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[doreenc68]

That time of the year is here again. IEP meeting time. I believe Jake's meeting will go without incident. He is doing so very well; I have almost no concerns. I would even be receptive if it's decided that he doesn't really even need an IEP for next year. He doesn't need adaptive PE anymore; I think his fine motor skills are age appropriate now

Comments

[neat_rox]

I agree. IEPs are hard. Two of my boys have them. My oldest for GATE and of course Daniel's for all of his difficulties. It always amazes me about how many people attend Daniel's. I think last time everyone came, and that was 6 plus my hubby and me. Luckily, we all agree on what services Daniel needs and we all know he's a challenge. We had his about 6 weeks ago and it was hard to put in more hours in the resource room for him because he's struggling with academics. His IQ tested within average range (even a little low) but we were amazed that he even took the tests with his anxiety problems.

Peer communication and social/emotional goals were put into his IEP as well as speech and OT. Language expression and pragmatics are difficult for him and so is writing, so those goals were there also.

How frustrating that the teachers aren't seeing what is clear to you and other professionals. Maybe they're seeing success only because all of the special goals have been in place for him. Discontinuing the services will cause Andrew to backslide. Don't they want to keep the success and build on that? I feel your frustration. I say if they try to pull services away, call another IEP meeting and makae sure your pediatrician, psychologist, and speech pathologist all attend. Maybe they'd take notice then. There are laws out there (unfortunately I can't help on that end) that will help you advocate for your son.

I'm glad to hear that you've got a great school counselor and hope they'd be willing to work with Andrew. Your psychologist sounds like she's got some great ideas.

I can't wait for summer break. When do you get out? We're out the Friday before Memorial Day. Can you believe how early that is? I guess it is nice, but it does suck starting school in mid-August. I'm just hoping for more self-control and less explosiveness for Daniel this summer. We just need some more therapy sessions to figure out how to make it happen.

My third is also the most typical of my three. He takes more after his oldest brother, who isn't an easy kid because he's a freakin genius and bored with everything life has to offer him. My youngest isn't quite that bad yet, and finds joy in everyday life and living. I think he's going to be the good ol' average run of the mill kind of kid. Easy going, yet sensitive and sweet. My baby will be 6 next month! Arrrgh. It goes too fast.

Take care! (((()))))

[doreenc68]

Thanks for the understanding! One thing I want to clear up though, is that Andrew will be entering Kindergarten this fall, so does NOT have an IEP in place this year. All the services he's received in the past have been privately based, not through the school. He started off in First Steps (Indiana's program for kids 0-3 yrs who have greater than 20% delay in speech, physical and/or developmental abilities). When he was 3, he was tested by the school system, and found not to need services at that time, which didn't surprise me. After that, upon the doctor's advice, we sought our own OT for him. He made great progress with this sensory issues during that time, and was discharged. The anxiety/OCD-like issues and rages remained troubling though, and then our doctor referred us to the doc in Indianapolis. It was that doc that gave him the HFA diagnosis this fall, and told us to seek support services from the school as well. Also, during that time, the neuropsychologist here in town recommended Andrew see a psychologist regularly. This psychologist saw his pragmatics issues and recommended the private speech evaluation/services. So this HFA diagnosis is why the school system performed their psychoeducational battery on him this winter/spring. So, services aren't being taken away in Andrew's case, they are determining whether he qualifies for services. Our school system's special ed co-op is getting sued for quite a bit of money from at least 2 families with HFA kids, so I think this is why they are reluctant to provide services to these HFA kids--it comes down to money.

Summer break for us starts May 31! Can't wait! Wow you guys are out the week before--enjoy! We'll start next year on the 15th of August--too early. Like you, I'm hoping for a summer with less anxiety/meltdowns. Keep our fingers crossed.

My youngest, almost 4 years old, started T-ball this Monday. He looked so cute in his uniform! He can't hit the ball that well yet, but playing short stop, he was ready and paying attention!

We've actually had a pretty good week with Andrew. He even played something other than dinosaur with his brother. That's a first!
Take care--hugs to you!

[neat_rox]

Thank you for clearing up my misunderstandings. I'm sure with all of the experts that you've seen, the school is bound to listen and hopefully will determine the best services for Andrew. My son also attended a 0-3 program here and received OT and SLT services through them. Then he transferred to the preschool through the public schools for 3 years, also getting OT and SLT services. These services continued for kindergarten and part of 1st grade and then they added time in the Resource Room and psychological consulting. On his IEP, he is labeled as "Developmentally Delayed" which was what was from the original diagnosis when he was three. I'm told that we won't change that until he is 9 (which comes up in November). From there, I don't know if they'll switch it to "Speech/Language Impaired" or "Autism Spectrum Disorder". Maybe it will depend on what is causing him the most difficulty at the time. In any case, he'll still receive services and probably will throughout his whole academic life. I hope that Andrew can get OT at least through your school.

It sounds like your school district is a bit gun shy when it comes to autism. I'd think that they'd make sure to give services so that they don't get sued for ignoring a child.

My youngest also began T-ball and is on a team called the "Raptors". This is his second year of playing and he loves it so much They are so cute out there on the field, aren't they?!

This has been the first week that things have been okay with Daniel. I am wondering if it is the new medication, Concerta, that he's been on now for 2 weeks. He has been less explosive and more focused. There have been a few bumps along the way but nothing like the daily mood swings we were on. I'm glad Andrew is doing well also.

hugs back!

Danise

[doreenc68]

Went to T-ball again last night, and yes they do look so cute out there! On his turn up at bat, David hit the ball, and then insteade of running to first base, he chased after his ball! LOL He had all the spectators laughing! When he's out in the field, he's always in the "ready postion", crouching with hands on knees. Too cute! His 4th birthday is Thursday, and he's having a party with 5 of his little friends. Lightening McQueen theme.

Hope Daniel is still doing well on his Concerta. I'll always go for less explosive! Andrew's doing pretty well too this week.

[neat_rox]

Cute and funny story!

My Carter's birthday is next Wednesday and we'll have a LEGO themed party for him a week from Saturday. I hope David had a good time at his party!

And Daniel has been awesome on his new combination of meds. Glad Andrew is good.