Two formal diagnoses in one week. I recorded my sessions with the Psychologists so that I would be able to transcript this to everyone. Sorry it has taken so long, but that is a LONG conversation and A LOT of information I have to sift through.
Christian and I went back to the psychologist. What we learned about Colin really did not surprise us. However, hearing the actual age equivalents for his development was hard.
Most interestingly, the two psychologists "debated for a few days" on what his diagnosis should be. Colin exhibits a number of social difficulties often found in children exhibiting problems with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). He has a history of engulfing perseverative preoccupations, as well as the social deficits and behavioral rigidity typically found in Asperger's Disorder (AD). He is unusual in that he also continues to show some behaviors more typical of a high level autism. So, after much debate, it was decided that he would be diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome with Residual Autistic Characteristics.
Colin's intellectual functioning and academic knowledge were both in the low average level. He also ranges low average with expressive and receptive speech, manipulating phonological manipulation and speech articulation. Colin does have an average to above average level for his memory.
Colin's emotional development is delayed, with his sense determined by his immediate impulses and desires, but beginning to be influenced by his enduring interests, abilities and beliefs. His capacity to inhibit impulses, regulate emotions, tolerate frustration and delay gratification is poorer than his peers. He is insecure in his attachment due to ASD, with both separation anxiety and a functional/instrumental use of me. Basically, I am here to serve his every desire and whim at the moment he desires it. I have no purpose in life other than to wait and and foot on him.
Besides AD with residual traits of ASD, he has also been diagnosed with severe Separation Disorder and a sensory integration disorder, as well as ADHD.
Soon, the battle between the school district and I will resume. With the diagnosis in hand, advice from the woman across the street (she is a special education teacher in a nearby city) and the fact that I WILL NOT LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THEIR BULL SHIT ANYMORE... Colin SHOULD be going into 1st grade with a special education support team on his side. Should the school district try to deny him, we are prepared to get an advocate and get the Texas Education Agency involved. I WILL NOT let them tell me that he is "too smart" for services and is only able to receive them if he has "educational needs." The bloody diagnosis papers directly state that he needs services.
SSSOOOO.... that's the story of my little guy.
4 comments:
http://idea.ed.gov/
I am almost positive that it is illegal per Federal law that the principal would withhold special education services. Especially since schools are funded for providing those services. Please look at the above website. There are also Q&A portions and people to contact. It is more difficult to get a diagnosis when a child is younger because one of the main alerts to a child's disability is when they are 2+ grades behind. However, he does have a diagnosis and qualifies for services. It doesn't matter if he is Einstein. There will be modifications made to his curriculum through his IEP that will help him to be successful in school. Alternate testing rooms with additional time to complete tasks, less and more purposeful homework, RSP servies, etc. Try it out. If nothing happens, I believe you qualify for a lawyer to represent you at the school. Bring a lawyer in to the school to represent you. Also, you can REQUEST an SST for Colin and they need to respond within 30 days. (I think... I know that is true in Cal.) SSTs are the beginning steps to getting IEPs.
Let me know if I can help in any additional ways. And make sure you set up an appointment with the Special Ed teacher or person at your school. They have to have one. And you can see how to get Colin his IEP.
SSTs are Student Study Teams. It evaluates a child to see why they may not be successful in school... or if there are social delays or behaviors that don't seem consistant with peers at the same developmental stage. They are intended to support a student... even if no disability is present. Any parent or teacher can request an SST. (Again, in CA. Ask Colin's teacher.) The SST is generally the 1st step to an IEP. Since you have a diagnosis... I believe you would request the SST and the school would have 30 days to respond. Keep track of your dates and keep thorough records since time is always the most important element in intervention strategies. At the SST, you would bring the assessment, and his teacher would have to provide feedback. Of course, if he/she knows a diagnosis has been made, they might be more objective and honest in their own record of observations. Colin is academically delayed (you said) so this should be brought out in the SST. The SST is used to make steps to identify strategies, solutions, social/emotional delays, and learning disabilities. If a disability is found, then an IEP is the next step. (Always, no matter how academically delayed or not.)
Good Luck!!!!!! Our school district has been great with Michaels needs, I'm so sorry yours isn't cooperay=ting!!!Give the kiddos hugs from me, and find a way to hug yourself for me too:)
Glad that you got some answers, and I agree with Jen, by law I dont think they can deny him special need education since he has diagnois papers. I hope things get easier for everyone now that you guys have those answers. Hang in there, your one tough momma! :)
Post a Comment