Re: Attendance Issues - Missing too many days

[Guest guest]

More than likely is just a standard letter. I get them too. Just go to the Principal and explain the situation. That's what I do and she just throws mine away. She knows what we deal with with my son.

Dr. note is always good to at least have the school have it on file.

Also if grades are good, then you should be fine.

Oh always send a note when he stays home. Just basic like " He had issues today" etc etc, no full explanation needed. That way they have that on file too.

Tracey

In a message dated 2/5/2011 7:41:06 P.M. Central Standard Time, ficklenak@... writes:

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I think there is a nation-wide law about attendance,,,,so they are okay in their "letter" to you.

So,,,,you're doing the right thing in contacting your pediatrician. We had to do this, too. She faxed a letter explaining our son's diagnosis and that it may be hard and next to impossible for him to get to school some days.

For us, most days, we were always late. Breakdowns and crying.........frustration. Sigh.

Then,,,,tears and saying sorry. Ugh. I wouldn't take him back until he truly felt better.

Then,,,,once at school, half the time, I was being called in because of a stomach ache or headache........

Doc said most of his problems were psychosymatic. Hated school soooo badly that he honestly felt sick.

5th grade was the worst. And last, actually. Virtual schooled him for 6th and 7th.

Anywho.......do whatcha gotta do. Keep dealing with your son and doing your best. At least the school accepts the docs excuse!!!!One more thing. I know of 2 gals who have their kids go to school for 1/2 the day. Usually the morning, since, for them, the more "important" classes are in the morning.

It works really well for them.

Don't know if this sounds like something that would be good for you........or if it's something to look in to.

Hugs to you.

Robin

......A rich man is not one who has the most,

but who needs the least.....

From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

Yeah, I got that letter too. Must be that time of year. Mine came about two days after I got my son's diagnosis, so I'm thinking "Kick me while I'm down, why don't you?" My situation is a little bit different as my son was mainly sick with colds, viruses, etc., for his 10 days. He's 5 - he gets sick. We decided to sit down with the principal but her assistant had to cancel the first meeting because the Principal was - wait for it - out sick!!! When we finally did get our meeting she wasn't much help about the doctor's note thing, but she did look concerned when I said I was going to be pulling my son out a lot in future because he needs a bunch of services. I said I was lining them all up privately as I had no idea what the school was going to say. She said she would see if he could get them at the school, but then the next day the school

psychologist called and said that as my son's Asperger's diagnosis is "tentative" that it didn't count for anything.My husband asked what would happen if we didn't send doctor's notes, and she said they would report us to the school board. A friend told me that would be great, because we could tell the school board how the school is failing to address my son's needs. You might want to take the same approach yourself, i.e. ask CPS for help in getting your son a more appropriate placement. Did you read your state rules on attendance? You should familiarize yourself with them. In Tennessee, a judge can rule your child "unruly" if you have more than 5 unexcused days. My son is cuteness personified, so I'm not worried! I'm also going to see the pediatrician. My son has asthma and is unable to have the flu shot. Not a good combination for sitting in a doctor's office unnecessarily. Other things I'm doing:- talking to an

advocate- contacted a private school- talking to a school for autistic kids- joined a homeschooling group for my stateThese schools love to pile on the crap, don't they?From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

, check and see how long your son has to be at school to be considered present for the day. My daughters school only requires her to be there till ten am to be considered present, so I started to schedule all appointments appropfriatelySent from my iPadOn Feb 5, 2011, at 9:19 PM, <jennywatson@...> wrote:

Yeah, I got that letter too. Must be that time of year. Mine came about two days after I got my son's diagnosis, so I'm thinking "Kick me while I'm down, why don't you?" My situation is a little bit different as my son was mainly sick with colds, viruses, etc., for his 10 days. He's 5 - he gets sick. We decided to sit down with the principal but her assistant had to cancel the first meeting because the Principal was - wait for it - out sick!!! When we finally did get our meeting she wasn't much help about the doctor's note thing, but she did look concerned when I said I was going to be pulling my son out a lot in future because he needs a bunch of services. I said I was lining them all up privately as I had no idea what the school was going to say. She said she would see if he could get them at the school, but then the next day the school

psychologist called and said that as my son's Asperger's diagnosis is "tentative" that it didn't count for anything.My husband asked what would happen if we didn't send doctor's notes, and she said they would report us to the school board. A friend told me that would be great, because we could tell the school board how the school is failing to address my son's needs. You might want to take the same approach yourself, i.e. ask CPS for help in getting your son a more appropriate placement. Did you read your state rules on attendance? You should familiarize yourself with them. In Tennessee, a judge can rule your child "unruly" if you have more than 5 unexcused days. My son is cuteness personified, so I'm not worried! I'm also going to see the pediatrician. My son has asthma and is unable to have the flu shot. Not a good combination for sitting in a doctor's office unnecessarily. Other things I'm doing:- talking to an

advocate- contacted a private school- talking to a school for autistic kids- joined a homeschooling group for my stateThese schools love to pile on the crap, don't they?From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

Amy, that really stinks.... I recently had CPS called on me and as soon as we told them we were considering autism as an issue they pretty much dropped the case..... Hopefully your state is willing to look at the entire situation like mineCarolyn Sent from my iPadOn Feb 5, 2011, at 9:19 PM, <jennywatson@...> wrote:

Yeah, I got that letter too. Must be that time of year. Mine came about two days after I got my son's diagnosis, so I'm thinking "Kick me while I'm down, why don't you?" My situation is a little bit different as my son was mainly sick with colds, viruses, etc., for his 10 days. He's 5 - he gets sick. We decided to sit down with the principal but her assistant had to cancel the first meeting because the Principal was - wait for it - out sick!!! When we finally did get our meeting she wasn't much help about the doctor's note thing, but she did look concerned when I said I was going to be pulling my son out a lot in future because he needs a bunch of services. I said I was lining them all up privately as I had no idea what the school was going to say. She said she would see if he could get them at the school, but then the next day the school

psychologist called and said that as my son's Asperger's diagnosis is "tentative" that it didn't count for anything.My husband asked what would happen if we didn't send doctor's notes, and she said they would report us to the school board. A friend told me that would be great, because we could tell the school board how the school is failing to address my son's needs. You might want to take the same approach yourself, i.e. ask CPS for help in getting your son a more appropriate placement. Did you read your state rules on attendance? You should familiarize yourself with them. In Tennessee, a judge can rule your child "unruly" if you have more than 5 unexcused days. My son is cuteness personified, so I'm not worried! I'm also going to see the pediatrician. My son has asthma and is unable to have the flu shot. Not a good combination for sitting in a doctor's office unnecessarily. Other things I'm doing:- talking to an

advocate- contacted a private school- talking to a school for autistic kids- joined a homeschooling group for my stateThese schools love to pile on the crap, don't they?From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

They just want the kids to be there so they can get the money. When a kid is out they don't get the money that kid represents for that day. Careyhttp://www.GreenDiaperStore.comSent via BlackBerry from T-MobileFrom: Carolyn <ccweisbard@...>Sender: Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2011 21:43:32 -0600 < >Reply Subject: Re: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Amy, that really stinks.... I recently had CPS called on me and as soon as we told them we were considering autism as an issue they pretty much dropped the case..... Hopefully your state is willing to look at the entire situation like mineCarolyn Sent from my iPadOn Feb 5, 2011, at 9:19 PM, <jennywatson@...> wrote: Yeah, I got that letter too. Must be that time of year. Mine came about two days after I got my son's diagnosis, so I'm thinking "Kick me while I'm down, why don't you?" My situation is a little bit different as my son was mainly sick with colds, viruses, etc., for his 10 days. He's 5 - he gets sick. We decided to sit down with the principal but her assistant had to cancel the first meeting because the Principal was - wait for it - out sick!!! When we finally did get our meeting she wasn't much help about the doctor's note thing, but she did look concerned when I said I was going to be pulling my son out a lot in future because he needs a bunch of services. I said I was lining them all up privately as I had no idea what the school was going to say. She said she would see if he could get them at the school, but then the next day the schoolpsychologist called and said that as my son's Asperger's diagnosis is "tentative" that it didn't count for anything.My husband asked what would happen if we didn't send doctor's notes, and she said they would report us to the school board. A friend told me that would be great, because we could tell the school board how the school is failing to address my son's needs. You might want to take the same approach yourself, i.e. ask CPS for help in getting your son a more appropriate placement. Did you read your state rules on attendance? You should familiarize yourself with them. In Tennessee, a judge can rule your child "unruly" if you have more than 5 unexcused days. My son is cuteness personified, so I'm not worried! I'm also going to see the pediatrician. My son has asthma and is unable to have the flu shot. Not a good combination for sitting in a doctor's office unnecessarily. Other things I'm doing:- talking to anadvocate- contacted a private school- talking to a school for autistic kids- joined a homeschooling group for my stateThese schools love to pile on the crap, don't they?From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM Greetings all,My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school. We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused. We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is. His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well. Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition? Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know. I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.Amy

[Guest guest]

Yes, a kindergarten day in Tennessee is legally 4 hours; if they are there 2 hours any time during the day then they are considered to have attended that day. Ask me anything about Tennessee school attendance laws - I now know them inside, outside, and back-to-front! From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

You are doing the right thing by getting a note from his doctor. It would also help to have a recent psychiatric and/or psychological evaluation stating the diagnosis. If your son has an IEP you should really work through the attendance issue via the IEP. Request a meeting in writing, stating that your are concerned that your son has been missing days due to his disability. CC Director of Special of Education. Pam

[Guest guest]

Can you or have you called an IEP meeting to have the issues addressed and acknowledged within the team, therefore it will become a part of his record? Throw the issue in their lap and turn to them for their input. When or if they have none, be ready to offer what you'd like to have changed in his iep to help him. Could there be an underlying issue that your'e not aware of? Bullying, going through puberty, social situations where he stands out? Who wouldn't want to avoid those?

On Sat, Feb 5, 2011 at 8:21 PM, AmyF <ficklenak@...> wrote:

 

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.)  We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year.  We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

 

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule.  The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

 

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school.  I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

 

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.)  However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one.   Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

 

Has anyone else had this experience?  How did you handle it?  Can a school impose sanctions on a  child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

 

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up.  I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

 

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

 

[Guest guest]

We added OHI in his IEP and had the homebound...partial built in so we could miss more school when our son was younger. Didn't care about attendance this waySent from my Palm Pre on the Now Network from SprintOn Feb 6, 2011 7:52 AM, Carey <lisa.carey@...> wrote:

They just want the kids to be there so they can get the money. When a kid is out they don't get the money that kid represents for that day. Careyhttp://www.GreenDiaperStore.comSent via BlackBerry from T-MobileFrom: Carolyn <ccweisbard@...>

Sender:

Date: Sat, 5 Feb 2011 21:43:32 -0600 < >Reply

Subject: Re: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days

Amy, that really stinks.... I recently had CPS called on me and as soon as we told them we were considering autism as an issue they pretty much dropped the case..... Hopefully your state is willing to look at the entire situation like mineCarolyn Sent from my iPadOn Feb 5, 2011, at 9:19 PM, <jennywatson@...> wrote:

Yeah, I got that letter too. Must be that time of year. Mine came about two days after I got my son's diagnosis, so I'm thinking "Kick me while I'm down, why don't you?" My situation is a little bit different as my son was mainly sick with colds, viruses, etc., for his 10 days. He's 5 - he gets sick. We decided to sit down with the principal but her assistant had to cancel the first meeting because the Principal was - wait for it - out sick!!! When we finally did get our meeting she wasn't much help about the doctor's note thing, but she did look concerned when I said I was going to be pulling my son out a lot in future because he needs a bunch of services. I said I was lining them all up privately as I had no idea what the school was going to say. She said she would see if he could get them at the school, but then the next day the school

psychologist called and said that as my son's Asperger's diagnosis is "tentative" that it didn't count for anything.My husband asked what would happen if we didn't send doctor's notes, and she said they would report us to the school board. A friend told me that would be great, because we could tell the school board how the school is failing to address my son's needs. You might want to take the same approach yourself, i.e. ask CPS for help in getting your son a more appropriate placement. Did you read your state rules on attendance? You should familiarize yourself with them. In Tennessee, a judge can rule your child "unruly" if you have more than 5 unexcused days. My son is cuteness personified, so I'm not worried! I'm also going to see the pediatrician. My son has asthma and is unable to have the flu shot. Not a good combination for sitting in a doctor's office unnecessarily. Other things I'm doing:- talking to an

advocate- contacted a private school- talking to a school for autistic kids- joined a homeschooling group for my stateThese schools love to pile on the crap, don't they?From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

The school can and will impose the rules on a child who is truant. You can find a lot of good articles by looking up "school refusal". You should definitely get your doctor to write a note. But also, you should call for an IEP meeting to discuss the problems. If he had the appropriate supports in place, he would probably do much better. Why are they not doing what they are obligated to do? You need to write letters to document what is happening at all times. Then when they threaten you with things like this, you have documentation that they are causing the problem.

Also, request an FBA (functional behavior assessment) be done by someone who is knowledgeable about autism. this can go a long way to showing what problems he is dealing with each day and helping you and the team design a good program with the appropriate supports. He may need an alternate placement on days he is having trouble? He may need an aide to help him daily so he can deal with everything?

You can request homebound services if this problem continues. My ds could no longer attend school at all so he got private tutoring the last two years of high school from the school. In other words, we changed his placement via his IEP according to his needs.

Also, not sure what you've worked on with regard to meds but some meds for depression also deal with anxiety. You may just need to find a good med doc? My ds, by high school age, would not take any meds so that option was not going to work for us.

Roxanna

“Our lives begin to end the day we

become silent about things that matter.†- Luther King, Jr.

( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

My ds is 12 and in the 6th grade. He has been having several issues that they do not accommodate for even though it is on the iep. They just dont have the staff or time. So, I went and found a school that is just for aspergers syndrome kids, k-12, 3-7 ratio and it is in the next town. I found it online, and visited with my son. He then spent the day and loved it! Kids are taught social skills in a real classroom, lunch table and at recess by the aids that follow them all day. It is more "real life social skills". Anyway, I told the school district that I wanted my son transferred there. (they have 4 other apsies going there and they transport them also) Of course there answer was no. So I pushed and insisted they retest him and update the iep. In the meantime, I pulled him from school and keep him

home every day. They have an automated phone call every day that calls at night to remind me that my son was absent from school and to call tomorrow to verify! He is still at home and will be until he gets the transfer. They never told me about this school which makes me fight even harder for a transfer, he should have gone in the 3rd grade when he was first diagnosed.They scrambled and did all the testing in one week, we have our iep on feb 14th, and the director of special ed is conducting the iep because I have insisted. I started this process with her 3 weeks ago, and will end with her in the iep signing a form to transfer my son. I expect nothing less than a transfer, and she knows it.Our kids deserve a school where they feel they belong, can function at their level, and have peace from bully's, individual learning and sit with someone to eat lunch with, and play pe regardless if they can not catch a ball. They also deserve behavior

training, social skills and social thinking so we can wean them off all this medication we give them to function in a regular school that doesnt work. Deborah Sycamore Art StudiosSycamore Art SchoolDeborah GustlinGraphic & Web DesignArt classes for K-12www.sycamoreartstudios.comwww.sycamoreartschool.comHome: 408-710-0892 Business: 408-710-6070From: AmyF <ficklenak@...> Sent: Sat, February 5, 2011 5:21:18 PMSubject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

The psychologist is wrong. Your ds does not need to have any dx to get a full educational evaluation and possible IEP. His tentative dx would be just one factor in determining whether he had sped needs. You need to write a letter requesting a full educational evaluation be done.

Roxanna

“Our lives begin to end the day we

become silent about things that matter.†- Luther King, Jr.

( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days

Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

Amy,

We get those letters here in Louisiana too, however they are from the Truancy

Office, which is part of the District Attorney's office here. We got one last

year several times. They say they will take us to court and we can be charged

with a misdemeanor and fined up to $250. What we always do is talk to the

school attendance clerk first to make sure the absences are correct (we've found

absences before that were on my son's record, but he was actually there). After

that we go and talk to the truancy office, taking all the notes with us. We

have problems with medication issues sometimes. Every so often, his meds just

work opposite of how they normally do, and depending on how bad it is, we can't

send him to school. I've talked to the truancy office several times about my

son and they understand the situation and work with us. When I had to put my

son in an in-patient facility at the beginning of this year, I went straight to

them with a note from my son's psychiatrist, and the truancy office marked my

son's record so they would know that he was in the hospital during that time and

not send me letters.

Not great advice, I know. And probably not what you were looking for, but yes,

they can send these to disabled kids missing school due to their disabilities.

Working with your school and local agencies, explaining the situation is the

best way to go. If you keep having trouble, I would suggest finding an advocate

to help you.

Good luck and keep us posted!

Angi Clifton

>

> Greetings all,

> My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.)  We are having ongoing issues getting his

IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part

of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has

missed 11 days of school so far this year.  We tried anti-anxiety meds but they

just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

>  

> We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to

report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory

attendance rule.  The letter also states every time he misses now we must

produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

>  

> We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation

that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may

cause him to miss days of school.  I am also going to have a lawyer review the

letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being

threatened with and how serious it is.

>  

> His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any

time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.)  However, there are

certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel

(with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one.   Those

days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as

well.

>  

> Has anyone else had this experience?  How did you handle it?  Can a school

impose sanctions on a  child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

>  

> Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all

a new issue pops up.  I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps

so much more than you can know.

>  

> I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it

from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

> Amy

>  

>

[Guest guest]

My NT fifth grader gets frequent intense headaches and misses school because

of this. I think they are stress related. She has a lot of stress having to be

her older brothers big sister and recently losing her father and all the issues

surrounding our separation. I also got one of those letters. The school nurse

actually accused her of faking the headaches. She has been to the doctor

several times and they have run every test imaginable and can not come up with

any neurological or physical reason for them, and so we believe she carries her

stress in her head, neck and shoulders.

When she calls me to come home from school she goes straight to her bed,

shuts the blind, takes and asprin and stays there for the rest of the day. She

is certainly not faking!

>

> Greetings all,

> My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.)  We are having ongoing issues getting his

IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part

of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has

missed 11 days of school so far this year.  We tried anti-anxiety meds but they

just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

>  

> We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to

report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory

attendance rule.  The letter also states every time he misses now we must

produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

>  

> We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation

that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may

cause him to miss days of school.  I am also going to have a lawyer review the

letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being

threatened with and how serious it is.

>  

> His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any

time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.)  However, there are

certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel

(with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one.   Those

days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as

well.

>  

> Has anyone else had this experience?  How did you handle it?  Can a school

impose sanctions on a  child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

>  

> Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all

a new issue pops up.  I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps

so much more than you can know.

>  

> I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it

from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

> Amy

>  

>

[Guest guest]

We got that lette last ear and used it to get special ed bussign which helped my son to be on time but Ia lso used it to show how much he haes school and needs mroe services and if theyw ere doign there job attendance and beign tardi would not be a issue. They finally saw the light when I brought Disability Rights in with me. Now he always makes the bus or arrives to school on time - of course mine is 8 and 2nd grade so I can not imagine what it will be like in middle school....

From: Carolyn <ccweisbard@...>" " < >Sent: Sat, February 5, 2011 9:41:15 PMSubject: Re: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days

, check and see how long your son has to be at school to be considered present for the day. My daughters school only requires her to be there till ten am to be considered present, so I started to schedule all appointments appropfriately

Sent from my iPad

On Feb 5, 2011, at 9:19 PM, <jennywatson@...> wrote:

Yeah, I got that letter too. Must be that time of year. Mine came about two days after I got my son's diagnosis, so I'm thinking "Kick me while I'm down, why don't you?" My situation is a little bit different as my son was mainly sick with colds, viruses, etc., for his 10 days. He's 5 - he gets sick. We decided to sit down with the principal but her assistant had to cancel the first meeting because the Principal was - wait for it - out sick!!! When we finally did get our meeting she wasn't much help about the doctor's note thing, but she did look concerned when I said I was going to be pulling my son out a lot in future because he needs a bunch of services. I said I was lining them all up privately as I had no idea what the school was going to say. She said she would see if he could get them at the school, but then the next day the school psychologist called and said that as my son's Asperger's diagnosis is "tentative" that

it didn't count for anything.My husband asked what would happen if we didn't send doctor's notes, and she said they would report us to the school board. A friend told me that would be great, because we could tell the school board how the school is failing to address my son's needs. You might want to take the same approach yourself, i.e. ask CPS for help in getting your son a more appropriate placement. Did you read your state rules on attendance? You should familiarize yourself with them. In Tennessee, a judge can rule your child "unruly" if you have more than 5 unexcused days. My son is cuteness personified, so I'm not worried! I'm also going to see the pediatrician. My son has asthma and is unable to have the flu shot. Not a good combination for sitting in a doctor's office unnecessarily. Other things I'm doing:- talking to an advocate- contacted a private school- talking to a school for autistic

kids- joined a homeschooling group for my stateThese schools love to pile on the crap, don't they?

From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

I'm so proud of you!!!! I wish I had done that when my son was in middle school or high school. That ought to make a huge difference. Starting in 7th grade, we went Nowhere without our Advocate, who almost slapped a teacher for saying that AS kids in Honors classes should do what any kid in that class does. (She did slap the desk in front of her and made her cry). Anytime we thought we didn't need to pay to take the advocate, we didn't get much accomplished. We used one from 7th grade thru graduation from high school. Too bad we couldn't use one at community college, since our son flunked each one of his 4 classes.....

From: Deborah Gustlin <sycamorestudios@...>Subject: Re: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Sunday, February 6, 2011, 7:16 AM

My ds is 12 and in the 6th grade. He has been having several issues that they do not accommodate for even though it is on the iep. They just dont have the staff or time. So, I went and found a school that is just for aspergers syndrome kids, k-12, 3-7 ratio and it is in the next town. I found it online, and visited with my son. He then spent the day and loved it! Kids are taught social skills in a real classroom, lunch table and at recess by the aids that follow them all day. It is more "real life social skills". Anyway, I told the school district that I wanted my son transferred there. (they have 4 other apsies going there and they transport them also) Of course there answer was no. So I pushed and insisted they retest him and update the iep. In the meantime, I pulled him from school and keep him home every day. They have an automated phone call every day that calls at night

to remind me that my son was absent from school and to call tomorrow to verify! He is still at home and will be until he gets the transfer. They never told me about this school which makes me fight even harder for a transfer, he should have gone in the 3rd grade when he was first diagnosed.They scrambled and did all the testing in one week, we have our iep on feb 14th, and the director of special ed is conducting the iep because I have insisted. I started this process with her 3 weeks ago, and will end with her in the iep signing a form to transfer my son. I expect nothing less than a transfer, and she knows it.Our kids deserve a school where they feel they belong, can function at their level, and have peace from bully's, individual learning and sit with someone to eat lunch with, and play pe regardless if they can not catch a ball. They also deserve behavior training, social skills and social thinking so we can wean them off all this

medication we give them to function in a regular school that doesnt work. Deborah

Sycamore Art StudiosSycamore Art SchoolDeborah GustlinGraphic & Web DesignArt classes for K-12www.sycamoreartstudios.comwww.sycamoreartschool.comHome: 408-710-0892 Business:

408-710-6070

From: AmyF <ficklenak@...> Sent: Sat, February 5, 2011 5:21:18 PMSubject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy

[Guest guest]

has only missed three days of school from K all the way till now (7th

grade). All the trouble I have with getting him to do what hes supposed to do

and be where hes supposed to be, and he is NEVER tardy to school. Sometimes he

lies about not being sick just so he can go. I guess I am pretty lucky with

this. I am afraid to think what would happen if I ever told him he had to be

late!

> >

> >

> >>From: AmyF <ficklenak@...>

> >>Subject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing " too many " days

> >>

> >>Date: Saturday, February 5, 2011, 7:21 PM

> >>

> >>

> >> 

> >>Greetings all,

> >>My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.)  We are having ongoing issues getting

his

> >>IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because

part

> >>of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has

> >>missed 11 days of school so far this year.  We tried anti-anxiety meds but

they

> >>just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

> >>

> >>We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening

to

> >>report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory

> >>attendance rule.  The letter also states every time he misses now we must

> >>produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

> >>

> >>We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation

> >>that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and

may

> >>cause him to miss days of school.  I am also going to have a lawyer review

the

> >>letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being

> >>threatened with and how serious it is.

> >>

> >>His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any

time

> >>he feels like it (or he would never go to school.)  However, there are

certainly

> >>days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with

his

> >>doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one.   Those days

he

> >>does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

> >>

> >>Has anyone else had this experience?  How did you handle it?  Can a school

> >>impose sanctions on a  child with a disability and diagnosed medical

condition?

> >>

> >>Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it

all a

> >>new issue pops up.  I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it

helps so

> >>much more than you can know.

> >>

> >>I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle

it

> >>from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

> >>Amy

> >>

> >

>

[Guest guest]

deborha,

that is so great!!!!! i so agree with you. our kids deserve to have the same as others. not be held back because the other kids can't keep up or made fun of because they do things differently. i am looking into a school for my son right now.

thanks,

leah

From: Holter Reynolds <s.h.reynolds@...> Sent: Mon, February 7, 2011 2:57:47 PMSubject: Re: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days

I'm so proud of you!!!! I wish I had done that when my son was in middle school or high school. That ought to make a huge difference. Starting in 7th grade, we went Nowhere without our Advocate, who almost slapped a teacher for saying that AS kids in Honors classes should do what any kid in that class does. (She did slap the desk in front of her and made her cry). Anytime we thought we didn't need to pay to take the advocate, we didn't get much accomplished. We used one from 7th grade thru graduation from high school. Too bad we couldn't use one at community college, since our son flunked each one of his 4 classes.....

From: Deborah Gustlin <sycamorestudios@...>Subject: Re: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days Date: Sunday, February 6, 2011, 7:16 AM

My ds is 12 and in the 6th grade. He has been having several issues that they do not accommodate for even though it is on the iep. They just dont have the staff or time. So, I went and found a school that is just for aspergers syndrome kids, k-12, 3-7 ratio and it is in the next town. I found it online, and visited with my son. He then spent the day and loved it! Kids are taught social skills in a real classroom, lunch table and at recess by the aids that follow them all day. It is more "real life social skills". Anyway, I told the school district that I wanted my son transferred there. (they have 4 other apsies going there and they transport them also) Of course there answer was no. So I pushed and insisted they retest him and update the iep. In the meantime, I pulled him from school and keep him home every day. They have an automated phone call every day that calls at night

to remind me that my son was absent from school and to call tomorrow to verify! He is still at home and will be until he gets the transfer. They never told me about this school which makes me fight even harder for a transfer, he should have gone in the 3rd grade when he was first diagnosed.They scrambled and did all the testing in one week, we have our iep on feb 14th, and the director of special ed is conducting the iep because I have insisted. I started this process with her 3 weeks ago, and will end with her in the iep signing a form to transfer my son. I expect nothing less than a transfer, and she knows it.Our kids deserve a school where they feel they belong, can function at their level, and have peace from bully's, individual learning and sit with someone to eat lunch with, and play pe regardless if they can not catch a ball. They also deserve behavior training, social skills and social thinking so we can wean them off all this

medication we give them to function in a regular school that doesnt work. Deborah

Sycamore Art StudiosSycamore Art SchoolDeborah GustlinGraphic & Web DesignArt classes for K-12www.sycamoreartstudios.comwww.sycamoreartschool.comHome: 408-710-0892 Business:

408-710-6070

From: AmyF <ficklenak@...> Sent: Sat, February 5, 2011 5:21:18 PMSubject: ( ) Attendance Issues - Missing "too many" days

Greetings all,

My son is in 7th grade (dx autism.) We are having ongoing issues getting his IEP followed, getting supports in place and as a result (and also because part of his issue is anxiety which manifests itself in physical symptoms) he has missed 11 days of school so far this year. We tried anti-anxiety meds but they just made him depressed and go to sleep in school.

We live in Missouri, and just got a form letter from the school threatening to report us to Child Protective Services and enforce some sort of compulsory attendance rule. The letter also states every time he misses now we must produce a note from a doctor to for the absense to be excused.

We are contacting his pediatrician to see if we can get written confirmation that his disability causes anxiety that manifests in physical symptoms and may cause him to miss days of school. I am also going to have a lawyer review the letter the school sent so we can understand exactly what it is we are being threatened with and how serious it is.

His grades are fine and don't get me wrong, we dont' let him stay home any time he feels like it (or he would never go to school.) However, there are certainly days (more so at first less so now) when he needs a break and we feel (with his doctor's support) that it is appropriate for him to get one. Those days he does not get to play on the computer and must complete his homework as well.

Has anyone else had this experience? How did you handle it? Can a school impose sanctions on a child with a disability and diagnosed medical condition?

Thank you so much, it is amazing how just when you think you have seen it all a new issue pops up. I really appreciate everyone's time and sharing, it helps so much more than you can know.

I thought I had experienced it all but this upsets me and I want to handle it from my head not my heart (or anger) if that makes sense.

Amy