Reply to Denied evaluation for autism spectrum child at FCPS. Now what?

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Reply to "Denied evaluation for autism spectrum child at FCPS. Now what?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here.  His report cards are "fine."  At the elementary level, they do a 1 - 4 scale, so he has mostly 3s & 4s (the highest), with a few 2s thrown in here and there.  On grade level for everything, a decent NNAT score, so not on anyone's radar for academic intervention.  I am so, so grateful that academics are not a concern (yet).  This is only first grade, though.  I do see signs of attention and focus issues when he's doing his homework and has trouble sitting for ten minutes and write a few sentences about George Washington, or when he brings home papers that are illegible or scribbled, and I know he wasn't able to focus.  Maybe that's typical of most first graders?

So, yes, I get that he doesn't need academic interventions, but as I understand it, [b]the school can provide ABA, social skills training, maybe some OT if his core muscles continue to be a problem. [/b]  The kids with physical disabilities receive OT through the school, though this isn't academic.  My insurance will only provide ABA for kids aged 2 - 6, so private isn't an option unless we pay out of pocket.    I have a special ed teacher friend who encouraged me to initiate the process by explaining how a paraeducator would provide social support in the classroom and it sounded like a godsend.  I feel it would help him tremendously, as school is 60% of his day.  I'm still not certain what support I should be asking for or expecting, so it's difficult to find my voice to advocate for it.

I will call Children's today, talk to my spec ed friend, and continue to read all that I can.  Thank you so much, everyone, for your help and advice.
   [/quote]

I did a great deal with no insurance and no school support for my kid with HFA.

You can see a therapist and design a parent-led ABA program for home. 
http://autismdad.wordpress.com/2011/01/21/should-parents-provide-aba-therapy/

Social skills can be taught at home, though materials bought from companies like Linguisystems or available through the public library. 
http://www.linguisystems.com/products/product/search?topic=16

Social skills camps are held in the summer and aren't expensive. Some therapists have support groups for kids with these problems that aren't expensive and which teach social skills.  
http://dcautismparents.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/DCAP_Summer_Camp_Guide_2012.40145102.pdf

My kid with HFA also has gained tons of social skills from participating in drama and theater arts classes. 
Theater Lab has drama classes and camps for kids. I'm sure there are others around.
http://www.theatrelab.org/?q=content/youth-programs

Core muscle strength can be improved through swim lessons, swim team, martial arts classes, and dance. (I know one mom whose daughter with HFA has done very well on swim team.)   Extracurriculars also improve social skills.

Focus and concentration can be improved by enrolling kids in music lessons or martial arts classes or chess lessons or other activities that require concentration. [/quote]

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