Getting an IEP for sensory issues - questions to ask?

[Anonymous]

My preschooler was evaluated as needing an IEP, largely for sensory issues. We have a meeting on Friday with the school's occupational therapist to go over the results of the evaluation. Then they will write up an IEP. This is a public school.

For anyone who has been in a similar situation, do you have advice on questions to prepare? Or books or websites to read? I'm not sure I'm fully on board with the diagnosis, but I am a first time parent and I trust that the teacher and staff may be seeing things that I'm not. I never envisioned needing this kind of support, so I feel kind of lost.

[Anonymous]

What is the diagnosis, OP? Do you know? There isn't an IDEA category for "sensory issues."

[Anonymous]

In addition what are the specific issues? Problematic behaviors? Give specifics and we can provide more help.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, new to this so I don't know what idea category means. DC was described as "sensory seeking". I'm hoping this meeting will give us more info on that front. The evaluation was recommended because of behavior problems, e.g. biting, hair pulling, and general rowdiness, like having trouble focusing or sitting still for circle time, wanting to run around instead of focusing on an activity, etc. Biting and hitting are not acceptable behaviors, of course, but the other stuff seemed so typical of three year olds that I was surprised by an IEP suggestion.

[Anonymous]

who suggested the IEP? The school or the evaluator? I'm new to this too

[Anonymous]

The school suggested the evaluation.

[Anonymous]

I would ask for sensory breaks. Is there a sensory gym or somewhere your DC can go to get a break?

[Anonymous]

hi OP,

I'd suggest you start by reading up on IDEA (the federal special ed law). Here is some info on the categories of disabilities. Your child may be found eligible under Developmental Delay.

http://www.parentcenterhub.org/repository/disability-landing/

For these kinds of behavior problems, I might suggest:
1. a sticker chart
2. social stories
3. playing out scenarios (what to do if someone takes your toy --not biting or hitting)
4. movement breaks

[Anonymous]

You should get on the waiting list for Children's and Kennedy Krieger (KKI) for a global evaluation. "Sensory seeking" is not a diagnosis and you should take your child to a medical professional for an evaluation.

The wait is very long at both Children's and KKI so you will not be seen for months. Call both now and see who can see your child first. You can always cancel the other appointment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry, new to this so I don't know what idea category means. DC was described as "sensory seeking". I'm hoping this meeting will give us more info on that front. The evaluation was recommended because of behavior problems, e.g. biting, hair pulling, and general rowdiness, like having trouble focusing or sitting still for circle time, wanting to run around instead of focusing on an activity, etc. Biting and hitting are not acceptable behaviors, of course, but the other stuff seemed so typical of three year olds that I was surprised by an IEP suggestion.

If the school recommended and completed an evaluation, then your child's behavior is far more than that of a typical three year old. Some of the things that worked for my son at that age were that during carpet time, he could be at the fringes of the carpet and roll around instead of having to sit. He would stand or sit on a cushion on his chair for activities, frequent breaks for things like trips to the water fountain.

[Anonymous]

A 3 year old in a public school? Where is this? The only 3 year olds in our district schools are those with special needs. My son was like this in preschool too and a few years later was diagnosed with ADHD. If the OT is free, go for it but don't get suckered into paying a lot of money for OT. The OT evaluation was useful as "proof" that my son's neurological system wasn't quite right which made the preschool stop blaming my poor parenting skills.

[Anonymous]

There is free universal public preschool for 3 yr olds in DC and they don't have to have SNs or FARMS/Head Start.

[Anonymous]

It's likely DC. op, ask the school to do a Psychoeducational evaluation. Don't just settle for OT eval. Is it a charter I assume?

[Anonymous]

Op here. Thanks for the helpful replies! Yes a public charter in DC. Why was that your guess? I'll try to Google it, but what additional info would a psycho educational evaluation give us?

I'll also ask about sensory breaks and check out that link. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks for the helpful replies! Yes a public charter in DC. Why was that your guess? I'll try to Google it, but what additional info would a psycho educational evaluation give us?

I'll also ask about sensory breaks and check out that link. Thank you!

Our charter use the psych ed eval to diagnose ADHD and ASD. It'll also administers the WIPPSI - an IQ test.