just starting the process with school

[Guest guest]

Hello Group. I just joined the group today.I've known for a couple years that my 11 yo ds has AS, but finally got a diagnosis from a psychologist within the last month. I attached her report to a request for a full pscyh eval with the school, including intelligent testing (that's what the psychologist told me to do). They will be doing their assessments soon, according the the asst. principal at his school.What will happen from here? What services should I expect? We could really use some counseling! Will counseling the provide at school be sufficient? Any advice will be gratefully accepted., mom of Noah

[Guest guest]

You should make a list of what you think your son needs based on his experience

at school thus far. School services can range any where from extra help in

certain subjects to social skills groups to therapy services (OT, ST, PT) to

counseling at school to a 1-1 aide. Also, ask the psychologist who made the dx

if she has any suggestions. Having suggestions from a professional helps when

discussing services needed with the school. Schools seem to accept them more

than just a parent's suggestions. The school should make their decisions based

on over all testing and not just IQ tests. Be prepared to advocate for you son.

A lot of schools will only provide the minimum. You might get lucky and have a

school that does its best for each student. Your child is entitled to FAPE so be

careful of how you word things. To learn your child's education rights check

out:

http://www.wrightslaw.com/

We opted to have outside counseling for my son. As he got older he had more

anxiety and the school counseling wasn't much help at that point. He started

going to the counselor when he was 12. He's now 15. The ocunselor is still my

son's sounding board on any issue that my son has trouble with. My son will

discuss it with us and the school counselor but he always wants his private

counselor's input too.

Caroline

[Guest guest]

Well most likely you will end up having a meeting after the school gets their results...your son will end up with an IEP (individual eduation plan) which will be from the team's input. What assistance does your son need...Organizational Skills, Extra time on tests, Study guides, social skill training, a paraprofessional, copy of the class notes, extra books at home, ability to leave class a few min. early to get to next class w/out having to deal with the crowded halls, tests given orally, ability to take tests in a quiet place...there are so many other things. Will he need help in speech, reading or occupattional therapy??? If noise bothers him, he may be allowed to eat in a quiet place, he may have the opportunity to go to guidance for a break if he is overwelmed...or he may be allowed a short walk. You may want him to check in/check out with someone he is comfortable with. YOu may want

someone to check his agenda planner for the homework assignments, you may want to have his homework reduced. You may also want the ability to re-take a test is grade is below 70. If he has trouble with writing, he may be able to use a computer or laptop. His tests can be modified, directions for tests can be explained if not understood.

As far as therapy in school...no it is not enough. You will need to see a therapist outside of school if it is needed.

Best wishes....

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: Mateman <angelamateman@...>as support < >Sent: Fri, October 1, 2010 9:26:19 PMSubject: ( ) just starting the process with school

Hello Group. I just joined the group today.I've known for a couple years that my 11 yo ds has AS, but finally got a diagnosis from a psychologist within the last month. I attached her report to a request for a full pscyh eval with the school, including intelligent testing (that's what the psychologist told me to do). They will be doing their assessments soon, according the the asst. principal at his school.What will happen from here? What services should I expect? We could really use some counseling! Will counseling the provide at school be sufficient? Any advice will be gratefully accepted., mom of Noah