"Behavior" programs/classes at the elementary level: what questions should I ask?

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for some advice on this topic from parents who have been there. My child has an ASD level 1 diagnosis with no intellectual impairment. They currently have an IEP where they spend most of their time in gen ed, but we have not been able to curb the violent outbursts and behaviors, which mainly happen at school. We are looking at moving them to our district's emotional/behavioral disabilities classroom. I have heard good things about it from another parent, who said her son has shown a great deal of improvement since entering the program. Any advice on questions I should ask as we work through this process?

[Anonymous]

BTDT. I’m so sorry you’re doing through this. Please check with an educational advocate (hire one if you already haven’t) whether the diagnosis is appropriate for a social and emotional school (SESES in MOCO). From my experience, ASD should not be coded in the IEP as a behavioral classification, and the child should not be sent to a behavioral program. Above all focus on what your ASD child needs are - this should be in the diagnosis. If they need OT, speech, a BCBA, for example, and the suggested school does not have this expertise, then you’re doing to the wrong school. Finally, to your question, your child may or many not do well in this school, mine didn’t, but even if they do, it would be by chance, as the school would not be catering to the ASD needs. Please also find out which are the schools in your area catering to ASD needs - an educational advocate would know that. Sending strength and good vibes and wishes for a speedy resolution at the right school where the kiddo can feel successful

[Anonymous]

At this point, you should be talking with a special education attorney, not just an advocate (which is not a regulated field).

[Anonymous]

I worked in a program like this for years. It can be very appropriate for kids with ASD. There need to be clear guidelines for behavior and clear incentives and consequences, and all of it should be highly structured with social learning built in. There should be breaks built in during academic time and an acknowledgement of sensory needs being considered. The best part of such a program is that everyone involved will understand your child and meet them where they are and promote progress and not be irritated or punitive because all adults will “get” your kid. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:BTDT. I’m so sorry you’re doing through this. Please check with an educational advocate (hire one if you already haven’t) whether the diagnosis is appropriate for a social and emotional school (SESES in MOCO). From my experience, ASD should not be coded in the IEP as a behavioral classification, and the child should not be sent to a behavioral program. Above all focus on what your ASD child needs are - this should be in the diagnosis. If they need OT, speech, a BCBA, for example, and the suggested school does not have this expertise, then you’re doing to the wrong school. Finally, to your question, your child may or many not do well in this school, mine didn’t, but even if they do, it would be by chance, as the school would not be catering to the ASD needs. Please also find out which are the schools in your area catering to ASD needs - an educational advocate would know that. Sending strength and good vibes and wishes for a speedy resolution at the right school where the kiddo can feel successful

Behavior support classrooms are appropriate for many students with autism. Needs (not labels) drive services and placement.

OP - you could ask questions about the amount of time in self-contained vs gen ed classrooms, amount and type of support when in gen ed settings, how staff respond to escalated behavior, social dynamics within the program, etc. If you're able to visit that would be great!