Attendance Issues - Missing too many days

[Guest guest]

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