Ageing out of EI

[mama516/419]

Its difficult to describe my sons condition . He is 2.5 and he " doesnt use language as a tool " in the words of one of hie specialists. He often fakes deaf and has other red flag to Autism behaviors including SPD but hes very social which Im to understand isnt usualy found on the spectrum. He also has no conitive delays . We home school our daughter , she is 4 but I have reservations about homeschooling CJ and he ages out of EI services at 3 ( right now hes in therapy or speach centered play groups M-F ) and our school district is known for being sub standard so Im worried about putting my son in their special ed pre school knowing he wouldnt be able to tell what occured . I havent heard of any special preschools but Im hoping someone else has - or at atleast has some idea what to do
Thank You

[DBZ]

There are preschools that handle special needs quite well, but as far as I know you just have to look for them. Your ST might know some. My DD is going to age out soon too. I want to look into school choicing her to a different district as mine stinks too. Can he talk but just chooses not too? I also want to look into getting private pt, ot, and st after my dd is 3.

[Casha'sMommy]

OP- If I understand correctly you're using a verbal approach to therapy. You might check out what's available here http://www.listen-up.org/oral/provider2.htm I've also heard really wonderful things about music therapy.
And it sounds like you'll most likely end up with an iep? You'll just have another evaluation performed by your local school system and they'll give recommendations for services. Of course, you don't have to ever contact the school system about an eval if you choose not to. They'll probably come to your home for a meeting to let you know what the next step after transition will be and will probably never give you the option of NOT using them for an eval and/or services. However, if you will be using them for eval and services I highly recommend finding a good parent advocate that will attend your iep meetings with you to be sure all laws and such are being followed.
HTH and GL

[PikkuMyy]

Just FYI - being very social doesn't preclude being on the spectrum. Many of my students are very social but have poor typical social skills and don't use their language appropriately socially.

[Lollybrat]

What exactly do you mean when you say the "school district is known for being sub standard"?

Do you mean test scores? Is it that the building is old and not modernized? Or have you heard bad things about the staff? Are you heard this about the school district in general, certain schools in particular, or specific programs at the schools? Have you personally investigated the preschool program through the district?

It is possible for a school district to have low test scores and still have a great preschool program and/or a great special ed program. In some cases this can be due to low performing schools getting extra funding for these programs. And sometimes a school with a really good special ed program has more special needs students, which can affect test scores.

Before you make a judgement about the district's preschool program, it would be wise to talk to the teachers and therapists there, the district's special education coordinator, and the parent mentor (if your district has one). Then you will have a better idea if this program would be appropriate for your child. After that you can look into what other options may be available in your area.

[laurata]

Originally Posted by PikkuMyy

Just FYI - being very social doesn't preclude being on the spectrum. Many of my students are very social but have poor typical social skills and don't use their language appropriately socially.

So True.

I was *convinced* ASD would be ruled out for my son because he makes awesome eye contact with the adults in his life, and is a pretty social kid. However, as he gets older, the gap between his and typical social skills widens and becomes more noticeable. He's making good progress in speech, but needs to be taught, very explicitly and repeatedly, almost all social norms.

We did do the district's spec ed developmental preschool last year. I had some frustrations (eg, he often came home in a soaked pull-up), but overall I feel it was a good experience for us. Our district is pretty middle of the road as far a test scores, etc, but I the employees in the program (on the whole) really care about these kids and want to do what's best for them.

[mama516/419]

honestly I know almost nothing about the preschool program . I havent compleatly ruled them out as far as SpEd goes but the school district is very poor . The high school and middle school have violence problems and a few of the elementray schools have poor test schools and high teacher turn over rates . Theres only basic classes no sports or music or field trips or teeachers staying after for extra help ( my MIL works on the teachers union so we know more about the programs in the higher age levels )

DBZ - How did you find alternitive preschools ? Ive tried Googling them and looking on GreatSchools.org but I havent realy found anything - is there specifc wording I should try?
I am a worried that the social skills wouldnt rule out Autism - his teachers have told he it couldnt be that becouse hes a good sharer and holds eye contact. His ST has been the only one who thinks its ASD .
I m going to go check out that link now thank you

[Birdie B.]

My daughter is only 2, but I am definitely planning to send her to preschool next year so she can receive services. Our neighborhood public school has a reputation for not being very accomodating to visually impaired students like my daughter, so I'm planning to start looking around soon. Our PT has told us about some of the private preschools in town that have openings for pre-K special ed students so they can go for free. I don't know if your son would qualify, but if he is in EI, I think he should. Ask your therapists and see what they can tell you. Or your EI caseworker should be able to help you. Or call the school district office and find out which schools are available. It might be different where you live, but I know here special needs students can go to a school out of their district if it can better serve them. You may have to lobby a bit, but it will be worth it if it's better for your son.

Good luck!