IEP

September 12, 2006

Thanks to this list, when had her assessment years ago, I had some great

advice. When they sent the letter asking me to agree to testing, I signed

saying " only with attached guidelines " . For guidelines I listed the transition

time as one point. I also stated the school psychologist that would be doing

the testing spend time with in her classroom, and outside the classroom,

as that would help her feel more comfortable during the testing process, thereby

giving a much more accurate picture of 's abilities. I also requested the

testing be done in the morning, on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

I really didn't think they would go for it, but they did everything. The school

psychologist did spend the time with her, even using the one on one time to play

a simple board game. Testing was done as I requested, and it was not traumatic

at all.

Sharon H.

Mom to , (15, DS) and , (11)

South Carolina

" Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of

battle. "

Re: IEP

>Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2006 13:47:34 -0700

>

>When was in preschool, she received speech 2x30 min/week, OT

>1x30min/week, APE 2x30min/week (she didn't qualify for PT, though they did

>do the eval at my request). I also thought 1x per week for OT was low, but

>after talking to various OTs (over the years), it seems like most feel it

>is important to see the child, work with them, but that it's most important

>to make sure the teacher(s) and/or aide(s) that work with the child the

>majority of the time know the plan, and keep on it. For example, if there

>is a cutting goal, the OT can figure out strategies and work with the

>child, but it doesn't make sense for the OT to come and cut with the child

>5 days per week, when the child will probably be doing cutting as part of

>the normal preschool routine (and most certainly will if it's a goal). So,

>if the staff knows how the child is supposed to do it, and can help (as per

>the direction of the OT), then the child will be getting more help towards

>that goal. Plus, most fine motor skills (especially at the preschool age)

>take time and practice to develop (both typical kids and developmentally

>delayed kids), so again, the staff working with your child daily should

>help practice the skills.

>

>If there are skills that might not be practiced in school, then the OT had

>better make sure you are aware of what goes on during a particular session,

>and communicate it to you as well (especially the feeding issues, since

>although your child will probably eat snack at school, he will certainly be

>eating more of the time with you.) You should also make sure that there is

>time written into OT/PT for the therapist to collaborate with the teachers

>(I think ours is 4 hours per year, not much) in addition to time spent

>directly with your child.

>

>As for writing inclusion as a main goal, if they don't offer it, then it

>will be difficult for you to get them to write it that way. Think about

>how you could word goals that would be best met in an inclusive setting..

>perhaps speech and launguage goals, using peer models........ can't do that

>if you not with verbal kids. Do they have any programs with " reverse

>mainstreaming " , where typical children attend special day classes as peer

>models? Although the ratio isn't usually great, it's better than nothing.

>I know that HeadStart preschools must take a certain number of kids with

>IEPs, but I've heard from around here that they fill their " IEP quota " with

> " easy " IEPs like speech.

>

>The problem with the preschool years are, if the district doesn't offer an

>inclusive program, your child will be in 2nd grade before you can finish

>the due process you'd need to go through to try and get them to provide it

>:-( And they know it! We were very aggressive here, and basically, the

>law doesn't require them to provide it, and they don't. Some places do,

>and they are ahead of the game, so by all means, look around if that's what

>you want. What we ended up doing was using the special day preschool

>setting as a place for the receive her services and work on

>academics. We also enrolled her in a private preschool at our church (at

>our expense) to provide the inclusive setting we desired for her. We

>rationalized it by saying that had she not had DS, we would have paid for

>this exact preschool, just as we did for her sisters. She did not work on

>specific IEP goals there (though they were willing to), but we asked them

>to focus on her participating in age-appropriate activities with her peers,

>focusing on language, classroom routine, playing, etc. We split it up so

>that when she was 3, she did 2 mornings a week at special day, and 2

>afternoons a week a typical preschool, then upped it to 3 and 3 when she

>was 4. It was a pain for me, but it was wonderful for her. Would I have

>sent her to an inclusive program if I could have? Absolutely. But, what

>we ended up doing worked out very well for her, and she transitioned into

>kindergarten (full inclusion) quite nicely (after her traditional 6 week

> " rough " time, LOL)

>

>Good luck tomorrow,

>

>, mom to (10), (8 DS), and Sammy (7)

>

>anotherminivan wrote:

>

>>My son goes tomorrow for his evaluation for his IEP to start preschool

>>in October. It had not even ocureed to me that it was right at naptime

>>to accomodate one of his therapists! I noticed that others on here

>>have mentioned 30 minutes a week for PT/OT. Is that really all they

>>can get? They do not even have an inclusion program where we are (one

>>of the reasons we are leaving in a month) but I want to write the IEP

>>with inclusion as my main goal. I have printed out the wording about

>>inclusion to take with me. Anything else I should know? He is also

>>hearing impaired and has issues with feeding. Thanks, (Wyatt's

>>mom)

>>

>

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November 15, 2006

Is she in a diploma or certificate track?

If she is on the certificate track, are they going to give her the

" alternate assessment " ?

- Becky

In a message dated 11/15/2006 11:44:23 PM Eastern Standard Time,

kathybuys@... writes:

Hi,

My iep is tomorrow. I just got the draft iep after school today and have

been looking it over. I noticed that they opted her out of all the state and

district testing. I know they dont like to include her low scores but is it

in our best interest to let them exclude her on these? Thanks for your help.

kathy

November 15, 2006

Did they actually fill out the form or is it just blank?

You should ask them to explain how not taking the standardized tests will

impact on her graduation options, course selections, and any other areas

before consenting and also check with your state DOE. You also need to find

out more about your state's alternative evaluation options.

Be aware too that once you opt out, it can be very difficult to opt back in.

_____

From: [mailto: ] On Behalf

Of Kathy Buys

Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2006 11:29 PM

Subject: IEP

Hi,

My iep is tomorrow. I just got the draft iep after school today and have

been looking it over. I noticed that they opted her out of all the state and

district testing. I know they dont like to include her low scores but is it

in our best interest to let them exclude her on these? Thanks for your help.

kathy

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February 25, 2007

schools least where i am are supposed to provide one BUT most wont .they say funding i say bullshit . my school paid to have a person to help a child who spoke no englich learn in our school but refused to supply and aide to help my son learn.it is bullshit when it comes to any help in the school for apecial needs the schools say lack of funding but for non english speaking it is okay or for a physically disabled child they supply an aide to help them through school but not enough to help with the specail needs not enough funding well yes there are a lot of kids with disablities and so forth but where is one worth more than the other it is the law for them to supply but they do not.your best bet is to get wrap around to have a tss worker for him they are there for just them .BUT watch my kids teacher would actually send my sons tss to make copies for her he is no longer in that schoolget

everything he needs addressed in the iep and get an ADVOCATE THEY WILL FIGHT TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE HELP FOR YOUR KID it is funny they dont have the funding to provide and aide but my school had the funding to pay for my sons to go outside the school district to another school because they coulndt teach them at their school.

another thing also with tss in school MOST TEACHERS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE PROBLEMS LETTING OUTSIDE PEOPLE IN TO HELP.

they really need to revamp the entire school system to include all kids . schools get funding for special needs kids but yet they put little to none of that money it seems to help the special needs kids.in my city the money they get seems to go for football and sports . they use old school books in soem classes and in our middle school they bought art work for the walls and i got this right from the principle .woo hoo great new art for the hall ways just what we neeed hell with getting kids aides when they NEED THEM SORRY VERY BIG SORE SPOT WITH ME

IEP

Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for him. I thought the scool had to provide it if it was in his IEP? Am I assuming wrong? His IEP meeting is next month and I thought I was ready for it now I think I'm not informed enough.

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February 25, 2007

Actually if I remember right. If your son needs an AIDE they have to provide one. I am dealing with sorta the same thing. Our school doesn't have funds for aids. They cut a lot of aids out last year. It's rather frustrating because a lot of the kids are losing out. I suggest maybe finding an advocate and talking with one. I know that I got an advocate to fight for my sons IEP and Independent evaluation and with out her help I wouldn't have known what to do. You might find out more of what the school has to offer with an advocate. As there was a lot I didn't know until I got one.

Stacie

-- IEP

Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't

be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman

on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno

funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for

him. I thought the scool had to provide it if it was in his IEP? Am I

assuming wrong? His IEP meeting is next month and I thought I was

ready for it now I think I'm not informed enough.

February 25, 2007

Where are you located? You have a couple of options depending on your location. Across the board, as I understand it, no matter where you live, if the school cannot provide an equal and appropriate education for your son then they are legally obligated to provide other arrangements to achieve that goal.

Another option is that you can read through 's Law website until you are an expert. And/Or you can hire an advocate.

If they really continue to jerk you around, you can always let them know you plan to bring a lawyer with you to the next meeting, to ensure that your child is the number one focus above all else. Money should never, NEVER be of more importance than your child's education. He needs to be able to get the same as everyone else.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

On 2/23/07, veltrinikki <veltrinikki@...> wrote:

Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for him. I thought the scool had to provide it if it was in his IEP? Am I assuming wrong? His IEP meeting is next month and I thought I was

ready for it now I think I'm not informed enough.

February 27, 2007

someone else told me that if all else fails I could be his aide and go to school with them, do you know if that is possible. Have you heard of that?Avian Rights <avianrights@...> wrote: Where are you located? You have a couple of options depending on your location. Across the board, as I understand it, no matter where you live, if the school cannot provide an equal and appropriate education for your son then they are legally obligated to provide other arrangements to achieve that goal. Another option is that you can read through 's Law website until you are an expert. And/Or you can hire an advocate. If they really continue to jerk you around, you can always let them know you plan to bring a lawyer with you to the next meeting, to ensure that your child is the number one focus above all else. Money should never, NEVER be of more importance than your child's education. He needs to be able to get the same as everyone else. Good luck, and keep us posted! On 2/23/07, veltrinikki <veltrinikki > wrote: Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just

found out my 4YO can't be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for him. I thought the scool had to provide it if it was in his IEP? Am I assuming wrong? His IEP meeting is next month and I thought I was ready for it now I think I'm not informed enough.

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February 27, 2007

I am sorry I hit a sore spot! I just want the best for my son. we were under the impression he could go to preschool another year but now they say he can't unless we change preschools. But because the town is so small there is very few programs for him in the summer so he really regressed. If that happens again this summer how will he be ready for the next grade? I'm scared.vickie <blackfoot124@...> wrote: schools least where i am are supposed to provide one BUT most wont .they say funding i say bullshit . my school paid to have a person to help a child who spoke no englich learn in our school but refused to supply and aide to help my son learn.it is bullshit when it comes to any help in the school for apecial needs the schools say lack of funding but for non english speaking it is okay or for a physically disabled child they supply an aide to help them through school but not enough to help with the specail needs not enough funding well yes there are a lot of kids with disablities and so forth but where is one worth more than the other it is the law for them to supply but they do not.your best bet is to get wrap around to have a tss worker for him they are there for just them .BUT watch my kids teacher would actually send my sons tss to make copies for her he is no longer in

that schoolget everything he needs addressed in the iep and get an ADVOCATE THEY WILL FIGHT TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE HELP FOR YOUR KID it is funny they dont have the funding to provide and aide but my school had the funding to pay for my sons to go outside the school district to another school because they coulndt teach them at their school. another thing also with tss in school MOST TEACHERS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE PROBLEMS LETTING OUTSIDE PEOPLE IN TO HELP. they really need to revamp the entire school system to include all kids . schools get funding for special needs kids but yet they put little to none of that money it seems to help the special needs kids.in my city the money they get seems to go for football and sports . they use old school books in soem classes and in our middle school they bought art work for the walls and i got this

right from the principle .woo hoo great new art for the hall ways just what we neeed hell with getting kids aides when they NEED THEM SORRY VERY BIG SORE SPOT WITH ME IEP Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for him. I thought the scool had to provide

it if it was in his IEP? Am I assuming wrong? His IEP meeting is next month and I thought I was ready for it now I think I'm not informed enough. It's here! Your new message!Get new email alerts with the free Toolbar.

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February 27, 2007

I am sorry I hit a sore spot! I just want the best for my son. we were under the impression he could go to preschool another year but now they say he can't unless we change preschools. But because the town is so small there is very few programs for him in the summer so he really regressed. If that happens again this summer how will he be ready for the next grade? I'm scared.vickie <blackfoot124@...> wrote: schools least where i am are supposed to provide one BUT most wont .they say funding i say bullshit . my school paid to have a person to help a child who spoke no englich learn in our school but refused to supply and aide to help my son learn.it is bullshit when it comes to any help in the school for apecial needs the schools say lack of funding but for non english speaking it is okay or for a physically disabled child they supply an aide to help them through school but not enough to help with the specail needs not enough funding well yes there are a lot of kids with disablities and so forth but where is one worth more than the other it is the law for them to supply but they do not.your best bet is to get wrap around to have a tss worker for him they are there for just them .BUT watch my kids teacher would actually send my sons tss to make copies for her he is no longer in

that schoolget everything he needs addressed in the iep and get an ADVOCATE THEY WILL FIGHT TO MAKE SURE YOU GET THE HELP FOR YOUR KID it is funny they dont have the funding to provide and aide but my school had the funding to pay for my sons to go outside the school district to another school because they coulndt teach them at their school. another thing also with tss in school MOST TEACHERS AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE PROBLEMS LETTING OUTSIDE PEOPLE IN TO HELP. they really need to revamp the entire school system to include all kids . schools get funding for special needs kids but yet they put little to none of that money it seems to help the special needs kids.in my city the money they get seems to go for football and sports . they use old school books in soem classes and in our middle school they bought art work for the walls and i got this

right from the principle .woo hoo great new art for the hall ways just what we neeed hell with getting kids aides when they NEED THEM SORRY VERY BIG SORE SPOT WITH ME IEP Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for him. I thought the scool had to provide

it if it was in his IEP? Am I assuming wrong? His IEP meeting is next month and I thought I was ready for it now I think I'm not informed enough. It's here! Your new message!Get new email alerts with the free Toolbar.

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February 28, 2007

nah u didnt hit the sore spot the shcools hit the sore spot .u are like us just concerend with getting ur kids the help he needs .i am not sure what they call it but is there like an intermedaite unit .sometimes in the regular school tehy have that set up in it and if they are in a special needws preschool they will accept them right into the special classes at the elmnetary.see if u can get an advocate they will fight to make sure your kid will get proper placemetn. and again u didnt have to apologie to me i was apologising to you for sounding bitchy about schools in my reply i just had a hard time with my school .i didnt want you to be scared that all schools are like that.check into the mental health/mental retardation place ( i know i am bad with the names it is just that each state calls them soemthing different .) they may be able to help you find schools.and if the school ur reg school cannit teach your child they have to find a neighboring school district that

can .good luck and also check all options

during the summer investigate all findings that u can get good luck and dont be afraid bring the fear here and we will help u through it

IEP

Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for him. I thought the scool had to provide it if it was in his IEP? Am I assuming wrong? His IEP meeting is next month and I thought I was ready for it now I think I'm not informed enough.

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March 1, 2007

If you are worried and not comfortable, call your local PACER parent

center. It has helped me tremendously, and it lifts a lot of the

fear involved with an IEP off your back. Just my two cents. Having

an advocate can be wonderfully helpful.

Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't

> be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A

woman

> on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they

haveno

> funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that

for

> him. I thought the scool had to provide it if it was in his IEP? Am

I

> assuming wrong? His IEP meeting is next month and I thought I was

> ready for it now I think I'm not informed enough.

>

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March 1, 2007

Every time I read about the problems of families with brick and mortar special ed I want to scream. We had the same problems and it simply did not get any better until we took him out of school and home-schooled him. Today I was observing my bright autistic son read out-loud in a group of 3 other bright autistic children. He is the only one home-schooled. The other boys are in "regular" classrooms with little to no support because this is what the district labels as "inclusion".... no support. My child was the best reader, not because he is the brightest, but because he is taught in a quiet and focused manner. He has one-to-one teaching/tutoring all day long and instead of being overwhelmed in the typical classroom, his communication and sensory needs are respected. This decreases his anxiety and frees up his energy to learn. As for the myth re socialization... the only socialization kids get in brick and mortars is a forced being in the same area. Bullying is a huge

problem for our kids in the brick and mortars. Homeschooling kids have loads of socialization opportunities. We just got back from 2 days at a water park, mid-week with other homeschoolers. The socialization that home-schooled children have is usually of a higher quality than what passes for socialization in a brick and mortar. Right now we are with a charter public virtual school that provides direct services. We are seeing some of the same brick and mortar problems with some of the direct service providers. For us, the next step is to completely pull him from public education (we are already doing the instruction) and fund the curriculum ourselves. That's looking better and better. The point is, there are lots of options... don't get lulled into thinking that the public school sector is the only answer. Priscilla

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March 1, 2007

I have heard of mothers spending the day with their special needs child and acting as the aide. I suggest that it would be fine for now (in my opinion) but you want to be wary of his growing overly dependant on you in the long run. That's our major concern with our 9yr old is that once he had people to help him out (not a 1:1 aide, but a spec. ed teacher who spent nearly all of her time with him for months and is trying to gradually fade out and it's NOT working), he's no longer able to begin *any* task without an adult right by his side to guide him and explain everything to him. Everything. Brushing his teeth. Drying his body. Reading directions on his homework. And our kid would've been considered really high functioning, but I'm afraid he's slipped into the next category down so far as independence. I'm beginning to really fear for his future as an adult if we can't nip this in the bud.

You can also get an extended school year written into your son's IEP so that he'll only have something like 3 weeks off for summer vacation. Definitely look into that. The Advocate idea was also a great one as they can help you navigate the system but don't blindly trust anybody- always do your own homework and make the decision to make yourself the expert on your son and his options- legally, academically, and personally. I have heard fabulous success stories, and also head the horror stories. If you do your homework and stay on top of everything, you should be okay though.

Just my opinion! Good luck.

On 2/27/07, Nikki Veltri <veltrinikki@...> wrote:

someone else told me that if all else fails I could be his aide and go to school with them, do you know if that is possible. Have you heard of that?

Avian Rights <avianrights@

gmail.com> wrote:

Where are you located? You have a couple of options depending on your location. Across the board, as I understand it, no matter where you live, if the school cannot provide an equal and appropriate education for your son then they are legally obligated to provide other arrangements to achieve that goal.

Another option is that you can read through 's Law website until you are an expert. And/Or you can hire an advocate.

If they really continue to jerk you around, you can always let them know you plan to bring a lawyer with you to the next meeting, to ensure that your child is the number one focus above all else. Money should never, NEVER be of more importance than your child's education. He needs to be able to get the same as everyone else.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

On 2/23/07, veltrinikki <

veltrinikki@...> wrote:

Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for him. I thought the scool had to provide it if it was in his IEP? Am I assuming wro

March 2, 2007

Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to be

their child's primary teacher of all things. Most of

us have to work, some 2 jobs just to make ends meet

these days. As parents of autistic kids you have to

do your homework and become the advocate for change in

schools that do not provide the necessary tools and

services needed to teach special needs kids. For

instance, knowing the laws for special education on

the federal level as well as the state level can give

any parent ammunition against schools that do not

comply with them and just because it's hard for the

schools to provide the necessary services doesn't mean

they get away with it. For those unfortunate enough

to be involved with noncomplient schools, be strong

and never take no or lack of money excuses for an

answer. Think of yourselves as the pitbull protecting

your kids and all others who will be coming along

behind you. It hasn't been easy from the begining and

I'm sorry to say it will never let up much along the

way, but there's always hope for change and comfort in

knowing there are others like us out there supporting

each other.

The best to you all,

Heidi

--- Priscilla <prisread@...> wrote:

> Every time I read about the problems of families

> with brick and mortar special ed I want to scream.

> We had the same problems and it simply did not get

> any better until we took him out of school and

> home-schooled him. Today I was observing my bright

> autistic son read out-loud in a group of 3 other

> bright autistic children. He is the only one

> home-schooled. The other boys are in " regular "

> classrooms with little to no support because this is

> what the district labels as " inclusion " .... no

> support. My child was the best reader, not because

> he is the brightest, but because he is taught in a

> quiet and focused manner. He has one-to-one

> teaching/tutoring all day long and instead of being

> overwhelmed in the typical classroom, his

> communication and sensory needs are respected. This

> decreases his anxiety and frees up his energy to

> learn. As for the myth re socialization... the only

> socialization kids get in brick and mortars is a

> forced being in the same area. Bullying is a huge

> problem for our kids in the brick and mortars.

> Homeschooling kids have loads of socialization

> opportunities. We just got back from 2 days at a

> water park, mid-week with other homeschoolers. The

> socialization that home-schooled children have is

> usually of a higher quality than what passes for

> socialization in a brick and mortar.

>

> Right now we are with a charter public virtual

> school that provides direct services. We are seeing

> some of the same brick and mortar problems with some

> of the direct service providers. For us, the next

> step is to completely pull him from public education

> (we are already doing the instruction) and fund the

> curriculum ourselves. That's looking better and

> better.

>

> The point is, there are lots of options... don't

> get lulled into thinking that the public school

> sector is the only answer.

>

> Priscilla

>

> ---------------------------------

> No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go

> with for Mobile. Get started.

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March 3, 2007

Thanks Priscilla. Good inspiration. (Where there's a will, there's a way.)

Priscilla <prisread > wrote:> Every time I read about the problems of families> with brick and mortar special ed I want to scream.> We had the same problems and it simply did not get> any better until we took him out of school and> home-schooled him. Today I was observing my bright> autistic son read out-loud in a group of 3 other> bright autistic children. He is the only one> home-schooled. The other boys are in "regular"> classrooms with little to no support because this is> what the district labels as "inclusion".... no> support. My child was the best reader, not because> he is the brightest, but because he is taught in a> quiet and focused manner. He has one-to-one> teaching/tutoring all day long and instead of being> overwhelmed in the typical classroom, his> communication and sensory needs are respected. This> decreases his anxiety and frees up his energy to> learn. As for the myth re socialization... the only> socialization kids get in brick and mortars is a> forced being in the same area. Bullying is a huge> problem for our kids in the brick and mortars.> Homeschooling kids have loads of socialization> opportunities. We just got back from 2 days at a> water park, mid-week with other homeschoolers. The> socialization that home-schooled children have is> usually of a higher quality than what passes for> socialization in a brick and mortar. > > Right now we are with a charter public virtual> school that provides direct services. We are seeing> some of the same brick and mortar problems with some> of the direct service providers. For us, the next> step is to completely pull him from public education> (we are already doing the instruction) and fund the> curriculum ourselves. That's looking better and> better. > > The point is, there are lots of options... don't> get lulled into thinking that the public school> sector is the only answer.> > Priscilla> > AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

March 4, 2007

Unfortunately for most of us who HAVE to work, and are not temperamentally disposed toward a house full of kids during the day that we are at that point not only responsible for therapies, doctors, sensory issues and so forth but to teach them and be confident that they will learn all of what they need to learn - it is just overwhelming. For me, I think, I will (if we are still in the same area) do a charter school for Hope to bypass the horrible middle school that was so problematic for my oldest child - BUT - that will (in my house) create another issue for my ADHD daughter - and the thought of having them together and trying to teach both of them starts a migraine for me - they are completely different. JenPriscilla <prisread@...> wrote: Every time I read about the problems of families with brick and mortar special ed I want to scream. We had the same problems and it simply did not get any better until we took him out of school and home-schooled him. Today I was observing my bright autistic son read out-loud in a group of 3 other bright autistic children. He is the only one home-schooled. The other boys are in "regular" classrooms with little to no support because this is what the district labels as "inclusion".... no support. My child was the best reader, not because he is the brightest, but because he is taught in a quiet and focused manner. He has one-to-one teaching/tutoring all day

long and instead of being overwhelmed in the typical classroom, his communication and sensory needs are respected. This decreases his anxiety and frees up his energy to learn. As for the myth re socialization... the only socialization kids get in brick and mortars is a forced being in the same area. Bullying is a huge problem for our kids in the brick and mortars. Homeschooling kids have loads of socialization opportunities. We just got back from 2 days at a water park, mid-week with other homeschoolers. The socialization that home-schooled children have is usually of a higher quality than what passes for socialization in a brick and mortar. Right now we are with a charter public virtual school that provides direct services. We are seeing some of the same brick and mortar problems with some of the direct service providers. For us, the next step is to completely pull him from public education (we are already doing the instruction) and

fund the curriculum ourselves. That's looking better and better. The point is, there are lots of options... don't get lulled into thinking that the public school sector is the only answer. Priscilla No need to miss a message. Get email on-the-go with for Mobile. Get started. ______________________________________________________________ If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different

drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or faraway. Henry Thoreau

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March 4, 2007

This might be a little overwhelming, but here is a link that might be

useful:

http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/autismblog/archives/2006/09/iep_goals_and_o.h

tml

This site lists sample goals organized by topic. Lots to go through,

but it helps me to go through the list & remind me of areas to be

addressed in the IEP.

Good luck!

March 5, 2007

This is a nice resource. Thank you!

Terri, 's Mom

Re: IEP

This might be a little overwhelming, but here is a link that might be useful: http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/autismblog/archives/2006/09/iep_goals_and_o.htmlThis site lists sample goals organized by topic. Lots to go through, but it helps me to go through the list & remind me of areas to be addressed in the IEP.Good luck!

March 5, 2007

This is a nice resource. Thank you!

Terri, 's Mom

Re: IEP

This might be a little overwhelming, but here is a link that might be useful: http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/autismblog/archives/2006/09/iep_goals_and_o.htmlThis site lists sample goals organized by topic. Lots to go through, but it helps me to go through the list & remind me of areas to be addressed in the IEP.Good luck!

August 25, 2007

Thanks to all who responded with information

March 8, 2008

Dear ,

Vis a vis: Brushing his teeth. Drying his body. Reading directions on his homework. And our kid would've been considered really high functioning, but I'm afraid he's slipped into the next category down so far as independence. I'm beginning to really fear for his future as an adult if we can't nip this in the bud.

From much observation the desire to not be alone (while having put oneself in a lonely world) is part of this). We rate independence far higher than it deserves. Just remembering the verse: 'Take my yoke upon you' isn't saying 'go it alone'. While I certainly understand your fears, I wouldn't worry, but rather offer incentives to doing things side by side, for the meantime.

In a message dated 3/1/2007 10:48:28 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, avianrights@... writes:

I have heard of mothers spending the day with their special needs child and acting as the aide. I suggest that it would be fine for now (in my opinion) but you want to be wary of his growing overly dependant on you in the long run. That's our major concern with our 9yr old is that once he had people to help him out (not a 1:1 aide, but a spec. ed teacher who spent nearly all of her time with him for months and is trying to gradually fade out and it's NOT working), he's no longer able to begin *any* task without an adult right by his side to guide him and explain everything to him. Everything. Brushing his teeth. Drying his body. Reading directions on his homework. And our kid would've been considered really high functioning, but I'm afraid he's slipped into the next category down so far as independence. I'm beginning to really fear for his future as an adult if we can't nip this in the bud.

You can also get an extended school year written into your son's IEP so that he'll only have something like 3 weeks off for summer vacation. Definitely look into that. The Advocate idea was also a great one as they can help you navigate the system but don't blindly trust anybody- always do your own homework and make the decision to make yourself the expert on your son and his options- legally, academically, and personally. I have heard fabulous success stories, and also head the horror stories. If you do your homework and stay on top of everything, you should be okay though.

Just my opinion! Good luck.

On 2/27/07, Nikki Veltri <veltrinikki > wrote:

someone else told me that if all else fails I could be his aide and go to school with them, do you know if that is possible. Have you heard of that?

Avian Rights <avianrights@ gmail.com> wrote:

Where are you located? You have a couple of options depending on your location. Across the board, as I understand it, no matter where you live, if the school cannot provide an equal and appropriate education for your son then they are legally obligated to provide other arrangements to achieve that goal.

Another option is that you can read through 's Law website until you are an expert. And/Or you can hire an advocate.

If they really continue to jerk you around, you can always let them know you plan to bring a lawyer with you to the next meeting, to ensure that your child is the number one focus above all else. Money should never, NEVER be of more importance than your child's education. He needs to be able to get the same as everyone else.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

On 2/23/07, veltrinikki < veltrinikki > wrote:

Sorry to bug everyone again so soon but I just found out my 4YO can't be in his preschool another year he HAS to start kindergarten. A woman on the board told my mom that last night and also told her they haveno funds for an aide for him and we may have a hard time getting that for him. I thought the scool had to provide it if it was in his IEP? Am I assuming wro

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September 17, 2009

>

> Hi Everyone,

>

> Today we had our IEP meeting, and everything went great. When I

> received the OT report last week, and she wanted to discontinue services,

> you all gave me fantastic ideas on what steps to take. I was ready and

> explained why services should be continued, and my issues with the report.

> I did this in a clam manner and everyone understood my concern with it.

> Well, my son will still receive OT support and we are working again on his

> sensory issues. The OT is also going into his classroom each week to

> monitor him. Everything else in the meeting also went really well. My son is

> very lucky with the school that he goes to. I think it helps that the

principle

> use to work with austic children, and she understands my son very well.

> Thanks for all your help.

>

> Jody

Hi Jody;

I just had a CSE meeting with my son's school and I wanted them to change his

Classification to asperger syndrome and they told me the same thing so they put

OHI in classification. They do not recognize asperger syndrome as a disorder.

He also has ADHD. They do have that down also, but as far as asperger they wont

put it on his IEP.

>

March 15, 2010

Hi Dara,

Below is a link of parental rights in the state of Oregon. You should be able

to Google for your state and find something. I work in the school system and

understand your frustration as a parent. You have a lot of rights but sometimes

it's hard to get thing ironed out as much as you'd like. There are sometimes

many kids who need help with not enough staff or funding to support. It helps

to have really cooperative, caring people on the team. Otherwise it can be a

battle. Good luck.

Elaine

http://www.ode.state.or.us/pubs/proceduralsafeguards/k-18/englishk18.pdf

________________________________

From: darabeth2003 <dara.alewine@...>

Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 8:48:16 PM

Subject: [ ] IEP

My 7yo son completed neuropsych testing with a lyme literate psychologist, and

now I have 2 pages of services and accomodations she recommends for him to help

with school performance. My son already has an IEP, developed pre-lyme dx. I

requested an IEP mtg, set for Tuesday, to ask talk to the school about his lyme

dx and request the things on the report be added to his IEP. His team leader

already mentioned to me " we might have to do our own testing " .

I wanted to say, Are you kidding me? I hardly think any testing the school will

do will be as thorough or accurate as the 3 days of testing and 23 page report I

handed you.

But since I have to be diplomatic, at least to start, I am first wondering, does

anyone know what my rights are around this? I know I have a right to outside

testing, which I already have done, but if there is a disparity in test results,

what are my rights?

His teacher already does not implement most of the accomodations that are

already on the IEP. Always an uphill battle. My stomach is already turning at

the thought of this meeting on Tuesday.

Thanks,

Dara

March 15, 2010

Hi Dara,

I went through all of this too with my son. This was pre lyme, when I thought he

had only ocd and tourettes. Your correct in thinking that if the school does

their own testing, it is going to be nothing like the testing you already had

done.They have a right to evaluate your child, but I highlly doubt they have any

LLMD " S to do the eval!!!

I would tell them that they can either go by your LLMD's recommendations or they

can pay for another LLMD of your choice to evaluate your child,therefore it

would be much easier for them to go by the recommendations you already have.

The school is already at fault if they are not implementing what is on your IEP.

Bring all of it to their attention and tape record the entire meeting.

Keep us posted!

Hugs

judy

________________________________

From: darabeth2003 <dara.alewine@...>

Sent: Sun, March 14, 2010 11:48:16 PM

Subject: [ ] IEP

Â