Anyone have a child in mainstream public school 'self contained classroom'?

[Rik-E]

   My son is 7 with sensory disorders and aspergers (acknowledged but undiagnosed as we are still waiting for him to get an appt for evaluations) & in first grade. He is very bright & advanced in academics. But also does not process emotions, especially fear or hurt feelings, and is socially oblivious.

  Until this year he was home schooled in a loose natural learning style. This year a new charter school opened up & we managed to get him in. It is a waldorf style school & wonderful!!! For the first half of the year school was going great. Because he does has SN he was evaluated by the sped staff & found that he did qualify marginally for services but was doing so well he did not need them. 

   In the last 2 months everything has just gone down hill with him at school. He is not eager to do his work anymore. He spends a lot of time not participating, just watching the class. He cowers in corners. And what is really making the school principle upset -- he does not speak to the staff when he is traumatised or overwhelmed & runs away / hides in small corners of the room. So basically she (principle) is threatening to kick him out since the small charter school does not have a 'self contained classroom' for him to be in.

  As i understand it a 'self contained classroom' is basically a sped class with a special teacher, several aids, only about 8 kids, and therapy equipment. Which would all be awesome --- except it would mean him attending a mainstream crappy public school!  Ugh. Both my husband & I feel that he would not benefit from the local public schools mainstream education. Not to mention the teaching in basic public school of things that contradict our beliefs in certain areas & the bad influences of other kids he would be exposed to. (in the charter school most families are similar to ours & I have met the majority of them personally).

   Has anyone had experience with thier SN kids in a basic public school?  Especially a child with aspergers or a 'runner'. And we are in Alaska so if you ahve any input on this particular state that would be great!

Thanks for any insight, ideas, or help you can offer!

[DaughterOfKali]

My son is just like yours (Aspergers with major sensory issues; a Runner; and has ADHD. All diagnosed by a Clinical Neuropsychologist.)

He's now in a self contained classroom in a public school.  However, they make him go to 'specials' (art, gym, music, lunch, etc) with the mainstream classroom.  He's overwhelmed and it's NOT working.  We've hired a lawyer (already tried mediation and that didn't work) to come to the IEP meeting this month.

There may be some good Self Contained classrooms that are within a public school.  My son's isn't one of them.

Do you think you can get an Education Advocate?  I would recommend that to start with.  Best of luck!

[Rik-E]

Thank you!!!! 

Really, thank you for the input.  I know no one to ask about this. There is a local resource where I can get an advocate if need be.

Originally Posted by DaughterOfKali 

My son is just like yours (Aspergers with major sensory issues; a Runner; and has ADHD. All diagnosed by a Clinical Neuropsychologist.)

He's now in a self contained classroom in a public school.  However, they make him go to 'specials' (art, gym, music, lunch, etc) with the mainstream classroom.  He's overwhelmed and it's NOT working.  We've hired a lawyer (already tried mediation and that didn't work) to come to the IEP meeting this month.

There may be some good Self Contained classrooms that are within a public school.  My son's isn't one of them.

Do you think you can get an Education Advocate?  I would recommend that to start with.  Best of luck!

[karne]

I'm wondering what's happened in the last 2 months?  Your report sounds like everything was going well until this dramatic shift.  Is there a trigger you can point to?  It's a shame to have had a good year and end up with the principal threatening to expel your child.  I'm sorry.  If you are committed to the school, are there any ways to work with staff/principal to have more support for your son?

My suggestion, if you haven't already done so, is to visit the school or schools that may be an option for your ds, meet with staff, guidance, spec. ed., if needed.  Present your concerns and see what the school has to say.  What would his day look like?  Is it a given that your ds would need a self contained classroom?  It may not be so in a school with more resources?

Changing schools is tough, but it helps to really look at your options, look at your sons needs and figure out what the best fit would be, and where the appropriate resources are.

[Lollybrat]

My son is 6.5, almost 7 and in the first grade. He has high-functioning autism with hyperlexia, dyspraxia, and sensory issues. Additionally, he is academically advanced. He presents a lot like aspergers, except that his language is more impaired. He also has a mild visual impairment.

Last year, for kindy, DS was in a self-contained autism classroom. This was a mixed grade K-2 class where all the children are high functioning and have goals toward mainstreaming. It is a very small class with 6-8 students, a teacher and 2 aides. The speech therapist and OT also wotk with the class in a group setting, as well as providing individual services. He also spent time in the sensory room every day. DS thrived in this class. He was the only K student that year, but becuase he is academically ahead, he did a lot of work with the 1st graders in the class. This allowed him to learn how to take instruction in a group, how to work collaboratively, and how to . He also learned how to work independently and complete assigned tasks without needing a teacher to guide him at each step.

This year, DS is partially mainstreamed. He is in the regular first grade classroom in the morning and the autism classroom in the afternoon. He also joins the regular first grade for misic and art. (But not gym - he was removed from first grade gym for running too much. He does get Adaptive Physical Ed (APE) twice a week.) When DS is in the regular classroom, he has an aide with him. He also has access to the sensory room on an as needed basis, mostly he only needs it on days with indoor recess. DS gets pull-out services for speech, OT, APE, and reading enrichment (because he reads far above grade level). He is doing very well in this placement and making great progress, academically as well as socially.  He enjoys both the regular classroom and the autism class.

We have been very pleased and impressed with the services our DS gets at his public school. And when we meet with the teachers and therapists, we can see that they genuinely care about him and value him for the unique and wonderful person he is.

[muldey]

My ds,9yo in 4th grade,has been in self contained since 1st grade.He has Asperger's and lots of behaviour issues(throwing things,including chairs,screaming).He has about 12 students in his class,with the teacher and 2 aides.It's worked out well,he's been with the same kids since 1st grade for the most part.He gets OT and ST,plus he goes to the regular 4th grade for art,with his OT.We've been trying to mainstream him but it's just not working out.He needs the attention this class provides.He is on about a 3rd grade level.He really enjoys going to school,and I really like the team that works with him.They seem to really care for him.I'm scared that next year is his last year,I'm terrified of what middle school will be like for him.

[Rik-E]

I honestly don't know what has changed to cause such a major issue. There have been a few things we can identify, but nothing big & DS won't or can't tell us what the problem is. Things I know of are : Christmas break & several weeks on only 3-4 days school in January. Slightly more expectation of the kids for second half of the year. A couple days of substitute teachers. Weather prevented the kids from having outside recess for almost 2 weeks (yes, this was the worst time for him & I did expect some problems with inside recess).

My DD attends the closest school for a 2.5 hour preschool 2x a week for speech. I adore her teacher! But have not been impressed with the rest of the school that I have seen so far. I will be finding out about their sped set-up & observing the classes if I can, but we really are not comfortable with putting DS in a mainstream school.
 

Originally Posted by karne 

I'm wondering what's happened in the last 2 months?  Your report sounds like everything was going well until this dramatic shift.  Is there a trigger you can point to?  It's a shame to have had a good year and end up with the principal threatening to expel your child.  I'm sorry.  If you are committed to the school, are there any ways to work with staff/principal to have more support for your son?

My suggestion, if you haven't already done so, is to visit the school or schools that may be an option for your ds, meet with staff, guidance, spec. ed., if needed.  Present your concerns and see what the school has to say.  What would his day look like?  Is it a given that your ds would need a self contained classroom?  It may not be so in a school with more resources?

Changing schools is tough, but it helps to really look at your options, look at your sons needs and figure out what the best fit would be, and where the appropriate resources are.

[Rik-E]

  Thanks to everyone who replied!  I am researching the local school but truly hoping DS can stay at the Waldorf school instead. Any tips to help him deal with conflict or hurts would be great!

[karne]

Originally Posted by Rik-E 

I honestly don't know what has changed to cause such a major issue. There have been a few things we can identify, but nothing big & DS won't or can't tell us what the problem is. Things I know of are : Christmas break & several weeks on only 3-4 days school in January. Slightly more expectation of the kids for second half of the year. A couple days of substitute teachers. Weather prevented the kids from having outside recess for almost 2 weeks (yes, this was the worst time for him & I did expect some problems with inside recess).

This is a lot to cope with (I think), for a little boy, especially if he does best with a strong routine.  Frankly, there were times when mine were young that I kept them home when I knew there would be a sub!  

[Logan's Mom]

my son has a hard time after breaks as well.  I want to throw something out there...have you thought about having an aide to help him with his difficult times?  If I'm understanding correctly, the charter school is a public school, correct?  Your child has a right to be placed in the least restrictive environment.  To me, it sounds like you have an excellent case for keeping your child in the school but he may need some additional services (ie: a 1 on 1 aide).  I'm not a lawyer or an advocate.  I would suggest that you try to find an advocate in your area and at the very least have a consult.

I guess I'm also wondering if he has an IEP.  You said he doesn't have a dx but its acknowledged.  Is this by you or the school?  I should have mentioned that it is imperative to get an IEP to request services.

Best wishes!

[Rik-E]

Yes, he does have an IEP. The school did thier evaluations & he qualifies for social reasons. We are still waiting on his appt with a neuropsych for spectrum disorders assessment. There is about a 6-12 month waiting list.... he is scheduled for May. I will ask about having an aid for him but from what I have been told he would need to attend a mainstream school for that? Need to check into it more extensively.

DS has had a wonderful week!  No running or meltdowns. Woohoo!  But next week is spring break so I am praying for an easy re-entry when they go back to school.

Originally Posted by Logan's Mom 

my son has a hard time after breaks as well.  I want to throw something out there...have you thought about having an aide to help him with his difficult times?  If I'm understanding correctly, the charter school is a public school, correct?  Your child has a right to be placed in the least restrictive environment.  To me, it sounds like you have an excellent case for keeping your child in the school but he may need some additional services (ie: a 1 on 1 aide).  I'm not a lawyer or an advocate.  I would suggest that you try to find an advocate in your area and at the very least have a consult.

I guess I'm also wondering if he has an IEP.  You said he doesn't have a dx but its acknowledged.  Is this by you or the school?  I should have mentioned that it is imperative to get an IEP to request services.

Best wishes!

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by karne 

I honestly don't know what has changed to cause such a major issue. There have been a few things we can identify, but nothing big & DS won't or can't tell us what the problem is. Things I know of are : Christmas break & several weeks on only 3-4 days school in January. Slightly more expectation of the kids for second half of the year. A couple days of substitute teachers. Weather prevented the kids from having outside recess for almost 2 weeks (yes, this was the worst time for him & I did expect some problems with inside recess).

This is a lot to cope with (I think), for a little boy, especially if he does best with a strong routine.  Frankly, there were times when mine were young that I kept them home when I knew there would be a sub!  

Yes, my ds has problems with subs and when the class routine is disrupted for testing. While you are waiting for the Asperger's evaluation, I would do an evaluation with a therapy business that does OT & ST. We had ds' OT write up his report with the school in mind (a charter); it included a section on what could be done in the class to help. I could pm it to you if you'd like to see how she did it.

My son has a tendency to shut down (absolutely will not interact) when overwhelmed/anxious. Usually, at least his teacher can talk him out of it pretty quickly, but there was one day where dh actually had to go to the school.

[Rik-E]

He sounds similar to my son.  He has a sensory diagnoses & has been in OT since 2009, his therapist is great!  She will be coming with me to the school for an IEP meeting in a couple weeks when she has a day off. I will ask her about re-writing the report more towards school though. That is a great idea!
 

Originally Posted by Emmeline II 

Yes, my ds has problems with subs and when the class routine is disrupted for testing. While you are waiting for the Asperger's evaluation, I would do an evaluation with a therapy business that does OT & ST. We had ds' OT write up his report with the school in mind (a charter); it included a section on what could be done in the class to help. I could pm it to you if you'd like to see how she did it.

My son has a tendency to shut down (absolutely will not interact) when overwhelmed/anxious. Usually, at least his teacher can talk him out of it pretty quickly, but there was one day where dh actually had to go to the school.