I Am Looking for an Asperger's Advocate to Help Me with Resources for My Son.

Hi S.,
I too have a child with autism. First you can join our yahoo group. I am NOT computer savvy but if you google "MAFEA" That is Mothers Actively Fighting to Eridicate Autism. You will find it. Also www.autismspot.com is a website made by a wonderful couple who have a son with aspergers and there is so much local info on there. Many of us have people to help you with your ARD. DO NOT USE KATHY LUNDE if the name ever comes up. She is trouble and she charges out the gazoo! My son is 7 in the Frisco ISD and we haven't had problems so far but most of the women on our site has. There are many ABA consultants who would help you. It depends on what your issues are with the school. The autism spot site is run by Angie Potter. She is really helpful with the asperger moms.
I believe her email or phone number is on the site. If not, email me back and I will get you hooked up with her or whoever you need. Good luck to you.
L.
____@____.com

I used to work at a non-profit agency near Addison, called Special Care & Career Services. They work with children and adults with disabilities. They are an ECI provider (therapy and services for children 0-3 yo), and there used to be a program that specifically worked with families transitioning into the school system - dealing with ards and such. That program was cut with the budget a few years back, but I think they still have one person employed with them that used to work on that program. Her name is Deborah Purge. The ECI director is Marnie Stone and she would be very helpful too. I don't know if they could provide you with any services, but they may know of someone that can. Call and ask for Marnie or Deborah and just see if they have any resources.
www.specialcarecareer.org

I agree with going to AutismSpot. Angie is one of the nicest people around.

We had someone go with us to our ARD meeting and she did a great job!! She has a wonderful school and summer camp for kids. I am not sure if she still goes to ARD's, but if she doesn't, she can point you in the right direction. Her name is Lesli and here is her website...

http://www.undertheumbrellatx.com/home

Hi S.,
I know how frustrating it can be participating in an ARD and not being able to make an informed-decision about your son's IEP due to not knowing fully what all your rights are as a parent in the ARD process. As some of the previous mom's suggested MAFEA and Autism Spot are wonderful resources. They were both founded by parents with children with ASD. Also, you may find Wright's Law helpful as well. Their website is: www.wrightslaw.com. As for myself I am not an advocate, but I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Autism Specialist who assists parents with making informed-decision about IEPs and the ARD process in general. You can feel free to contact me by phone: ###-###-#### for more information or via my website at www.consulting4childrenonthespectrum.com.

Good luck!!

There is a new book out on Aspbergers called Look At Me by the brother of the author of "
Running With Scissors", it may be helpful, don't know but worth a look to see if he mentions resources.
Good luck.

http://www.fyi.legis.state.tx.us/

Look up your state representative and tell her/him the situation. Make sure they hear from all of you, autism parents. Ask them what they would do in your shoes. Ask them to attend your ARD and you'll be amazed what the schools throw at your child. Look up how much money your district spent in special ed litigation last year and ask them about it. And you probably already know to respond to the "He can't sit" comments with "Then can't sit is an IEP goal - Which OT is going to teach him?" Every complaint gets turned into a goal and dumped right back on their plates.

If you live in Lake Highlands (Rep. Allen Vaught's district), please please contact him. He is very familiar with autism (thank you very much) and claims to have a good relationship with the RISD superintendent.