More school questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
More school questions
5
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 12:06pm

I went to see the pre-K class that the school district is recommending for Tom.

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2007
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 2:51pm

Oh Heather, {{{HUGS}}} Sometimes a good cry does wonders. I will lend my cyber shoulder for you to cry on. I don't know what advice to give you, but just letting you know that you can always count on us at this site for the emotional support you need. I thought I read in your other thread that Tom liked the school that he's been going to for the last two weeks. You DS liking his environment is more than half the battle. My DS, he's 5 like Tom. He absolutely HATED the Montessori, but loves his public Kindergarten. He has his challenges; like refusing to do his work and being disruptive during lesson times. But he is eager to go to school, and I like that. May be you can plead with the district that you want to give this new school more time to see if it's right for you, Tom, and the school.

-- Innie

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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 4:08pm

(((((((Heather))))))),


This plcement thing is very difficult. Personally, I wouldn't bother with a class that did not challenge him academically, unless there was a VERY big advantage like brilliant social opportunities, and it doesn't sound like there are. So I think you have narrowed the options down nicely:


1. Tom stays where he is, but maybe with some modifications


2. they set up a HF ASD class.


I think this

-Paula

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 5:04pm

And the saga continues...Sorry to get emotional on you all, but I was

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 5:21pm

This is an age old problem with Asperger kids. They often don't fit anywhere exactly. Academically they can do the work, but socially and emotionally they can't deal with the environment.

The nice thing about IUs is I imagine they are like our SELPA's out here (Special education local planing agency). Our SELPA covers 14 districts so while most kids can be serviced within their district this helps pool resources for those kids who's needs are a bit more specialized. Often if there isn't a good placement within our district, one can be found in a neighboring district and be accessed by being in the same SELPA. Hopefully yours is similar and they can access some more appropriate options for you.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 01-15-2008 - 5:29pm

Heather,

I just went back and read your other reply to me (got buried and I have been at work).

Actually his current program doesn't sound like a day treatment or emotional disturbance program. It sounds more like what my husbands district calls a diagnostic placement. They have a similar classroom that is almost like a triage place. They take kids in for 30-90 days or similar. Get behaviors under control and then figure out where to best place them.

I wonder if instead of something autism specific, if perhaps your district may have what we call a "Non-severe" special education class. Not all states have these anymore but it would be more a special ed class for kids with learning disabilities and such. They are more verbal and social while there academics are usually just a bit behind.

Cait was going to be put into one of these in kindie and it was a language handicapped class. It didn't work for her cause the teacher was a knucklehead but in theory it may be a good kind of option for Tom if you can find a good one.

Mike was in this type of class from 3rd to 5th grade. He was on grade level academically but couldn't handle mainstream classes. There was maybe one or 2 other HFA/AS kids in the class but most had learning disabilities. The academics were just a bit low for Mike but they were able to accomodate him there.

Like Tom, Mike did not fit into any of the district placements so we had to get creative. We found a creative teacher and this placement worked out great for him.

Renee

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