Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 Venita - It would be wise to have him diagnosed asap by a psychologist who is familiar with the evaluation process. An official diagnosis will help get him the therapies he will need immediately. My son is unmistakeably autistic; " hardcore " as his speech pathologist put it. We have received over $400,000.00 worth of serviced since he was diagnosed at 16 mos. I believe in my heart of hearts he wouldn't be where he is today if not for those placements and services (and homeopathy, of course) given to him so early on; services he will continue to get until he is 21. I can tell you from experience that being mother and a therapist is a never ending challenge that can interfere with the natural mother/child relationship. How ever hard you imagine it to be, double it at least. A classification through your school district will entitle him to an IEP (individual education plan). The IEP is the heart of IDEA (individuals with disabilities act) that has been improved to help our children get the free and appropriate education they need to succeed aka FAPE. Once a child becomes school age, it is my understanding that he cannot stay home and receive services through district if there is an appropriate placement reasonably close by. Staying home would violate LRE (least restrictive environment) which ends up being a good thing in the end. I will say I admire you for your " golly Bob " reaction. I remember completely disconnecting and almost immediately going into a state of mourning and panic when I realized my boy was going to have such a hard life and my family as well. Of course things did get better. But I wasn't as knowledgeable about autism as you are when I was faced with it. And fear of the unknown can be quite devastating as I know from experience. If classification and services through your school district are the way you and husband decide to go, you can email me privately with any questions or concerns you may have. There is SO much available if you want it and know how to get it..........Anita Venita Garner <nitagarner@...> wrote: Golly bob, I think he really does have it. I've been doing some research, dh has been doing some research, his aunt saw a thing on CNN recently and we spent an afternoon with her and she's like 'yeah, it sure does look like it " We're going to see about getting him tested and teaching me how to do the home therapy. Oh good grief. Like I don't have enough on my plate right now huh? And a baby on the way. At least he's not vaxxed. I know there is genetic predisposition---not that his mom will acknowledge there's anything wrong. She never would talk to me about Kate's asperger's either. Not really. She did take some papers and start to read them but then left them here and never asked about them or mentioned them again. The only mercury he's been exposed to was the rhogam shot at 28 weeks. You can believe now definitely, for sure, sealed in stone, I ain't kiddin', I will NOT be getting rhogam this time around at 28 weeks!! Nita, busy mom to: 14, Jon 13, 10, 8, 6, Christian (RIP: 7/16/03 to 8/22/04), 2 and due 2/08 I'm like a snapdragon: half of me has snapped and the other is draggin' No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 So how does all that work with homeschooling??! I guess we’ll be finding out huh? I detest our public school system here and I can’t afford private but I don’t think they’re really that much better sometimes, people being people. Perhaps they can help me with the IEP? I know had one but then when I told them I was going to be homeschooling, I didn’t hear further. At least now though they are saying ‘let’s look at this early” with it was : hjmmmmm. Could be. But let’s wait another 6 months and take another look”..she did get her hearing tested and she did get into some program that gave her free speech therapy. I’m thinking peter should probably do some sort of out of the home schooling w/ a tutor.. I feel very overwhelmed right now and I don’t want his schooling to go by the wayside either! <<<panicky scream>>> and a new baby is coming! Oh my goodness. What timing! Thank you for your note. There are several places in GA that look helpful. AL is a little skimpy. Is it silly to change jobs and move to another state just for one autistic child?! Just so I’m closer to the autism place?! I would do it for , if dh could find a job in GA. AL is pretty homeschool friendly though, that is one good thing about them! Nita, yes my hands are full, but not my heart: 14, Jon 13, 10, 8, 6, Christian (RIP: 7/16/03 to 8/22/04), 2, and due 2/08 Some minds are like concrete: Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. (ps: but I completely sympathize with the run and hide b/c part of me just wants to do that too as I know what road ahead we have! Ohhh I so didn’t want to do this again! If is as high need and perfectionist as , I’m going to go truly bonkers!) No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 I'm a little confused. Do you home school all your children? I don't believe you'll get the services needs if you don't enroll him in your district. Even though they may not serve your other children's needs to your liking, they may be just what you need for . I would see what's available before making any final decisions. You'll go broke paying for half the services he will need to move forward and hopefully catch-up. It will be good for him to change environments each day and to have a variety of people helping him.......Anita Venita Garner <nitagarner@...> wrote: So how does all that work with homeschooling??! I guess we’ll be finding out huh? I detest our public school system here and I can’t afford private but I don’t think they’re really that much better sometimes, people being people. Perhaps they can help me with the IEP? I know had one but then when I told them I was going to be homeschooling, I didn’t hear further. At least now though they are saying ‘let’s look at this early” with it was : hjmmmmm. Could be. But let’s wait another 6 months and take another look”..she did get her hearing tested and she did get into some program that gave her free speech therapy. I’m thinking peter should probably do some sort of out of the home schooling w/ a tutor.. I feel very overwhelmed right now and I don’t want his schooling to go by the wayside either! << >> and a new baby is coming! Oh my goodness. What timing! Thank you for your note. There are several places in GA that look helpful. AL is a little skimpy. Is it silly to change jobs and move to another state just for one autistic child?! Just so I’m closer to the autism place?! I would do it for , if dh could find a job in GA. AL is pretty homeschool friendly though, that is one good thing about them! Nita, yes my hands are full, but not my heart: 14, Jon 13, 10, 8, 6, Christian (RIP: 7/16/03 to 8/22/04), 2, and due 2/08 Some minds are like concrete: Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. (ps: but I completely sympathize with the run and hide b/c part of me just wants to do that too as I know what road ahead we have! Ohhh I so didn’t want to do this again! If is as high need and perfectionist as , I’m going to go truly bonkers!) No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 I not only homeschool all my own kids but I homeschool a friend’s child too and it’s truly turning into ME doing it. That’s going to have to change. The public schools here are terrible. I don’t really want him to be in public school but perhaps a private kindergarten, I could handle. I do see where change of environment could be beneficial but.. the public schools here are NOT the lesser of 2 evils, imo. Nita, yes my hands are full, but not my heart: 14, Jon 13, 10, 8, 6, Christian (RIP: 7/16/03 to 8/22/04), 2, and due 2/08 Some minds are like concrete: Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 3, 2007 Report Share Posted November 3, 2007 If your public school doesn't have a program to meet 's needs, a private school might be where he belongs. Schools don't like to give if they can get away it with it, but if you have him evaluated and the school can't meet his needs, they have to, by law, find a program for him in the LRE. I would imagine home services are a possibility if there are no appropriate programs within a reasonable distance from home. This just doesn't happen here on LI where I live once the child becomes school age. The other thing to consider is the time would taking from your other children if you decide to teach him yourself. You would have to learn new methods of teaching if you plan to incorporate ABA and use visual schedules, behavior contracts, errorless teaching, keep data and much more. Honestly, I don't see how you could do it and do it right with all you have to do already.....Anita Venita Garner <nitagarner@...> wrote: I not only homeschool all my own kids but I homeschool a friend’s child too and it’s truly turning into ME doing it. That’s going to have to change. The public schools here are terrible. I don’t really want him to be in public school but perhaps a private kindergarten, I could handle. I do see where change of environment could be beneficial but.. the public schools here are NOT the lesser of 2 evils, imo. Nita, yes my hands are full, but not my heart: 14, Jon 13, 10, 8, 6, Christian (RIP: 7/16/03 to 8/22/04), 2, and due 2/08 Some minds are like concrete: Thoroughly mixed up and permanently set. No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: 11/2/2007 9:46 PM Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 I'm a big advocate of homeschooling. We homeschool for religious/moral reasons as well as other reasons. I want to encourage you to do what you feel is best for your family and for . I disagree with the " I don't see how you can do it statement " . I was a substitute teacher for nearly two years. I stopped last year when my son was born. I worked three days a week on average and spent a great deal of time with the special education dept because they had difficulty finding people who would sub in there. I know those teachers went to school to be able to know how to teach for the children that were under their care but if you could have seen what I saw. Personally I think the best thing for any child is for the parent to be as involved in their education as much as possible. If you want to homeschool don't let anyone discourage you from doing that. I wish you the best. Hayley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 The Belks <hayleyb@...> wrote: I'm a big advocate of homeschooling. We homeschool for religious/moral reasons as well as other reasons. I want to encourage you to do what you feel is best for your family and for . I disagree with the " I don't see how you can do it statement " . Do you have an autistic child as well as several other children who's educations and development you are responsible for 24/7? I was a substitute teacher for nearly two years. I stopped last year when my son was born. I worked three days a week on average and spent a great deal of time with the special education dept because they had difficulty finding people who would sub in there. I know those teachers went to school to be able to know how to teach for the children that were under their care but if you could have seen what I saw. What did you see? I have seen many wonderful things with my autistic child at school. I am involved, I am a parent member for the Special Education Committee; they know who I am and more importantly, thay know who my son is. He is treated very well...AD Personally I think the best thing for any child is for the parent to be as involved in their education as much as possible. Couldn't agree with you more there....AD If you want to homeschool don't let anyone discourage you from doing that. I wish you the best. Not trying to discourage anyone, just being realistic as I have first hand experience with this. With help, anything is possible. But on your own to homeschool several children and relearn how to teach and divide time so everyone gets what they need is more than challenging. It's not always about what is seemingly best for the kids; mom has to be taken into consideration too. I only offer my experience-based opinions. Isn't that what we are here for?. Honesty isn't always ideal....AD Hayley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 My son is autistic and I too am asking myself how in the world am I going to do this...I am very much so thinking to homeschool not only cause I disagree with the school system,but I think he would do better off with one on one. I'm not worried about the social aspect of it. The Belks <hayleyb@...> wrote: I'm a big advocate of homeschooling. We homeschool for religious/moral reasons as well as other reasons. I want to encourage you to do what you feel is best for your family and for . I disagree with the " I don't see how you can do it statement " . I was a substitute teacher for nearly two years. I stopped last year when my son was born. I worked three days a week on average and spent a great deal of time with the special education dept because they had difficulty finding people who would sub in there. I know those teachers went to school to be able to know how to teach for the children that were under their care but if you could have seen what I saw. Personally I think the best thing for any child is for the parent to be as involved in their education as much as possible. If you want to homeschool don't let anyone discourage you from doing that. I wish you the best. Hayley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 The social aspect is one of things that worry me most. My son has to learn how to read social cues and respond to ordinary everyday questions by being taught in isolation. Just because a child is enrolled in a school-based program doesn't mean that child won't get 1:1 instruction. Autistic children must receive direct instruction where they can learn skills before being expected to generalize them; this is just how it's done. Having opportunities to integrate with typically developing peers (when the child is ready) is the ideal situation for the autistic child to learn. One of my goals for my son's class which is a self-contained 8:1:3 is to have our boys integrate at lunchtime with other students who see the value in this and are willing to partipate. I want it to be a buddy system where relationships can form and carry over to the middle school and high school. This will eliminate ignorance early on in elementary school and give other students in our district a chance to take on some social responsibility among other values this program will encourage. The school principal and psychologist like my idea and want to make it a reality. My son is part of this community; the church and school community as well. If it's the last thing I do, he'll be known, respected and valued by all who live here..........Anita cecilia s <lightning30fwi@...> wrote: My son is autistic and I too am asking myself how in the world am I going to do this...I am very much so thinking to homeschool not only cause I disagree with the school system,but I think he would do better off with one on one. I'm not worried about the social aspect of it. The Belks wrote: I'm a big advocate of homeschooling. We homeschool for religious/moral reasons as well as other reasons. I want to encourage you to do what you feel is best for your family and for . I disagree with the " I don't see how you can do it statement " . I was a substitute teacher for nearly two years. I stopped last year when my son was born. I worked three days a week on average and spent a great deal of time with the special education dept because they had difficulty finding people who would sub in there. I know those teachers went to school to be able to know how to teach for the children that were under their care but if you could have seen what I saw. Personally I think the best thing for any child is for the parent to be as involved in their education as much as possible. If you want to homeschool don't let anyone discourage you from doing that. I wish you the best. Hayley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 Exactly " the social aspect " that's the great debate on homeschooling period. Whether your child has special needs or not. Its something I don't concern myself with either. And go figure I get raves constantly from people on how well mannered and well behaved they are. And I think " they just have basic manners, they're not perfect " but that is no longer common. Children are no longer well socialized, meaning they don't know how to act properly in a social setting. Going to the public school they learn from their peers. 20 children in a room and maybe two adults for 8 hours a day who do you think your child is going to take after. On the opposing side my children are with me pratically 24 hours a day constantly learning from my example and being consistently corrected when misbehaving. Again I wish you the best!! Hayley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 4, 2007 Report Share Posted November 4, 2007 All I can say is an autistic child has much more to learn than manners. If manners were all these severely delayed children had to worry about, I'd say to hell with the public school and keep them home. Socialization is much much more than that for these children. It is very controlled and doesn't expose our children to ill-behaved little ones; that would defeat the purpose of using them as models for our children. One of my good friends home schools and I admire her for it. I'm not sure, though, she'd be able to give her three children the homeschooling they get now if her fourth requires the lion's share of her attention; not without help I should say. Teaching the autistic child is most challenging. Very much skill and training is involved. That is why it costs triple or more the amount to educate these children within the school districts. What if they need assistive language devices? After a very expensive evaluation (paid for by my district), my son was given a palm pilot to give him a voice and help him communicate which will in turn reduce his horrible frustration where many behaviors (sometimes violent) stem from. My district payed several thousand dollars for my son to have this incredible opportunity. This comes with parent training also paid by my district for me and my husband to understand the unit and help our son to become proficient at using it. How is this accomplished by a family who is on a limited budget? The window of opportunity doesn't stay open long enough and the methods you choose will determine the outcome. Again, I speak from experience. I just want folks to explore all options before closing off what might be the best choice they could make to help their autistic children progress. I think it's worth looking into before the final decision is made. It just seems logical to me.....Anita The Belks <hayleyb@...> wrote: Exactly " the social aspect " that's the great debate on homeschooling period. Whether your child has special needs or not. Its something I don't concern myself with either. And go figure I get raves constantly from people on how well mannered and well behaved they are. And I think " they just have basic manners, they're not perfect " but that is no longer common. Children are no longer well socialized, meaning they don't know how to act properly in a social setting. Going to the public school they learn from their peers. 20 children in a room and maybe two adults for 8 hours a day who do you think your child is going to take after. On the opposing side my children are with me pratically 24 hours a day constantly learning from my example and being consistently corrected when misbehaving. Again I wish you the best!! Hayley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 5, 2007 Report Share Posted November 5, 2007 Oh boy, don't get me started, lol!!! We also homeschool, and this is always the " issue " that comes up. Since when has school become a place for socializing???? I always thought the purpose of school was for learning ::::: rolling eyes::::::: My MIL once told me that you cannot homeschool children because they will turn out weird!!! Wow - just think, weird children do not come out of public/private schools....glad to know (please note my sarcasm...). ~ > > Exactly " the social aspect " that's the great debate on homeschooling period. Whether your child has special needs or not. > Its something I don't concern myself with either. > And go figure I get raves constantly from people on how well mannered and well behaved they are. And I think " they just have basic manners, they're not perfect " but that is no longer common. Children are no longer well socialized, meaning they don't know how to act properly in a social setting. Going to the public school they learn from their peers. 20 children in a room and maybe two adults for 8 hours a day who do you think your child is going to take after. On the opposing side my children are with me pratically 24 hours a day constantly learning from my example and being consistently corrected when misbehaving. > > Again I wish you the best!! > Hayley > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 24, 2007 Report Share Posted December 24, 2007 I know this is SO late as I am new and reading old posts, but I got the rhogam shot..actually the formal name is different but it's the same deal. Anyway, did TONS of research on it. Called the healthcare professional line at the pharmaceutical company, spoke to the pharmacist who KNOWS the shot. There is no mercury in the one I got. The preservatives were harmless (so they say), if I can remember correctly however I almost didn't get the shot either. In fact, at my OB's office I got into a pretty heated debate over it. In the mean time, if I did't get it and the baby's blood mixed with mine during delivery then it wouldn't be a problem IF I wasn't going to have anymore children. Well..I am. It only covers you 12 weeks hence the reason for the 28 week shot. Then you get another one at delivery. I had a vaginal delivery and I delivered in less than 5 minutes...seriously with no issues except the cord wrapped around her neck, but that was okay as they got it unwrapped. Our blood mixed so much I had to get TWO shots after delivery (it's based upon how much blood mixes with hers..I guess they determine this by a blood test). I LOVE LOVE my daughter. I totally want more..maybe even 2-3. I am still distraught I had to get the shot, but my body would have rejected the new pregnancy in the future. I talked to everyone trying to figure a way around it. I have several friends who had babies and are RHnegative and got the shot. I wish I could have used their antibodies (sterlized, of course) and eliminated my risk of getting any disease (HIV, HEP B, etc). Okay, I am babbling. My point is that unless you don't want more children, I believe you don't have a choice. Let me know if you hread anything different. Good luck! Stacey -- In Vaccinations , Anita Durney <mydurney@...> wrote: > > Venita - It would be wise to have him diagnosed asap by a psychologist who is familiar with the evaluation process. An official diagnosis will help get him the therapies he will need immediately. My son is unmistakeably autistic; " hardcore " as his speech pathologist put it. We have received over $400,000.00 worth of serviced since he was diagnosed at 16 mos. I believe in my heart of hearts he wouldn't be where he is today if not for those placements and services (and homeopathy, of course) given to him so early on; services he will continue to get until he is 21. > > I can tell you from experience that being mother and a therapist is a never ending challenge that can interfere with the natural mother/child relationship. How ever hard you imagine it to be, double it at least. A classification through your school district will entitle him to an IEP (individual education plan). The IEP is the heart of IDEA (individuals with disabilities act) that has been improved to help our children get the free and appropriate education they need to succeed aka FAPE. Once a child becomes school age, it is my understanding that he cannot stay home and receive services through district if there is an appropriate placement reasonably close by. Staying home would violate LRE (least restrictive environment) which ends up being a good thing in the end. > > I will say I admire you for your " golly Bob " reaction. I remember completely disconnecting and almost immediately going into a state of mourning and panic when I realized my boy was going to have such a hard life and my family as well. Of course things did get better. But I wasn't as knowledgeable about autism as you are when I was faced with it. And fear of the unknown can be quite devastating as I know from experience. > > If classification and services through your school district are the way you and husband decide to go, you can email me privately with any questions or concerns you may have. There is SO much available if you want it and know how to get it..........Anita > > Venita Garner <nitagarner@...> wrote: > Golly bob, I think he really does have it. > > I've been doing some research, dh has been doing some research, his aunt > saw a thing on CNN recently and we spent an afternoon with her and she's > like 'yeah, it sure does look like it " > > We're going to see about getting him tested and teaching me how to do > the home therapy. > > Oh good grief. Like I don't have enough on my plate right now huh? And a > baby on the way. > > At least he's not vaxxed. I know there is genetic predisposition--- not > that his mom will acknowledge there's anything wrong. She never would > talk to me about Kate's asperger's either. Not really. She did take some > papers and start to read them but then left them here and never asked > about them or mentioned them again. > > The only mercury he's been exposed to was the rhogam shot at 28 weeks. > You can believe now definitely, for sure, sealed in stone, I ain't > kiddin', I will NOT be getting rhogam this time around at 28 weeks!! > > Nita, busy mom to: 14, Jon 13, 10, 8, 6, > Christian (RIP: 7/16/03 to 8/22/04), 2 and due 2/08 > I'm like a snapdragon: half of me has snapped and the other is draggin' > > > > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.503 / Virus Database: 269.15.19/1106 - Release Date: > 11/2/2007 9:46 PM > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 24, 2007 Report Share Posted December 24, 2007 I brought my son home to homeschool him when he was on a IFSP. I terminated services and took him out of the district. Pulling my son out of school and homeschooling was the best thing that ever happened to him. There was no way he was going to receive what he needed because our district is so overrun with autistic and other disabled kids. I gave him very individualized therapy, care and education - it contributed greatly to his recovery! >>Once a child becomes school age, it is my understanding that he cannot stay home and receive services through district if there is an appropriate placement reasonably close by. Staying home would violate LRE (least restrictive environment) which ends up being a good thing in the end. > > > -- Roni Bergerson Independent Monavie Distributor http://www.mymonavie.com/jandrbergerson/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.