online parents support group for learning disabilities and such

[MotherWoman]

Hi,

I remember getting some very helpful comments from this group a year or so ago when my son's preschool teachers suggested he get testing. In particular I think there was mention of an online parents support group for "navigating the system" and such. We decided not to get testing at that time, but now I have a friend who has done some testing and is feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the system. I was not able to find my references that I thought I had saved away! Does anyone know the name or web address of this or any other parent support groups? Or any other helpful info I could pass along? My friend's kids are older, pre-teen and teen I think.

Thanks!
Motherwoman

[busymom]

You may be thinking of LDonline. I have used it as a resource as a teacher--and have had parents mention it as a resource they like as well.

[MotherWoman]

Thanks! That's not the one I was thinking of, but I have passed it along in case it is helpful.

Motherwoman

[lauren]

Can you say more about what the issue or diagnosis is for your friend's children? That may help to figure out what supports are out there.

Lauren

[lauren]

Motherwoman-- I checked in a search in the archives, using "learning disability" for the keyword. The thread you started last year came up, and this is one of the sites you posted yourself that you found helpful. You can check the thread yourself by doing a search. Hope this is helpful.


http://depts.washington.edu/soccomm/

Lauren

[MotherWoman]

Thank you thank you! I had tried searching, but I must have used the wrong keywords or something and didn't find anything, and then thought maybe the conversation had been deleted. I don't know the details of the situation, but now I have what I had wanted to pass along. It is from an earlier post from Becca's momma:

"Just for your information, all testing done through your local school
district or dept of health is of NO COST to your family (this is the
case in most states).

There are programs for Early Intervention (0-3y.o. or 0-5 years)
depending on where you live and 5-21years(the local school district).
All children suspected of having a disability by the schools or upon
their parents' written request can be tested/evaluated for many
different reasons. (Speech, Cognitive, Emotional/behavioral, Motor
skills, etc)

You have the right as a parent to refuse to participate. The IDEA
(individuals w/disabilties education act) is very easy to read and
understand and all states have PIC (parent information centers) to
assist with any questions or concerns.

. . .

The school systems often create kids and families with disbilities, read
"when your child needs testing" or access some good websites such as the
one mentioned. Another good resource along with the PICs are ILC
(Independent Living Centers) and Parent-to-Parent (a nation/statewide
organization linking parents)."

Thanks again everyone!
MotherWoman