Aspergers Dx and School Help

[fallenangel811]

My son was diagnosed with Aspergers last month and we are hoping to get him some help through the school. He is not yet in school but we have initiated contact with the school and we have a child study meeting on MOnday afternoon. We were down this road with the school about 2 years ago (before his dx) and had NO luck with the school...Honestly it was a HORRIBLE experience.

Anywy...I know that the school is supposed to assess all areas of "suspected" disability. What areas would be assessed typically with Aspergers? His developmental Pediatrician wants him to get OT and ST through the school along with 1:1 aid and social skills training.

The paper we got from the school today does NOT list an OT as being at the chlid study...is that bad or is it ok that they aren't there?

We won't sign anything without an OT evaluation being listed/done. Also, we would REALLY like for him to have a PT assessment for gait and balance as he falls a lot for his age and by looking at his shoes he does have an odd gait (the shoe wear).

Also, ANY advice for this process would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

Thanks SOOOOOO much!!!

[Emmeline II]

I would ask the doctor if he would write that in a letter for this meeting. I'd also google "special education advocate" for your city. It sounds like you may need one.

[fallenangel811]

The doctor did put it all in writing and the school has a copy of it, so we are covered there..

[Rose-Roget]

The doctor can put in writing his or her recs, but that is not a mandate for the school to follow.  If you'd like OT and PT eval's then ask for them - the school won't argue about assessing these areas.  Now, whether they qualify him in those areas is harder to say.  I think usually the EI therapists are more apt to get involved rather than just make accommodations.  Make sure you tell them specifics about what you see as issues and would like evaluated, in addition to their regular battery of tests. 

[fallenangel811]

Is the fact that they aren't having an OT at the child study a bad sign that they aren't going to listen at all to the report?

When we did this last time there was a SLP at the child find but he was never evaluated further in that area as he has a great vocabulary, etc. On the surface he seems great in that area, but when you are with him all the time, you know there are differences...

[KCMichigan]

Originally Posted by Rose-Roget 

The doctor can put in writing his or her recs, but that is not a mandate for the school to follow.  If you'd like OT and PT eval's then ask for them - the school won't argue about assessing these areas.  Now, whether they qualify him in those areas is harder to say.  I think usually the EI therapists are more apt to get involved rather than just make accommodations.  Make sure you tell them specifics about what you see as issues and would like evaluated, in addition to their regular battery of tests. 

I agree. School evals have to show that the disability impacts education. A students with a disability (such as Aspergers) may not qualify for an IEP but could absolutely get a 504. If he is on grade level, unless his behavior is very disruptive- they may not offer services. He would have to be a certain amount behind. Even then, they may require alternative interventions (tiers) before offering and IEP, schools are moving toward this route called RTI. It has school implement a series of interventions before qualifications for an IEP. Not all schools use this method, but it is gaining popularity. 

IEP would be ideal, but testing would have to show that the disability negatively effects his education. The school will offer ST  & OT based on what they find in the eval. You can argue it and request an independent eval.

 A good SLP will test for pragmatics, receptive and expressive language--as well as articulation and vocabulary. Students that have Aspergers often have the hardest time w/ pragmatics--- although with a 5 yr old --a delay in the area of pragmatics may not be great enough for services. 

You can request an OT/ST or anything else at the child study team. That (ST/ OT)team member may not attend child study meetings (ours dont). Some work very very large areas and are only at certain schools on certain days or times and due to time constraints do not attend child study meetings. They most likely (if they are involved in the evaluation) would attend an eligibility determination meeting (for an IEP).

As PP said, I would get a local advocate to make sure his needs are met- esp. if you had a negative experience before. In my experience, schools are reluctant to do 1:1 aides for the most part (depending on the school/area). You can get OT/ST and social skills through a 504, but it is harder than if an IEP is in place.

It also plays into if you are attending public schools, homeschooling, etc. Different states have different laws for homeschool, private schools, etc.

I hope it goes well and you get the services you would like for your son.

Do you have private insurance or a local ASD center that will also offer services??

[Emmeline II]

Are you able to do private services?

[Linda on the move]

Great posts already! For physical stuff, check into regular programs for kids, such as classes at the Y. School has a role to play, but they can't do everything. Swim lessons, gymnastics, etc can take the place of some pt and finding alternative ways to meet needs let's you focus your work with the school on things you can't easily do elsewhere.

My dd (also an aspie) has received services through school, though our insurance, we paid for things out of pocket, and she's been in tons of community programs.