Re: I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504 plan, help..

[Guest guest]

,

A few questions that I have is which state do you live in; does your

son have a therapist, psychologist, and regular doctor; are you

receiving state medical aid, SSI. If you have any of these, utilize

them. Have the psychologist refer you to an advocate. The advocate's

that we've had were dual roled in they were his therapist also. This

helped because it wasn't someone that was only there for the meetings

and didn't get to know my step-son on a personal level to best voice

to the school IEP meeting Josh's needs.

We live in Columbia, MO and are being introduced to multiple support

areas by our psychologist. The thing that stinks about it is the ton

of paperwork that you have to fill out to obtain this help. Lastly,

never, ever, ever, give up on the IEP for as long as he's in

school...this is like his fall back paperwork that if the school

doesn't provide him with services, you can come back to the IEP and

complain.

Joe

>

> I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504 plan,

> help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction to go

> with many issues.

>

> My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> have three children:

> 11 aspergers/bipolar

> Mark 9 PDD and

> Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> perseverations!)

> I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> certification.

>

>

> 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

>

> He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him in a

> public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> Then our advocate move out of state after our first two meetings. His

> third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she did not

> recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504 plan

> and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> receiving one on one assistance.

>

> This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just don't feel

> it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses a day

> of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better) or ....

>

> Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my question is

> should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a 1 to

> 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to attend a

> school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy in to

> the battle to get one.

>

> The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on medication

> at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads for so

> long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with many

> of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although it is

> amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible battle of

> surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and eating

> and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills the best

> we can.

>

> I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> things work, I need to work outside the home for financial reasons and

> also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great deal of

> work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't aford not

> to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> know if that is realistic for me.

>

>

> Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for your question!

Under the special Education Law A 504 plan is a plan to help children

with special needs, but it is not as comprehensive as an IEP.

My son is allowed accomodations on tests and a scribe. It is a legal

document just as the IEP. My son's 504 plan also recommends that he

have a one to one assistant. As I said, he doesn't have one right

now.

> I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP

vs 504 plan,

> help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction to go

> with many issues.

>

> My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> have three children:

> 11 aspergers/bipolar

> Mark 9 PDD and

> Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> perseverations!)

> I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> certification.

>

> 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

>

> He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him in a

> public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> Then our advocate move out of state after our first two meetings. His

> third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she did not

> recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504 plan

> and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> receiving one on one assistance.

>

> This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just don't feel

> it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses a day

> of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better) or ....

>

> Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my question is

> should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a 1 to

> 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to attend a

> school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy in to

> the battle to get one.

>

> The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on medication

> at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads for so

> long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with many

> of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although it is

> amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible battle of

> surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and eating

> and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills the best

> we can.

>

> I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> things work, I need to work outside the home for financial reasons and

> also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great deal of

> work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't aford not

> to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> know if that is realistic for me.

>

> Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> I love a child with Aspergers

> Please, read, learn, and love

>

> KELLY

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Need Mail bonding?

> Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.

>

[Guest guest]

Joe,

Thank you for your reply! You have encouraged me to pursue an IEP.

We live in land (polis). My son has a pychiatrist and had

been seeing a pychologist/therapist at 's Hopkins. I am a little

embarrased to say that when I started working (full time from being at

home) it became too diffucult and confusing to continue seeing our

therapist an hour a way. I sought employment at the time for money as

well as job satisfaction. I felt overwhelmed and depressed and

frustrated and like I was failing at home. I so much wanted/needed to

be successful somewhere. As it turned out this last year has been an

envaluable learing experience for me as a one on one for an autistic

child with similar goals as my own children have. I worked with a

wonderful social worker who has taught me many things and the progress

that I have seen under her guidance at school is extreamly encouraging.

We receive no state medical aid. (But our Hopkin's visits were

partially covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.)

Thank you for all your help!

> ,

>

> A few questions that I have is which state do you live in; does your

> son have a therapist, psychologist, and regular doctor; are you

> receiving state medical aid, SSI. If you have any of these, utilize

> them. Have the psychologist refer you to an advocate. The advocate's

> that we've had were dual roled in they were his therapist also. This

> helped because it wasn't someone that was only there for the meetings

> and didn't get to know my step-son on a personal level to best voice

> to the school IEP meeting Josh's needs.

>

> We live in Columbia, MO and are being introduced to multiple support

> areas by our psychologist. The thing that stinks about it is the ton

> of paperwork that you have to fill out to obtain this help. Lastly,

> never, ever, ever, give up on the IEP for as long as he's in

> school...this is like his fall back paperwork that if the school

> doesn't provide him with services, you can come back to the IEP and

> complain.

>

> Joe

>

>

> >

> > I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504 plan,

> > help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> > outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> > We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> > because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> > be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction to go

> > with many issues.

> >

> > My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> > have three children:

> > 11 aspergers/bipolar

> > Mark 9 PDD and

> > Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> > perseverations!)

> > I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> > fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> > certification.

> >

> >

> > 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> > Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> > lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> > focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

> >

> > He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him in a

> > public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> > in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> > point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> > Then our advocate move out of state after our first two meetings. His

> > third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she did not

> > recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> > was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504 plan

> > and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> > thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> > receiving one on one assistance.

> >

> > This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> > recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> > teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> > across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> > been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> > obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just don't feel

> > it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> > evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses a day

> > of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better) or ....

> >

> > Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my question is

> > should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a 1 to

> > 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to attend a

> > school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> > the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> > which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> > medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> > frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> > helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy in to

> > the battle to get one.

> >

> > The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on medication

> > at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> > right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> > to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads for so

> > long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> > both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> > were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with many

> > of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although it is

> > amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> > fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> > still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> > some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> > with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> > through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible battle of

> > surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and eating

> > and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills the best

> > we can.

> >

> > I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> > things work, I need to work outside the home for financial reasons and

> > also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> > time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great deal of

> > work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't aford not

> > to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> > Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> > teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> > know if that is realistic for me.

> >

> >

> > Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Joe,

Thank you for your reply! You have encouraged me to pursue an IEP.

We live in land (polis). My son has a pychiatrist and had

been seeing a pychologist/therapist at 's Hopkins. I am a little

embarrased to say that when I started working (full time from being at

home) it became too diffucult and confusing to continue seeing our

therapist an hour a way. I sought employment at the time for money as

well as job satisfaction. I felt overwhelmed and depressed and

frustrated and like I was failing at home. I so much wanted/needed to

be successful somewhere. As it turned out this last year has been an

envaluable learing experience for me as a one on one for an autistic

child with similar goals as my own children have. I worked with a

wonderful social worker who has taught me many things and the progress

that I have seen under her guidance at school is extreamly encouraging.

We receive no state medical aid. (But our Hopkin's visits were

partially covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.)

Thank you for all your help!

> ,

>

> A few questions that I have is which state do you live in; does your

> son have a therapist, psychologist, and regular doctor; are you

> receiving state medical aid, SSI. If you have any of these, utilize

> them. Have the psychologist refer you to an advocate. The advocate's

> that we've had were dual roled in they were his therapist also. This

> helped because it wasn't someone that was only there for the meetings

> and didn't get to know my step-son on a personal level to best voice

> to the school IEP meeting Josh's needs.

>

> We live in Columbia, MO and are being introduced to multiple support

> areas by our psychologist. The thing that stinks about it is the ton

> of paperwork that you have to fill out to obtain this help. Lastly,

> never, ever, ever, give up on the IEP for as long as he's in

> school...this is like his fall back paperwork that if the school

> doesn't provide him with services, you can come back to the IEP and

> complain.

>

> Joe

>

>

> >

> > I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504 plan,

> > help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> > outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> > We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> > because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> > be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction to go

> > with many issues.

> >

> > My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> > have three children:

> > 11 aspergers/bipolar

> > Mark 9 PDD and

> > Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> > perseverations!)

> > I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> > fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> > certification.

> >

> >

> > 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> > Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> > lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> > focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

> >

> > He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him in a

> > public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> > in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> > point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> > Then our advocate move out of state after our first two meetings. His

> > third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she did not

> > recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> > was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504 plan

> > and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> > thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> > receiving one on one assistance.

> >

> > This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> > recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> > teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> > across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> > been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> > obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just don't feel

> > it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> > evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses a day

> > of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better) or ....

> >

> > Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my question is

> > should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a 1 to

> > 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to attend a

> > school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> > the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> > which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> > medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> > frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> > helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy in to

> > the battle to get one.

> >

> > The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on medication

> > at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> > right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> > to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads for so

> > long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> > both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> > were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with many

> > of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although it is

> > amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> > fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> > still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> > some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> > with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> > through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible battle of

> > surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and eating

> > and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills the best

> > we can.

> >

> > I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> > things work, I need to work outside the home for financial reasons and

> > also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> > time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great deal of

> > work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't aford not

> > to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> > Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> > teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> > know if that is realistic for me.

> >

> >

> > Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Stacie,

Thank you so much for your response. It so helps to have others out

there listening/reading!

> > I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504 plan,

> > help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> > outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> > We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> > because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> > be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction to go

> > with many issues.

> >

> > My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> > have three children:

> > 11 aspergers/bipolar

> > Mark 9 PDD and

> > Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> > perseverations!)

> > I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> > fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> > certification.

> >

> > 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> > Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> > lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> > focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

> >

> > He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him in a

> > public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> > in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> > point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> > Then our advocate move out of state after our first two meetings. His

> > third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she did not

> > recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> > was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504 plan

> > and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> > thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> > receiving one on one assistance.

> >

> > This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> > recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> > teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> > across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> > been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> > obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just don't

feel

> > it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> > evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses a day

> > of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better) or

.....

> >

> > Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my question is

> > should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a 1 to

> > 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to

attend a

> > school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> > the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> > which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> > medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> > frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> > helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy

in to

> > the battle to get one.

> >

> > The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on medication

> > at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> > right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> > to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads for so

> > long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> > both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> > were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with many

> > of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although it is

> > amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> > fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> > still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> > some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> > with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> > through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible battle of

> > surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and eating

> > and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills the best

> > we can.

> >

> > I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> > things work, I need to work outside the home for financial reasons

and

> > also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> > time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great deal of

> > work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't aford not

> > to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> > Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> > teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> > know if that is realistic for me.

> >

> > Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I love a child with Aspergers

> > Please, read, learn, and love

> >

> > KELLY

> >

> > Need Mail bonding?

> > Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

> --

>

>

> Don't Breed, Don't Buy, Adopt!

> www.avianwelfare.org

>

[Guest guest]

Stacie,

Thank you so much for your response. It so helps to have others out

there listening/reading!

> > I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504 plan,

> > help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> > outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> > We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> > because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> > be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction to go

> > with many issues.

> >

> > My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> > have three children:

> > 11 aspergers/bipolar

> > Mark 9 PDD and

> > Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> > perseverations!)

> > I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> > fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> > certification.

> >

> > 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> > Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> > lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> > focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

> >

> > He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him in a

> > public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> > in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> > point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> > Then our advocate move out of state after our first two meetings. His

> > third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she did not

> > recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> > was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504 plan

> > and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> > thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> > receiving one on one assistance.

> >

> > This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> > recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> > teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> > across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> > been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> > obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just don't

feel

> > it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> > evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses a day

> > of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better) or

.....

> >

> > Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my question is

> > should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a 1 to

> > 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to

attend a

> > school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> > the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> > which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> > medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> > frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> > helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy

in to

> > the battle to get one.

> >

> > The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on medication

> > at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> > right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> > to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads for so

> > long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> > both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> > were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with many

> > of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although it is

> > amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> > fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> > still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> > some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> > with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> > through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible battle of

> > surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and eating

> > and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills the best

> > we can.

> >

> > I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> > things work, I need to work outside the home for financial reasons

and

> > also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> > time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great deal of

> > work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't aford not

> > to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> > Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> > teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> > know if that is realistic for me.

> >

> > Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I love a child with Aspergers

> > Please, read, learn, and love

> >

> > KELLY

> >

> > Need Mail bonding?

> > Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

> --

>

>

> Don't Breed, Don't Buy, Adopt!

> www.avianwelfare.org

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much for the information!!!

> > I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504

plan,

> > help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> > outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> > We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> > because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> > be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction

to go

> > with many issues.

> >

> > My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> > have three children:

> > 11 aspergers/bipolar

> > Mark 9 PDD and

> > Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> > perseverations!)

> > I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> > fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> > certification.

> >

> > 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> > Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> > lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> > focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

> >

> > He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him

in a

> > public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> > in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> > point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> > Then our advocate move out of state after our first two

meetings. His

> > third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she

did not

> > recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> > was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504

plan

> > and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> > thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> > receiving one on one assistance.

> >

> > This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> > recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> > teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> > across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> > been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> > obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just

don't feel

> > it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> > evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses

a day

> > of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better)

or ....

> >

> > Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my

question is

> > should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a

1 to

> > 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to

attend a

> > school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> > the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> > which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> > medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> > frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> > helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy

in to

> > the battle to get one.

> >

> > The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on

medication

> > at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> > right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> > to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads

for so

> > long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> > both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> > were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with

many

> > of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although

it is

> > amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> > fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> > still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> > some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> > with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> > through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible

battle of

> > surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and

eating

> > and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills

the best

> > we can.

> >

> > I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> > things work, I need to work outside the home for financial

reasons and

> > also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> > time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great

deal of

> > work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't

aford not

> > to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> > Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> > teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> > know if that is realistic for me.

> >

> > Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I love a child with Aspergers

> > Please, read, learn, and love

> >

> > KELLY

> >

> > Need Mail bonding?

> > Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

That is great to hear! Just keep us updated on what they have to say

regarding the IEP. Also, my wife and I were just telling each other

how we feel that we've failed on multiple levels because of what my

step-son has attempted to get away with at school. See if there is an

autism family support group in your area that you can talk with

instead of just typing in here. It will also give the opportunity to

create friendships between the children since they are in the same

category and understand each other better than their age group does.

Joe

> > >

> > > I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504

plan,

> > > help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> > > outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> > > We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> > > because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> > > be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction

to go

> > > with many issues.

> > >

> > > My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> > > have three children:

> > > 11 aspergers/bipolar

> > > Mark 9 PDD and

> > > Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> > > perseverations!)

> > > I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> > > fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> > > certification.

> > >

> > >

> > > 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> > > Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> > > lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> > > focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

> > >

> > > He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put

him in a

> > > public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> > > in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> > > point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> > > Then our advocate move out of state after our first two

meetings. His

> > > third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she

did not

> > > recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> > > was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a

504 plan

> > > and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> > > thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> > > receiving one on one assistance.

> > >

> > > This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> > > recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> > > teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> > > across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> > > been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> > > obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just

don't feel

> > > it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> > > evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses

a day

> > > of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better)

or ....

> > >

> > > Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my

question is

> > > should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had

a 1 to

> > > 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to

attend a

> > > school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> > > the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> > > which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> > > medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> > > frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> > > helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy

in to

> > > the battle to get one.

> > >

> > > The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on

medication

> > > at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> > > right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I

need

> > > to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads

for so

> > > long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note

that

> > > both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> > > were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed

with many

> > > of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although

it is

> > > amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> > > fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> > > still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to

make

> > > some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> > > with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> > > through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible

battle of

> > > surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and

eating

> > > and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills

the best

> > > we can.

> > >

> > > I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> > > things work, I need to work outside the home for financial

reasons and

> > > also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> > > time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great

deal of

> > > work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't

aford not

> > > to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> > > Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> > > teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> > > know if that is realistic for me.

> > >

> > >

> > > Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

,

That is great to hear! Just keep us updated on what they have to say

regarding the IEP. Also, my wife and I were just telling each other

how we feel that we've failed on multiple levels because of what my

step-son has attempted to get away with at school. See if there is an

autism family support group in your area that you can talk with

instead of just typing in here. It will also give the opportunity to

create friendships between the children since they are in the same

category and understand each other better than their age group does.

Joe

> > >

> > > I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504

plan,

> > > help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> > > outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> > > We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> > > because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> > > be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction

to go

> > > with many issues.

> > >

> > > My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> > > have three children:

> > > 11 aspergers/bipolar

> > > Mark 9 PDD and

> > > Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> > > perseverations!)

> > > I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> > > fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> > > certification.

> > >

> > >

> > > 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> > > Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> > > lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> > > focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

> > >

> > > He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put

him in a

> > > public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> > > in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> > > point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> > > Then our advocate move out of state after our first two

meetings. His

> > > third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she

did not

> > > recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> > > was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a

504 plan

> > > and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> > > thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> > > receiving one on one assistance.

> > >

> > > This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> > > recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> > > teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> > > across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> > > been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> > > obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just

don't feel

> > > it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> > > evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses

a day

> > > of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better)

or ....

> > >

> > > Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my

question is

> > > should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had

a 1 to

> > > 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to

attend a

> > > school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> > > the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> > > which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> > > medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> > > frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> > > helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy

in to

> > > the battle to get one.

> > >

> > > The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on

medication

> > > at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> > > right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I

need

> > > to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads

for so

> > > long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note

that

> > > both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> > > were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed

with many

> > > of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although

it is

> > > amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> > > fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> > > still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to

make

> > > some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> > > with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> > > through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible

battle of

> > > surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and

eating

> > > and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills

the best

> > > we can.

> > >

> > > I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> > > things work, I need to work outside the home for financial

reasons and

> > > also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> > > time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great

deal of

> > > work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't

aford not

> > > to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> > > Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> > > teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> > > know if that is realistic for me.

> > >

> > >

> > > Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

> > >

> > >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Dee Dee,

Thank you so much for your response. I just got a chance to read it.

I plan to read and re-read it again and again. I think your story is

just what I needed to hear. I know you are right. I'm not sure what I

am afraid of. My kids must come first. I guess I am a little scared

that I will not be able to succeed, but I have been given so many more

tools than I used to have, just from my experience at work with

special Ed. I too would like to work from my home. If it is alright,

I would love to write to you again.

> I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP

vs 504 plan,

> help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction to go

> with many issues.

>

> My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> have three children:

> 11 aspergers/bipolar

> Mark 9 PDD and

> Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> perseverations!)

> I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> certification.

>

> 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

>

> He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him in a

> public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> Then our advocate move out of state after our first two meetings. His

> third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she did not

> recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504 plan

> and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> receiving one on one assistance.

>

> This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just don't feel

> it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses a day

> of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better) or ....

>

> Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my question is

> should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a 1 to

> 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to attend a

> school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy in to

> the battle to get one.

>

> The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on medication

> at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads for so

> long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with many

> of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although it is

> amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible battle of

> surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and eating

> and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills the best

> we can.

>

> I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> things work, I need to work outside the home for financial reasons and

> also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great deal of

> work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't aford not

> to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> know if that is realistic for me.

>

> Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Don't be flakey. Get for Mobile and

> always stay connected to friends.

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you! This is very helpful.

> > I'm not sure where to start-Medications, pursuing an IEP vs 504 plan,

> > help for my son Mark who eats nothing but junk since I now work

> > outside the home and am too tired to fight with him.....

> > We (I) have been taking a break from trying to adress certain issues

> > because I have been overwhelmed and now I feel that this group could

> > be a way for me to get help. I have been hoping for a direction to go

> > with many issues.

> >

> > My name is (ADHD) and my Husband Steve(Aspergers/bipolar) and I

> > have three children:

> > 11 aspergers/bipolar

> > Mark 9 PDD and

> > Madeline 6 (I don't want to know what she has... definitely

> > perseverations!)

> > I work in a Special Education School as a behavior assistant to a

> > fourteen year old, and I recently received my special education

> > certification.

> >

> > 1st- My oldest son is now on the following Medications:

> > Trileptal 300mg - 2x daily (mood stabilizer)

> > lexipro 5 mg. 1/day (anti depressant) and

> > focalin xr 5 mg 1/day (mood)

> >

> > He used to go to a private school. In the third grade we put him in a

> > public school because we could not get special services/help for him

> > in the private school. We started requesting IEP meetings...At one

> > point we hired an advocate with money that my grandparents gave us.

> > Then our advocate move out of state after our first two meetings. His

> > third grade teacher was new and although he had problems, she did not

> > recommend any additional special services. His fourth grade teacher

> > was experienced. She documented his behavior and requested a 504 plan

> > and a one to one behavior assistant for him. As parents we were

> > thrilled. We didn't have to hire an advocate and was

> > receiving one on one assistance.

> >

> > This year he is in the fifth grade and still has a 504 plan

> > recommending a 1 to 1 behavior assistant; However His fifth grade

> > teacher doesn't feel he needs the one to one (and there is a student

> > across the hall who doesn't speak any English.) His medication has

> > been changed since she requested the one to one. The medication is

> > obviously helping; however it is frustrating because I just don't feel

> > it is right yet. There seem to be other factors that get my way

> > evaluating clearly like might have a cold, or he misses a day

> > of his medication ( I know we should be monitoring him better) or ....

> >

> > Next year he will be going to a middle school. I guess my question is

> > should we pursue an IEP? We were happy without one when he had a 1 to

> > 1 assistant. Several years ago he might have been eligible to attend a

> > school like the one I work in, but even with an IEP and an advocate

> > the county would not pay for him to attend a school like the one in

> > which I teach (And I am greatful that he has come so far and that

> > medication seems to have helped-however I can't help being

> > frustrated/confused as well). As a special educator I know how

> > helpful an IEP can be, I just don't want to put the fight/energy in to

> > the battle to get one.

> >

> > The other thing is that my husband was diagnosed and put on medication

> > at my insistance last year. I'm now not so sure the medication is

> > right for him. He now has developed diabetes and depression. I need

> > to find help for our family and we have been in over our heads for so

> > long I'm not sure where to start. I will say on a positive note that

> > both my husband and I have grown through this process- neither of us

> > were diagnosed before our son . We have been blessed with many

> > of the most wonderful friends through our " journey " And although it is

> > amazing that we have stayed together for almost fifteen years, this

> > fall/winter I have stopped being angry at my husband. (although I

> > still get angry and frustrated at times) This said, We need to make

> > some major changes to help him with his depression, the kids/family

> > with behavior and teamwork, me with having the strenght to follow

> > through and fight what so so often seems like an impossible battle of

> > surviving from day to day and making it to work and school and eating

> > and trying to take care of ourselves, our house and the bills the best

> > we can.

> >

> > I don't feel like I have the time now between work and home to make

> > things work, I need to work outside the home for financial reasons and

> > also, because I need a sence of success. I would like to work part

> > time, however not that my husband is sick and missing a great deal of

> > work, I can't afford to cut back. Yet for my family I can't aford not

> > to. The scary thing is is that I have chosen special Education and

> > Teaching as a profession. It is a profession I enjoy, however the

> > teachers at my school work two -four hours a night and I just don't

> > know if that is realistic for me.

> >

> > Thanks for listening. It was helpful just to get this off my chest!

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > I love a child with Aspergers

> > Please, read, learn, and love

> >

> > KELLY

> >

> > Need Mail bonding?

> > Go to the Q & A for great tips from Answers users.

> >

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

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