IEP For Special Education

I read a blog called Friday Playdate on a regular basis, and her son also has Asperger's Syndrome (you'll have to read more of her bio to get his background). She seems to be up on the latest educational information and occasionally discusses relevant books on the subject. I also found an article she wrote at http://www.mamazine.com/Pages/column122_aid16.html. Her blog is at http://fridayplaydate.blogspot.com/. She writes about a lot of different things, but she might be able to steer you in the right direction if you shoot her an email. I hope this is helpful!

There are some wonderful classes given out at the ARC center off West Avenue with the Partners Resource Network with Nana Knowles in regards to the IEP Special Education or through the MELD support group. Nana or Candy could share this information.

Here is there contact information-

Nana Marie Knowles
Regional 20 Coordinator, TEAM Project

Partners Resource Network, inc

###-###-####

1-877-832-8945
____@____.com

www.partnerstx.org
You may reach Candy who also advocates, part of the team at ###-###-#### and could fill you in with further information.

Another would be to contact Region 20, they to could assist with anything to do with Special Education and have some wonderful workshops for parents or have any questions in regards to Special Education.
Cindy Miller or Robin Snow.

I would also like to share that there is a wonderful conference out in Austin this month June 27th & 28th, right on the outskirt of it, you will leave with a wealth of information advocating for your son, what programs, services, so much more. Networking among other parents who are right along on this journey or have been there.
http://www.txp2p.org/

It is overwhelming but know you are not alone.

I am a parent who's child is under the autism spectrum who attends the NISD.
Once school is in session, make sure to get a parent training schedule for the school year, there is an Autism Resource library.
NISD parent Liaison is Alice Slavin, she too would be wonderful to contact once school is in session for any resource information.
NISD Special Education Parent Coordinator
N. Reddix Center
4711 Sid Katz
SAT 78229
____@____.com

If you have not sign up or aware.

Title: Any Baby Can Asperger's Support & Education Group
Time: 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm
Repeats: This event repeats every month on the third Tuesday
Location: 217 Howard, San Antonio, TX 78212
Notes: To get on the mailing list please call or email Hugo Hernandez at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com dinner and childcare provided. Please call to reserve childcare.

The Autism Society of Greater San Antonio support group has is a yahoo group list to sign up for whatever resource information or a shoulder to lean on.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/autismsocietysa/

Mark your calendar if able to get away for the
Annual Texas State Conference on autism
December 4-6, 2008
Arlington Convention Center
Arlington, Texas

Hosted by: ESC-Region 2

For the latest conference information please visit: www.autism.esc2.net or contact Dina Garcia-Hinojosa at ###-###-#### or ____@____.com

Stipend are available, could be limited paid through the school district only for the conference.

My Best,
I.

"It's A New IDEA" is the best comprehensive Special Ed guide for parents that I have ever seen. The Arc of Texas and Advocacy Inc. are the ones who wrote it and you can get it online at: http://www.thearcoftexas.org/resources/NewIDEA2005.pdf.

If you have problems at the ARD and need assistance down the road, definitely contact The Arc of Texas or Advocacy Inc. because they often represent parents of children with disabilities. Also, Parent 2 Parent (P2P) does all sorts of educational conferences and provides support to parents of kids with disabilities. They're having a conference in Austin June 7-9 and have a full one-day Wrightslaw seminar (on the 7th) on Special Education law.

Hope that helps!
A.

Hi C.,
Omigosh, my 5-yr old AS son is going to Kinder in the fall. My ARD was delayed until the beginning of the year be/c he is still in diapers. My sole purpose this summer is to potty train him. So many of his issues were resolved by taking him off gluten, casein, food dye, preservatives, artificial flavors and chocolate. His teachers were amazed at his progress. I wish I could recommend a book, but I think my challenges may be different from yours. Anyway, I thought I'd say hello and wish you the best.

p.s. My son is also the sweetest, quirkiest, funniest human I've ever known. People feel "sorry" for me, but I think I'm doubly blessed. We both are!

Dear C.,
My advice to you is to look up the NISD's website, www.nisd.net. There you can hit the hotlinks button; then hit departments; select special ed. There is a NISD Special Ed. home page that features info. on services, parent info. and there is also a number to call for more information.
As a future educator, I can tell you that parental involvement in a child's education is just as important as anything taught or learned in a classroom. Please call the NISD as soon as possible and express your concerns. Believe me, their staff is wonderful and willing to help. Two of my friends are school psychologists/diagnosticians for the NISD, and not only are they highly trained and educated, they are
both moms who love children!
Don't worry...any questions you have during your son's IEP will be answered! Also, just FYI...do you know that the saluatorian of Marshall High School Class of 2006 was a product of NISD's special education dept.? (It was either the saluatorian or valedictorian)

Best of luck to you and your son,
J. R.

C.,
Congratulations for wanting to educate yourself to better meet your child's educational needs! First of all, I would recommend that you know what all the "letters" mean (IEP, AS, LRS, ESY, IDEA, etc.). Sometimes at these meetings, the team will through out all these letters and forget that not everyone has them all memorized. This would help very much. I also want to let you know that YOU are also going to be drafting the IEP WITH the teachers in August. The entire committee is responsible for determining the goals and objectives for your child, and that does include your input. Most of the time, the teacher(s) will come to the table with some goals in mind already. Listen and take good notes. If you want to add something or aren't sure about something - ASK! Too many times, parents are intimidated sitting around a table with a group of 5 or 6 "professionals" that they don't ask enough questions. If they recommend a special kind of therapy or tool to help your child, then the school will need to provide it. Make sure you understand where your child will be during the school day: is he going to be in a traditional kindergarten most of the day? all of the day? only part of the day? not at all? Have in mind how you feel (based on what you know about his needs and what would be best for him)about where he should be spending his time during the day.

They also may want to know specific things from you about how to make your son most comfortable and receptive to learning (due to his SI issues) - so come with a few things you do at home that seem to work jotted down. So, come with notes and questions, and be prepared to take notes. When you leave the ARD, they'll send you copies of the meeting, but its always good to have your own notes.

I have found the website: ed.gov to be helpful.

A book I would recommend is: The Complete IEP Guide: How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child By Lawrence M. Siegel

The following article is from about.com:
7 Steps To Being Your Child's Best Advocate:

1. Positive Parent/Teacher Relationships
Positive interactions between parents/teacher is best for your child. Both parties need to ensure the child comes first and that the goals for the child are key and shared. Share your views, offer advice and become a good working team. Make shared decisions about the child's goals. Touch base often, share concerns in a friendly manner always anticipating outcomes.

2. Be Well Informed About Your Child's Needs
Learn as much as you possibly can about your child's needs. Find out what the best practices are and how your child's needs are best met in the school setting. Ask good questions! Find out who the organizations and professionals are regarding the needs of your child and learn as much as you can. Learn about the issues and controversies and be practical. Sometimes our expectations can be high but they also need to be practical and manageable.
3. Be a Note Taker
Keep good records. Keep a running diary/journal of all correspondence you have with the school staff, organizations, support services, phone calls etc. A record of all verbal and written dialogue will help you to become an expert on your child's program and needs. It will provide you with review type information and can be used to persuade school staff to follow through with verbal commitments and take you seriously because you are on top of things!!!

4. Know What Records the School Is Keeping
Always ask for copies of records or information that is kept in the student's file at school. Make sure you have all letters, documentation, program plans, conference notes and anything else pertinent to your child's education. Make this a part of your record keeping.

5. Ask Questions
Be candid, if you don't understand terms being used, ask for clarification. Make sure you completely understand the process, procedures, planning and interventions being discussed on behalf of your child. Getting the answers to the questions you may have will avoid any sense of frustration.

6. Include Your Child
The whole process is about your child. Talk to your child, your child's point of view is very important, he/she should not be left out of the loop. His or her feelings are extremely important.

7. Remain Positive and Think Positive
Sometimes this is the most difficult step. How do you get positive outcomes? Certainly, it isn't by becoming aggressive. Build a productive working team by remaining positive, it's your best method to getting those positive outcomes. You can be assertive but know the difference between aggression and assertion. It will help to build a two way trusting relationship. Remember: anger, hostility, aggression and frustration will not be productive in ensuring the best program is in place for your child. 2-way trusting relationships will maximize your child's benefits.

Best of luck to you! Hope you have a great school year!

I do not know what AS is but my son has been attending PPCD ( speach and social delay) He attends Howard in the Alamo Hieghts school district. WHen I first reguster him was told of my rights as a parent. Basicly by state law the school your child attends can not place him in a heavily restricted class. IE basicly my son is to be placed in the less restrictive class setting that he can handle socially and educationally.

I had to sign a packet that stated if I did not like what was going on, or did not want him tested for anything specificlly I had the right to with draw him from the program with a 30 day written notice.

I was also advised of a child advocate chapter in my area for child with special needs.( If you feel like you need that, will be happy to look in our records for that information)

Also has your son seen a developmental doctor? ( my youngest has sensory issues also and we discovered them with the help of Easter Seals, he is going to a developmental doctor for testing for autism).

If you have all that info take a deep breath exhale and rember you are your childs advocate. My eldest boy did not talk and socially was delayed. The best I could hope for as a parent is to understand him and after this past school year have seen that happen and then some.

I don't know much about the school system end of your question, but I do know of a book that my sister really liked. My nephew has AS and SID also- he is a wonderful, sweet boy too. I don't remember the author, but the book is called "The Out of Sync Child"- my sister liked it alot and also my mom, my sister's MIL- basically all of the family members who at first thought my sister and her husband were just "not disciplining Eli enough." I hope it is helpful for you.

I have experience with the Northside School District, my son is 3 and does speech therapy at Northwest Crossing. I have found this particular school district to be really great. They know I want to homeschool and they have given me "homework" so I can be proactive at home also.

Two close friends of mine have children who have Asperger's. They joined some online groups for support and information. If you would like, message me with your email address and I will pass it on to them asking them to contact you. I'm sure they will be more than helpful!

As a regular ed teacher I can only tell you to talk to the special education teachers at your son's school. All that language is overwhemling to me, I can only imagine how it would be to a parent. Good luck and please try to remember that in most cases the teachers and administrators are on your side and will be doing the best they can, but you have the most say in the matter.

Hi C.,
My 3 year old (almost 4) year old daughter is visually impaired and had to start school last year when she had JUST turned 3. It was very scary and emotional for me to go thru that, I know where you are at. My only saving grace is that my husband is also visually impaired so we knew what to ask and what should be expected from the school district. I husband is very familiar with disability agencies and I shared your story with him. He asked me to give you this information so that you can get some help regarding this. You can call Lucila Lozano at ###-###-#### x144. She works at El Paso Rehab Center of El Paso. She will help you or hopefully will be able to re-direct you to someone who can. Please let her know that Rene Jamis refered you to her. Good luck and God Bless.
R.

The best website for LD information is Schwablearning.org. Also if possible, connect with other parents in NISD which children in SpEd for advice in dealing with the school district.

I'm coming from the teacher's side - 10 years in the classroom, now a SAHM and LD tutor.

The purpose of all the laws, and the IEP, is to make sure that the school can / does construct an environment for your son that is most conducive to his learning. There are laws in place saying that the school system has to do it at their expense, and that you can sue them if they don't - in addition, you and your experts (your expense) have the right to be present and to weigh in when decisions are being made - the purpose of the IEP.

IEPs are for special ed (from gifted to severe/profound), 504 is for kids who aren't special ed, but aren't regular ed either - i.e. a child who is absent a lot for asthma, and needs extra time to make up work, or a child who has ADD or dyspraxia and needs reduced or modified assignments, without a significant change in difficulty.

NCLB on the other hand, exists to try to make sure that all the accommodations don't result in the loss of the education - that they don't make it so easy on your son that he doesn't learn anything.

From the way that you describe your son, it sounds like his IEP would need to include OT (for the Sensory Integration) and maybe a Behavioral Intervention Plan - I have relatively little experience with Asperger's kids - just enough to know they run a spectrum from 'almost normal' to 'almost autistic' - but some benefit from a quiet space in the room to which they can retreat when the classroom is too much (an ISS cubicle and a set of headphones work well for some), some need a (pre)meltdown time out - sometimes teachers need to remember not to raise their voices - etc... that's all stuff that can be put into an IEP / BIP.

The thing as a parent and as a teacher that I would be most wary about in kindergarten is too many accommodations - you want your son to learn, to the limit of his ability, to function in a social environment. The only way to find the limits is to test them. You don't want an overly extensive BIP to get in the way of academic skills, and unless there's a whole lot you're leaving out, you don't want him in a self contained classroom (where he'd be the most social kid there).

In my district, I know parents can specify in their IEP that it will be revisited every 6 months for the first two years - so that minimal accommodation (for maximum education) can be reached - while at the same time ensuring their child is receiving everything they need.

This site is not my favorite: http://www.schwablearning.org/ because I feel like it leans too far in favor of accommodating over educating - and reduces the professionals who are supposed to help your child develop into free babysitters, but they have a lot of information about special ed law.

Feel free to message me if you need - any more information will have to come from my sister, though - she's an MEd Spec Ed with 15 years in the classroom.