Reply to What's the reputation of Diener versus The Auburn School (MD private schools)

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP here again - thanks for this last message.  It's helpful.  Yes  he's in a traditional mainstream classroom, and yes we are considering the the SESES program.  Unfortunately the closest SESES school to us doesn't have any openings and is understaffed, and the next closest one requires a long bus ride which DS would likely not be willing to do.  From what I've read a one on one aid is a good next step.  I don't understand why that would be restrictive, in fact I thought it would be the opposite (i.e. when DS needs a break from the noise in the classroom the aid would be able to walk him around a bit instead of having him elope on his own).  Have others seen one on one aids be overly restrictive?  Thanks for all the feedback.  This is so new to us. [/quote]

Well, the first problem is that they won't be able to find an aide. They are woefully understaffed and nobody is applying for positions, particularly para-educators. You are going to get really hard pushback and will probably not get a 1:1 without a lawyer at this point because they simply don't have one to give. They're going to say no and you will have to fight it, and honestly if an SESES classroom has not even been tried, you would probably not win. Because being in an SESES classroom without a 1:1 is often seen as less far along the "least restrictive environment" continuum than being in a mainstream classroom with an adult attached to you all day.

Aides are often treated like a panacea but they really are not--they are not skilled instructors, and kids can develop learned helplessness and dependence on them and it can be socially isolating because other kids are going to be hesitant to approach and include another child in play who comes with an adult always tagging along (though aggressive behavior may be creating some of this dynamic already, unfortunately). The goal is to have your DS develop the skills to independently manage his behavior and emotions, not displace the responsibility onto an adult. A 1:1 could be a good short term solution, like if you are waiting for a good point to transfer him to an SESES program where he will be taught these skills, but it's a band-aid and not a cure. [/quote]

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