School Advice

I will agree that calling another IEP meeting should be the first step, and if you cannot come to agreement with the rest of the team [school] people, then you can pursue due process, at which point I do know some people who have done it without an attorney, but you should at least contact an advocate, I posted those links in a previous message.

Your son's rights for therapies and things are whatever he needs for an "appropriate" education. This of course is open to much interpretation, but you are the main "player" on the IEP team [despite the fact the school believes IT is the main player], and if you cannot reach agreement with the team, then you can pursue due process or other avenue. I can give you ideas about that if you would like, you can send me an email.

==> I really need to get this out or I may have a stroke. First day of school today. I was supposed to have ono to one aide-no aide-they forgot.They dont want to do PECS because he is more verbal-but PECS structure his day and he is much more cooperative with structure-she stated he did his own thing today mostly wandered and explored the classroom.

I will agree with the others here, if it is in the IEP, then enforce it, if it is not in the IEP, call a meeting. Don't let them put you off with "we forgot so we have to hire/train someone", if it is in the IEP, your son is entitled to an aide TOMORROW. They can use their substitute teacher list if they have to, but your son is entitled and it is not your fault they did not have an aide available.

Also, be sure your school is keeping daily data on your son's progress, or at least weekly data, depending on how old is your son. They should have sheets similar to ABA-type sheets, altho modified for school setting, about what activities your son does, how he performs, etc. For the first day it may be okay, but if your son spends the majority of his days "wandering around" and other things, it will show in the data, or they will falsify the data, which if you observe the classroom every once in a while, you will catch, or you will catch because you will find he is unable to duplicate things on the data sheets at home. Write these data sheets [or call them reports] into the IEP.

==> They put a sign on a string around his neck-and could not figure out why he was bothered with it-HELLO tactile issues-I explained this.

This is a violation of most state laws. Kids cannot even have strings on their jackets and play on the playground. What if your son got that neck-string hung on a door handle or something and strangled? You must INSIST that the sign be taped on his back or not used, or see my ideas below.

==> Now the classroom is right by the exit from the school-literally he goes out the door he can turn and exit again-PANIC-the sign on the string was if he got out someone could direct him where his classroom is-GEE he does not care where it is if he gets out he is gone-probably straight for the wheels of a car which still facinate him.

If you agree to have a sign on your son, make it taped to his back or something. But I don't like the idea of singling him out with a visible sign, will this make the other kids shy away from him? Also, what about the predator who sees his name [presumably the sign includes his name] on the sign and says "hey Johnny, let me find your mom with you?" Names visible on kids is not recommended. The school can tape a notice on the inside of his shirt [or you can sew it on the inside] if you believe it is that important that his identity and location be on his person. You can also buy ID bracelets, or put it on his shoelaces, or lots of other ideas.

==> She said they would just close the door and then he cant get out-WRONG-I also made them aware he is very skilled at manipulating locks and doors-and will wait TILL your back in turned and then leave.

Ask them for their "escape" plan IN WRITING for what they are doing for 1. preventing his escape, and 2. in case he does escape. This is very important, and probably should be included in the IEP.

==> I spent countless hours wrighting letters full of information about my son and his habits-no one read them-His IEP-have not read that either or else would have remembered the aide. OK its out-thank you all for reading-and someone please tell me it gets better-Arent they the least bit familiar with autism?

I homeschool because you are right, they don't even read it. Write your letters and send them up the chain, as recommended by someone else here. Ask for their liability policy, in case 1. your son strangles himself on that stupid neck-sign, and 2. your son escapes and is injured. That might put the fear of financial ruin in their hearts.

Here are advocate links for you. Both of these organizations are highly recommended by others I know.

www.protectionandadvocacy.com

www.fcsn.org/ptis/ptilist.htm

I have lists of Special Ed attorneys if you would like an attorney.

Dana

School Advice/Special Ed Proposal