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

Forum Index » Kids With Special Needs and Disabilities

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

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][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, the school can provide ABA, social skills training, maybe some OT if his core muscles continue to be a problem.   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]

This is why the school isn't offering - it's that "significant academic impact" piece.  They don't give services including evaluations, ABA, social skills etc. until there is an academic impact.[/quote]

Again, the issue in IEP evaluation isn't whether there is a "significant academic impact" that is being demonstrated by overall grades or on level status. The law does NOT require a child to be "behind" or have "bad grades".  Attention and focus can impact a child's ability to "access the curriculum" and demonstrate skills.  It is commonly known that a bright child may have such a large strength in a particular area, that he/she is able to compensate for weaknesses in other areas and end up with "average" grades and be "on grade" level.  But, the law specifically allows for children in this situation to receive special education even if there is no "academic impact" in the sense of grades. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics