School, IEP, and My wonderful Pys!!!
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| Fri, 06-08-2007 - 3:25am |
Chris had a continuation of an IEP this morning. I had a doc's report saying he has a written expression disorder, visual processing disorder, mood disorder NOS and only "traits" of Aspergers Syndrome.
The school came back with denying him an IEP (two weeks ago) saying his academic test scores were fine(I disagreed with that as the Doc said the scores were in the 70's and the school came back with the 100's regarding written expression and processing), he had no speech problems (I disagreed with that, He has a cluttering/expressive speech problem, along with Receptive speech problems) OT problems, (disagree because his fine motor skills fall very low, one point above below average according to the OT but I guess that one point screws him..... for gods sake he can't even untie a knot in his shorts to change them!)
They didn't test him for sensory intregation, or thought he was fine in the sensory room. I said "duh" you were in a quiet room, just you two and there were no noises or smells going on. The noises, smell and touch are the biggest thing for him... I didn't say duh, but thought it lol.
Anyway this morning I had a parent advocate there with me, the director of special ed came in (we had to fill her in the info). She was great as the "team" explained to her they don't see the autism in the school setting. She said (Bless her heart I wanted to kiss the woman!) that it didn't matter, there were lots of cases of kids with autism that can hold it in and let go once there home (such as in our case with rages, ocd ect....) My son only rages at home and its been that way since he was 3. He is a very different kid outside of the home because he is so rule orientated and responds much better to a school environment.
Anyway, my son started seeing a Pyscologist for his rages and OCD. He agree's with me after seeing chris that his is somewhere on the spectrum, and told me "I know what it is, you know what it is, so I will treat it like it is. Its called Autism.
So I ask him to write up a letter saying what he's treating him for (thinking he will write something about his OCD and Mood Disorder NOS ect...), and low and behold he gave a dx of Autism Spectrum Disorder and he's in his care, and taking Risperadal and Prozac.
I didn't realize he could do that! I thought only Physcologists, Neuro's, and development ped's could do that. (Gawd, see how I still don't know about all of this stuff!!!)
Well THAT letter, along with the Special Ed Director, along with my advocate changed everyones attitude!!!!
When I presented the letter to the Spec Ed Director, she said, "This changes everything as he now qualifies for an IEP under Autism"
OMG I have been fighting this battle with him and the school for 3 yrs!!! But three yrs ago I just thought it was the Dysgraphia. I knew in my heart something else was wrong, but I just didn't know what it was. I eventually learned that Autism was attached to it.
Don't stop fighting for your child...... when you have a gut feeling, stick with it. Its been hard, but FINALLY I feel that he will get the help he needs.
Wow, I feel so good right now. My son will get some help :) I guess God really does move in mysterious ways.
I am not a very religious person, (I am not big in organized religions) but I do believe, and man, after all of this struggle, he sure helped me out today.
Lainie

Congrats, Laineie,
That is terrific news!
Sara
Lainie, I'm so glad that you kept at it and got your kiddo what he needs. It is hard work to keep fighting but so worth it in the end. Way to go!!
Heather
Lainie, I'm so happy for you guys. Its been such a long hard fight. I'm really proud of you for not giving up. You deserve to celebrate!
Samantha
Lainie,
You are such an inspiration to me. You have not been here very long, and yet you fit in rightaway, because you *get* it.
You get it so well because you have been struggling with these issues alone and unsupported for so long. And you held up really well, getting both kids so far along without any support.
And now Chris (and I hope soon Nick) will start to get real recognition and help for his issues! What are you going to do with your spare time? ;)
Your core message is so true tho. Never, ever give up trying to get help for your kid (or yourself). Eventually, the truth will out, and right will triumph over ... hmmm.
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