that is the reason for extended school year (esy) but this is what you do, keep a very close eye on him during school breaks, and even this summer if he doesnt show any regression during school breaks. i save all of adams work, which is what i will use for esy this year, he does regress acedemically and i can prove it. make usre the goals are measuable, and -the method of evaluation should NEVER say TEACHER OBSERVATION alone, it should also say - data collection (samples of the school work) tests/teacher made tests. some gaols can only be observed, but most can be tested and should be. i would love to see a copy of the IEP, how old is he, what grade? oh, and what is the placement? what class will he be in, general education or a contained room with going to (specials (art, music, pe) with the general ed class? did you have them put in writing that he will go on field trips with his peers? you can do that and they can not deny it and if he needs an adult with him during the field trip THEY have to provide that, not tell you that you or your wife has to go in order for him to go. ok, i will stop now, this is a soapbox i have a hard time getting down from, lol!

Hi, we are in a similar position so I have done a bit of reading on the issue. I really think you have to have a copy of your state's ESY standards. I too have heard that business about how you must have data showing that your child has regressed during past breaks, but I think there is some thought that other factors should be considered as well such as a) window of opportunity to learn emerging skills (I think with autism this is especially important b) Child's rate of progress (I actually know of one non-verbal preschool child who didn't get ESY because he met his goal of being able to use scissors, hold a pencil, etc!). In our case, our school does have a summer class but only for quite low-functioning students and with our HFA child's tendency to mimic it was clear to me that I could press for him to be put in the class but it probably wouldn't do much for him. Instead I asked if he could come in on one day and get speech and OT with the other kids. The IEP team seemed to be more amenable to that. We'll see... I really encourage you to google "wrightslaw columbo strategy" for how to get the school to say yes after having said no. Best of luck to you!