooping cough. He almost died several times in his first 3 months of life. He now has asthma.

When my son was 3 he was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues. He did 2 years of OT and Speech Therapy. Now at 5 he is diagnosed Aspergers and a mood disorder along with the other ones. He has been at the same school for his second year. We asked from the day he entered for an IEP. We have been told NO over and over that we must first do child studies monthly. Long story short they change their minds constantly on what they can do. He is above grade level academically, but failing socially. I could give more details but I wont unless needed ( let me know if you need more to give advice). The school claims they cant take our doctor or neurodevelopmental doctor assessments either. So I said okay do the IEP so we can get the assessments through the school district and Im told, " ma'am you cant just demand them". Anyhow, I've given up being nice. I'm writing a letter to the principal and district superintendent . Who else should I send the letter demanding the IEP and do I ask for specific tests?

Thanks,

Sandy in VA

[Guest guest]

THis made me laugh - after last week going to a school meeting that was frustrating

and found they can not give us any assistance pre or post dx. I wrote an

email outlining my disappointment - was brief and didn't say half the things I was

thinking... sent it as we had received a report to send on. THen yest my partner

got 'pulled into the office' (as he put it ) and asked is the school not doing enough??

And basically told don't bother with writing any letters to politicians it wont change anything.

Oh for a little optimism and support!!

From: Roxanna <MadIdeas@...>Subject: Re: ( ) Question about requesting an IEP Received: Tuesday, 16 November, 2010, 1:27 AM

You need to put everything in writing with these people to help stop their yanking your chain on everything. You write a letter to the head of sped services and/or the principal of the school. CC copies to anyone you think relevant. Let them know the areas of concern that you have. I don't think you have to list tests specifically in your request. If you want to list categories (such as, "He needs an evaluation for pragmatic speech and social skill delays") that is fine. You should have a meeting after this with the psychologist to discuss the testing and go over what tests will be given. Then I would make sure they are covering all areas of concern at that time. I've never heard that you had to do some kind of "child studies" first.

But whatever they tell you that smells funny, ask to see the process in writing. Ask to see the rule or procedure in writing. That is another way to stop the BS.

Roxanna"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Jefferson

( ) Question about requesting an IEP

Hi,

I adopted my son , he was foster child. He came to us sick from meth use of his bio mom and then contracted whooping cough. He almost died several times in his first 3 months of life. He now has asthma.

When my son was 3 he was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues. He did 2 years of OT and Speech Therapy. Now at 5 he is diagnosed Aspergers and a mood disorder along with the other ones. He has been at the same school for his second year. We asked from the day he entered for an IEP. We have been told NO over and over that we must first do child studies monthly. Long story short they change their minds constantly on what they can do. He is above grade level academically, but failing socially. I could give more details but I wont unless needed ( let me know if you need more to give advice). The school claims they cant take our doctor or neurodevelopmental doctor assessments either. So I said okay do the IEP so we can get the assessments through the school district and Im told, " ma'am you cant just demand them". Anyhow, I've given up being nice. I'm writing a letter to

the principal and district superintendent . Who else should I send the letter demanding the IEP and do I ask for specific tests?

Thanks,

Sandy in VA

[Guest guest]

Sandy,

Okay. This is what I recommend.

1. The most important thing to know first is that you will have to do the work

to get the ball rolling. So just get your psyche ready.

2. Read the article in this website below. It will give you information on

creating a couple of powerful documents on your child. These will also become

strong evidence, if needed.

http://www.healthyplace.com/adhd/parent-advocate/two-powerful-documents-to-take-\

to-the-iep/print/menu-id-916/

3. According to IDEA 1414(a)1c(i), you have every right to request a complete

evaluation on your child. And you will need every one of those evaluations to

identify strength and weaknesses. These tests are called pscyhoeducational

evaluations. Typically, there are five, educational, psychological, speech,

occupational, and physical.

Now there are a few others that you can request as well. They are

neurodevelopmental, neuropsychological, audiological, and a functional behavior

analysis.

You would write a formal request letter to evaluate your child. They have 60

days to conduct the evaluations. The link below is a good template. You will

just have to take out the California parts.

http://www.dredf.org/special_education/training_materials_3_14/SampleLetter_ASSE\

SS_INITIAL.doc

4. Read your state's adminstrative code regarding special education. The link

is below.

http://www.doe.virginia.gov/special_ed/regulations/state/regs_speced_disability_\

va.pdf

5. If they refuse, if must be in writing. And if they refuse to give you a

written denial letter, then write one yourself but stating your understanding of

the situation and who said what. Then request for procedures on how to file for

mediation. That just might get their attention that you are not going away.

6. If they still don't take your seriously, you will have to either (a) find

yourself an advocate, ( hire an attorney, or © get ready to file for due

process yourself. Now I say " get ready " because you will need to have your case

prepared before you file. If you get to that point, email the group back and we

will help you out with the next steps.

Regards,

>

> You need to put everything in writing with these people to help stop their

yanking your chain on everything. You write a letter to the head of sped

services and/or the principal of the school. CC copies to anyone you think

relevant. Let them know the areas of concern that you have.

>

> I don't think you have to list tests specifically in your request. If you

want to list categories (such as, " He needs an evaluation for pragmatic speech

and social skill delays " ) that is fine. You should have a meeting after this

with the psychologist to discuss the testing and go over what tests will be

given. Then I would make sure they are covering all areas of concern at that

time.

>

> I've never heard that you had to do some kind of " child studies " first. But

whatever they tell you that smells funny, ask to see the process in writing.

Ask to see the rule or procedure in writing. That is another way to stop the

BS.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Roxanna

> " I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government

from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of

them. " - Jefferson

>

>

>

>

>

> ( ) Question about requesting an IEP

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi,

> I adopted my son , he was foster child. He came to us sick from meth use of

his bio mom and then contracted whooping cough. He almost died several times in

his first 3 months of life. He now has asthma.

> When my son was 3 he was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues. He did 2

years of OT and Speech Therapy. Now at 5 he is diagnosed Aspergers and a mood

disorder along with the other ones. He has been at the same school for his

second year. We asked from the day he entered for an IEP. We have been told NO

over and over that we must first do child studies monthly. Long story short

they change their minds constantly on what they can do. He is above grade level

academically, but failing socially. I could give more details but I wont unless

needed ( let me know if you need more to give advice). The school claims they

cant take our doctor or neurodevelopmental doctor assessments either. So I said

okay do the IEP so we can get the assessments through the school district and Im

told, " ma'am you cant just demand them " . Anyhow, I've given up being nice.

I'm writing a letter to the principal and district superintendent . Who else

should I send the letter demanding the IEP and do I ask for specific tests?

>

> Thanks,

> Sandy in VA

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for all your input. I have the letters ready to be sent.. Sadly my son hasn't wanted to attend school for the last 2 days, and I've been taking him late to try to help him ( sad to dislike school at 5). But today I have a flat tire so life is on hold. Again thanks. I'm sure I will have many questions as we continue this journey.

Oh yeah in the process of investigating services, and support groups here. I found when asking around that we have no support groups for parents with aspergers, then I was asked by 2 people if I would like to start one. we are so newly diagnosed , I'm unsure I would be of help to people yet. I guess I'm in shock this county has nothing.

in VA

In a message dated 11/15/2010 8:28:25 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, MadIdeas@... writes:

You need to put everything in writing with these people to help stop their yanking your chain on everything. You write a letter to the head of sped services and/or the principal of the school. CC copies to anyone you think relevant. Let them know the areas of concern that you have. I don't think you have to list tests specifically in your request. If you want to list categories (such as, "He needs an evaluation for pragmatic speech and social skill delays") that is fine. You should have a meeting after this with the psychologist to discuss the testing and go over what tests will be given. Then I would make sure they are covering all areas of concern at that time. I've never heard that you had to do some kind of "child studies" first. But whatever they tell you that smells funny, ask to see the process in writing. Ask to see the rule or procedure in writing. That is another way to stop the BS.

Roxanna"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Jefferson

( ) Question about requesting an IEP

Hi,

I adopted my son , he was foster child. He came to us sick from meth use of his bio mom and then contracted whooping cough. He almost died several times in his first 3 months of life. He now has asthma.

When my son was 3 he was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues. He did 2 years of OT and Speech Therapy. Now at 5 he is diagnosed Aspergers and a mood disorder along with the other ones. He has been at the same school for his second year. We asked from the day he entered for an IEP. We have been told NO over and over that we must first do child studies monthly. Long story short they change their minds constantly on what they can do. He is above grade level academically, but failing socially. I could give more details but I wont unless needed ( let me know if you need more to give advice). The school claims they cant take our doctor or neurodevelopmental doctor assessments either. So I said okay do the IEP so we can get the assessments through the school district and Im told, " ma'am you cant just demand them". Anyhow, I've given up being nice. I'm writing a letter to the principal and district superintendent . Who else should I send the letter demanding the IEP and do I ask for specific tests?

Thanks,

Sandy in VA

[Guest guest]

Whenever a service is refused (IEP, additional testing, supports and related services) you can ask for the refusal in writing. They have to include an explanation as to why they are refusing. You may want to include the director of special education in your letter. Ask for evaluations to determine eligibility for special education services. Pam

In a message dated 11/11/2010 7:32:52 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, boogermeanie@... writes:

Hi,

I adopted my son , he was foster child. He came to us sick from meth use of his bio mom and then contracted whooping cough. He almost died several times in his first 3 months of life. He now has asthma.

When my son was 3 he was diagnosed with ADHD and sensory issues. He did 2 years of OT and Speech Therapy. Now at 5 he is diagnosed Aspergers and a mood disorder along with the other ones. He has been at the same school for his second year. We asked from the day he entered for an IEP. We have been told NO over and over that we must first do child studies monthly. Long story short they change their minds constantly on what they can do. He is above grade level academically, but failing socially. I could give more details but I wont unless needed ( let me know if you need more to give advice). The school claims they cant take our doctor or neurodevelopmental doctor assessments either. So I said okay do the IEP so we can get the assessments through the school district and Im told, " ma'am you cant just demand them". Anyhow, I've given up being nice. I'm writing a letter to the principal and district superintendent . Who else should I send the letter demanding the IEP and do I ask for specific tests?

Thanks,

Sandy in VA