Hiring an IEP advocate

[Guest guest]

DS's IEP re-evaluation will start up in a couple weeks. He is currently

receiving services under the Developmental Delay category and has a diagnosis of

ADHD and SPD. We are also seeking an independent evaluation for Asperger's

Syndrome.

I'm beginning to get the feeling that even though it is obvious that he will

continue to NEED the same level of service he receives now, he may not QUALIFY

for that level of service. My mother's intuition is telling me that we should

get an advocate involved sooner than later but I don't even know where to start.

Suggestions?

Thanks,

[Guest guest]

I am a special education advocate for kids on the autism spectrum. I always

work as a Residential Family Advocate working out of an RTF and a group home for

kids with mental health issues. I have been to probably about 50 CSE meetings

with parents in the 14 months I have been in this position.

I work for a non-profit agency, and my services are free. I can do some

research for you to see if there is such an agency in your area if you would

like to PM me with your location.

Even though I am an advocate professionally, I still bring someone with me to

all my meetings. Be it an advocate from my own agency, or my son's service

coordinator, it always helps to have another set of ears and eyes to takes notes

and ask questions that you can forget. CSE meetings can be very emotional.

>

> DS's IEP re-evaluation will start up in a couple weeks. He is currently

receiving services under the Developmental Delay category and has a diagnosis of

ADHD and SPD. We are also seeking an independent evaluation for Asperger's

Syndrome.

>

> I'm beginning to get the feeling that even though it is obvious that he will

continue to NEED the same level of service he receives now, he may not QUALIFY

for that level of service. My mother's intuition is telling me that we should

get an advocate involved sooner than later but I don't even know where to start.

Suggestions?

>

> Thanks,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Our lawyer really encouraged us to find a neuropsychologist

or psychologist or neurologist or psychiatrist to be

our advocate one we got our daughter classified.

You need the expert to explain the impairment and

advocate that services are needed otherwise

there will be " regression " and regression is the

key word in academics.

Or if the services are support services so your child

is not overwhelmed you may need someone to speak to

that issue.

You can find a therapist that does FBA's functional beahvioral

assessments to document some behavior issues or attentional

issues. To help make a case. Or you can ask the school

to do a FBA.

There is so much that can be done to keep support. The

school has to prove he doesn't need it anymore.

That is hard to do.

Pam

>

> DS's IEP re-evaluation will start up in a couple weeks. He is currently

receiving services under the Developmental Delay category and has a diagnosis of

ADHD and SPD. We are also seeking an independent evaluation for Asperger's

Syndrome.

>

> I'm beginning to get the feeling that even though it is obvious that he will

continue to NEED the same level of service he receives now, he may not QUALIFY

for that level of service. My mother's intuition is telling me that we should

get an advocate involved sooner than later but I don't even know where to start.

Suggestions?

>

> Thanks,

>

>