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Help IEP first timer!!!!! Posted By: 4thekidz
Posted On: 12/21/2007
I have finally started the process to get Evan into Kindergarten. Please don't tell me I should have done it long ago. I know I should have. I can tell this transition of separation is going to kill me more than him. We have been best buddies for the past 6 years. So all said and done he will be going 1/2 day after the holidays. My main question is, how do I go about getting him a one on one aide? I think this will really help him with the transition of me dropping him off. The meeting hasn't taken place yet so it may be they will think he needs an aide before I suggest it. I have been checking different websites to see what the guidelines are but haven't found anything. Any input would be helpful.
Thanks
stephanie
       
shannonj wrote this reply on 12/21/2007
I'm no expert on the process, and every state is different--but I hear that NH has good services and support for kids on the spectrum. If your child has an autism diagnosis, most school systems will provide one-on-one support--but often, you have to insist on it. It may help to provide documentation/recommendation from physicians, speech therapist/OTs....anyone that has worked with your son in the past. In Maine, there is a document (can't remember it now, it has been so long) that was prepared by the state education committee recommending certain supports for kids with autism. Having access to that brought credibility to my case....You may want to check with your state about getting a state appointed advocate (free of charge)...or you may want to educate yourself on the law by paying a special needs attorney to spend an hour or so going over your rights with you---it was the best money we ever spent, because I could then go into meetings and defend my son's rights from the very beginning of the process....Also, a piece of advice that was given to me, and I still think is very valuable--Go into the IEP meetings with a perspective that you are part of a team. View each member with respect and try not to have a chip on your shoulder. Ultimately, you all want the same thing, and more cooperation will come your way when you are more human and less militant.Also, go to www.unlockingautism.org and get in touch with VP, Nancy Cale. She's my mom, so tell her I sent you. She will connect you with another parent in your area who can walk you through the process.Good luck...Shannon

Mom4Autism wrote this reply on 12/22/2007
In CA you can request an IEP any time you feel it is necessary; in our state they have 30 days in which to hold it; if they are unable to hold it they have to ask you to sign a waiver, when our district tried to do this I notified our state capitol and it nevr happened again. ALSO realize that the IEP process can be agonizing and slow, and always gather information to substantiate your request. Low test scores, behaviors, etc. I always sought an outside opinion and paid for out of pocket then compared the two in order to get services for our son; when the cost was high; I'd ask for reimbursement from the district or use it as a bargaining tool for the services. Hiring advocacy was almost a must in 1995; but there are PLENTY of agencies available now that are free. God Bless you and your son on this journey.

RSPCLBOY wrote this reply on 12/28/2007
Been there done that. When our son first started down this road, we had a citizens advocate attend our first couple of IEP's until we figured out what we as the parents needed to do. Anything that is written into the IEP is what the school must abide by. We had a 1/1 aide for our son approx. 5 years, but now he is able to participate and function with verbal prompts. If this is something that you believe he needs, then let them know at the time of the IEP. If he is unable to receive the education that he is rightly intitled to with out the aide, then they must listen to your concerns on this. Good luck and God bless.Darla

michaelb wrote this reply on 12/30/2007
My wife and I are both teachers; my wife teaches special ed. We find that being polite, yet knowledgeable works wonders in the IEP. We have had great relationships with nearly all our sons providers. The ones that were not so helpful we put pressure on, but we had the support of the good providers thanks to a huge effort to work as a team. This included gifts at Christmas too. ;-)Here is a podcast I did with my wife about IEP"s too. http://www.autismpodcast.org/show_notes/show2.htmlHope that helps.

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