Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group
Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.
I have a 6 year old son in public school. He loves school. He is in the 1st grade, its his 3rd year in school. Not really having a problem with him at school or getting the extra help that he needs in school. I got a letter Friday from the school about all the days that he is so called tardy. He rides the bus everyday and we live 5 mins from the school. My neighbor tells me that she sees him every morning when he gets off the bus at the school. The dates that they put on the letter are the days that I have checked him out for his therapy appts. He used to get ABA therapy once a week then went to every other week and now he doesnt go bc he met his goals with them. He goes to speech therapy once a week since he was 3 with the same office. I have never gotten this letter before. When he was in Pre K, he didnt even go one the day he had therapy bc it was only half days and by the time he got out of therapy, the day was over and the other kids were getting picked up. Last year in Kindergarden, he had his appt in the morning and would miss half the day. When he went to only having to have speech therapy they moved his appt to the afternoon so that he wouldnt miss much school. I pick him up between 210 and 220 to get him to the office by 3 for his appt. He is only missing about an hour of school a week with the new appt and its been this way since oct 2016. I get a note from the doctor and turn it in to the school within 2 days like their rules say to do. But all the dates on this letter are the dates of his appts and it dont make any sense to me bc he is only missing an hour of school a week. I have called both therapy offices to get a copy of all the dates of his appts from august 2016 to now. I am waiting for the school to call me about it bc i sent a note with it asking for them to call me about it bc i have some questions. I am also going to call the school board and see why i am getting this letter when last year he missed more school and he is missing less school this year.
I was just wondering if anyone else has had this same thing happen to them.
Anyway, I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. You are on the right track with getting documentation of his appointments from his medical providers.
Also, you are right to follow up with the school and make them tell you why they have marked him as 'tardy' when they know why he is out of school. Definitely a good idea to keep records (phone log and notes) of your conversations with people (i,e, school, clinic) on this subject.
Good luck.