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.
My daughter is a 5 1/2 yr. old who is Autistic, and still non-verbal. Currently she is in a very expensive private school (which fortunately is mostly paid for by our insurance) for kids with Autism. However, we are not at all happy with her lack of progress. Also, she is not receiving speech therapy or Occupational therapy at this school, which is another thing we are really unhappy about.
We are considering our school districts "Autism classroom". In some ways I thought it looked good. The problem is that ALL the kids in the class are verbal, and my daughter is not. When we visited, the teacher had the kids sit on the floor and she was in the front of the room. She would ask question like "Today is Wednesday. Can anyone tell me what day tomorrow is?" and for ex. "What is the weather doing outside today? Is it sunny or is it rainy?" and then a student was supposed to raise their hand if they had an answer (and many of them did). WHAT is my daughter supposed to do in a situation like this when she is non-verbal?
I think (and hopefully you agree) that the PRIMARY FOCUS of her education should be teaching her to communicate. For ex., putting a lot of emphasis on things like sign language, PECS, & learning to use a keyboard. I also think she should receive more hours of speech therapy per week than a student who is verbal. My husband and I have had a lot of meetings with the school dist. to discuss her IEP. I think some things need to be added to her IEP, and that's what I need advice on, for those of you who might have had some experience with this. The district says that what they have to offer is "free and appropriate". While it is free, it is NOT appropriate, at least not for my daughter. We are considering seeking legal help (Just getting advice and having them write letters). I thought I would try this first.
I appreciate any advice anyone may have
Thanks,
Wendy
We are considering our school districts "Autism classroom". In some ways I thought it looked good. The problem is that ALL the kids in the class are verbal, and my daughter is not. When we visited, the teacher had the kids sit on the floor and she was in the front of the room. She would ask question like "Today is Wednesday. Can anyone tell me what day tomorrow is?" and for ex. "What is the weather doing outside today? Is it sunny or is it rainy?" and then a student was supposed to raise their hand if they had an answer (and many of them did). WHAT is my daughter supposed to do in a situation like this when she is non-verbal?
I think (and hopefully you agree) that the PRIMARY FOCUS of her education should be teaching her to communicate. For ex., putting a lot of emphasis on things like sign language, PECS, & learning to use a keyboard. I also think she should receive more hours of speech therapy per week than a student who is verbal. My husband and I have had a lot of meetings with the school dist. to discuss her IEP. I think some things need to be added to her IEP, and that's what I need advice on, for those of you who might have had some experience with this. The district says that what they have to offer is "free and appropriate". While it is free, it is NOT appropriate, at least not for my daughter. We are considering seeking legal help (Just getting advice and having them write letters). I thought I would try this first.
I appreciate any advice anyone may have
Thanks,
Wendy
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I have 3 kids. 24. 17. 15. My 17 yr old has become super defiant. He and his 15 yr old sister have on their own decision stopped going to their dads because he and his household is so toxic.My 15 yr old and myself feel like we have to tip toe around my son who is 17. And physically towers over us and out weighs us. He has become emotionally abusive and on the verge of becoming physically...
I had a real problem with getting the school district to use that, but it was because they are unwilling to do anything other than the only thing they are. If she is not getting speech and OT then she may need to have that as an insurance expense. I had to pay to get the correct help because the school did not know they are required to, and getting a lawyer is an option I tried out. Mediation may be a good solution if you can get a good attorney.
Oliver really did well in private integrated school. He had speech onsite 4 times, that I provided, and the teacher is really trained in OT and Yoga. They did sign language with all the kids, and that really helped too.
The issue with appropriate is you have to prove it, and I found out that the people who you need to prove it to are not willing to listen.
I would ask them to let her try it and have a meetting in a few weeks after the school starts, and they will have real data and then you can advocate for her needs. Step by step, bit by bit. She will get it and enjoy school, or you will have another option at the perfect time.
Good Luck!
I know it's difficult and I wish I had some better advice to give you. But even though you may not get everything you want right away do not give up. Also, asking qustions about how specific things are being addressed is sometimes helpful.
I hope you are able to get the services that will allow your daughter to reach her potential.