Re: Aspergers and School Issues

[Guest guest]

Hi , I just joined, so others may have more experience with this,

but I'll offer what I have. I actually switched my son from

homeschooling into a charter school here, that seems to be wonderful

for him. The school is very small and caring, plus it is an arts and

sciences school, so they are very active, which he needs, and he loves

science so that helps a lot. Because it is a charter school, not a

private school, it still falls under public school so he gets the

OT/PT/SLP help he needs within the system as well as private contracts

outside the school. For me it is the best of both worlds. I am not

sure what you have avaialable in your area, but you may want to look

into charter schools as they generally have smaller class sizes etc.

>

> Greetings all,

>

> My ex-wife and I are raising a delightful daughter, Alyssa in the

> northwest suburbs of Chicago. She's going to be 13 next week and was

> diagnosed with Aspergers about 18 months ago. After we complained

> greatly about some of her grades and such we finally had her tested

> for learning disabilities. We weren't too surprised with the results

> of a Non-Verbal Learning Disability. Her math skills are quite poor

> and this was the big red flag that something else was going on. Also,

> she has a lot of trouble socially, not getting facial expressions,

> body language, not respecting personal space, overly affectionate,

> etc. She's taken to isolating herself at school so that there are no

> uncomfortable interactions with others.

>

> I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice,

> stories, experiences related to any or all of these:

>

> 1. Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with

> whether to put her in the public school where she can get some

> special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has

> anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done

> that mid-year?

>

> 2. For IEP purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we

> have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school

> district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They

> say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway. Does anyone

> have experience that would illustrate the pros and cons of

> classifying her as autistic, especially how that plays out in the

> high school system?

>

> Thanks for reading and offering your opinions. It's nice to find a

> community of people dedicated to helping their children and I hope to

> learn from all your experiences.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

In the NYC area, a dx of autism/AS is preferable - and allows for

needed services. (Here, this dx may also provide payment for private

school fees by the city if you can prove that the placement is ideal

for your child.) The headmaster of the private school may provide a

work-study-type shadow during some hours (i.e., lunch/free time), or

you may tour various public/charter/other private schools and see what

is available in terms of environment and services. (Switching from

private to public mid-year is fairly easy (sign out, then sign in).

You may be able to get a partial refund if you prepaid for the full

year.) Good luck.

[Guest guest]

I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice,

stories, experiences related to any or all of these:

1. Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with

whether to put her in the public school where she can get some

special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has

anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done

that mid-year?

********Hi , welcome to the group. My first question is does your

daughter really dislike the school she is in now? If not, I would be

hesitant about putting her in Ps. for services, as I am not so sure they

would be what you might hope for. If she really does dislike the school,

I liked the suggestion made of a charter school. My son has been Home

Schooled since mid fifth grade because there are no options in our area.

If there were a school with classes of 7-8 kids, who enjoyed learning,

but may need added support, he'd be there. He is very social and loves

to learn. He also has problems with math, which is why we originally

asked for testing. I completely blame modern math programs and methods

for this. I started him back at square one with math, and have seen

great progress. It has been slow going, but always progressing. We

always review before going forward. He is 14 and we are reviewing

multiplication, but my method seems to be working, as I was told by a

college math major, who worked with him a bit last year. We are using a

Community College math text for basic math. It starts with the basics

but at a higher level. The 'Key To' series is also very good. Does your

daughter get individual or small group help, or is she expected to do

what the rest of the class is?

2. For IEP purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we

have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school

district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They

say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway.

**********Personally, I think it does matter and the Autism diagnosis

should be included as well. Also, down the road if she were to need

services the Autism diagnosis would carry more weight than the NVLD. I

imagine you have been looking into options in your area, but are there

any schools for kids on the spectrum. Having been around a lot of 13 and

14 year olds the past couple of years, I would be hesitant about moving

her to a Public School. The teenage girls can be pretty brutal to other

girls who don't look or act the way they think they should. What are

your daughters interests? Any groups in your area where her interests

could be pursued? Ask any questions, as others may have other

thoughts....Gail A.

[Guest guest]

Hi Gail, I started my 4 year olddaughter with aspergers in public school 2 months ago. I also went through the debate of private v. public. I have a 9 year old daughter in private school and from experience with the private school I knew that public ese program would be best for my younger daughter. The public ese program can slow down or speed up with each child (there are only 7 children in the class). The teachers are specialists in the area of the childs diagnosis. I hope I have helped. Good luck in your search. BeckyGail Africa <lilies@...> wrote: I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice, stories, experiences related to any or all of these:1. Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with whether to put her in the public school where she can get some special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done that mid-year?********Hi , welcome to the group. My first question is does yourdaughter really dislike the school she is in now? If not, I would behesitant about putting her in Ps. for services, as I am not so sure theywould be what you might hope for. If she really does dislike the school,I liked the suggestion made of a charter school. My son has been HomeSchooled since mid

fifth grade because there are no options in our area.If there were a school with classes of 7-8 kids, who enjoyed learning,but may need added support, he'd be there. He is very social and lovesto learn. He also has problems with math, which is why we originallyasked for testing. I completely blame modern math programs and methodsfor this. I started him back at square one with math, and have seengreat progress. It has been slow going, but always progressing. Wealways review before going forward. He is 14 and we are reviewingmultiplication, but my method seems to be working, as I was told by acollege math major, who worked with him a bit last year. We are using aCommunity College math text for basic math. It starts with the basicsbut at a higher level. The 'Key To' series is also very good. Does yourdaughter get individual or small group help, or is she expected to dowhat the rest of the class is? 2. For IEP

purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway.**********Personally, I think it does matter and the Autism diagnosisshould be included as well. Also, down the road if she were to needservices the Autism diagnosis would carry more weight than the NVLD. Iimagine you have been looking into options in your area, but are thereany schools for kids on the spectrum. Having been around a lot of 13 and14 year olds the past couple of years, I would be hesitant about movingher to a Public School. The teenage girls can be pretty brutal to othergirls who don't look or act the way they think they should. What areyour daughters interests? Any groups in your area where her interestscould be pursued? Ask any questions, as others may

have otherthoughts....Gail A. __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

A red flag is waving when a child IS autistic and yet the school

district " stays away from making any recommendations about

that....they say it shouldn't matter, etc. etc. etc. " Autism is a

federally protected disability. Aspergers is not. The school district

HAS to provide services, IEP, etc. when there is a federal disability

diagnosis. They don't have to do any of that IF a child with other

medical diagnosis (not on the disability list) is doing adequate work

(70%)in school. The school district is not concerned when a child has

social issues as long as those issues don't cause problems in the

classroom or in their building. If your daughter is isolating to avoid

difficulties/painful social interactions now, it's going to be more

difficult in a public school. As she ages her risk becomes greater for

her social innocence to be misunderstood. A diagnosis of autism will

force the school district to make efforts to protect her.. written

into the IEP. Just remember, the IEP is only a document, how it is

implimented is most important. However, it IS a legal document and

holds the district accountable. This is one of the reasons districts

don't jump up and down to provide needed services to less obvious

children. It costs them time, effort and money. And with the " no child

left behind " ... there is NO break for them with special ed students

not passing the mandated tests. The federal law at present makes no

allowances for special ed students.... all children are expected to

pass the mandated tests within a few years... yes, 100% will be

expected to pass the tests based not on their abilities, but on their

age and grade. It makes homeschooling look better and better.

Priscilla, homeschooling bright and happy autistic 9 yr old boy

through charter public online school.

Autism and Aspergers Treatment , " " <pblack67@...> wrote:

>

> Greetings all,

>

> My ex-wife and I are raising a delightful daughter, Alyssa in the

> northwest suburbs of Chicago. She's going to be 13 next week and was

> diagnosed with Aspergers about 18 months ago. After we complained

> greatly about some of her grades and such we finally had her tested

> for learning disabilities. We weren't too surprised with the results

> of a Non-Verbal Learning Disability. Her math skills are quite poor

> and this was the big red flag that something else was going on. Also,

> she has a lot of trouble socially, not getting facial expressions,

> body language, not respecting personal space, overly affectionate,

> etc. She's taken to isolating herself at school so that there are no

> uncomfortable interactions with others.

>

> I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice,

> stories, experiences related to any or all of these:

>

> 1. Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with

> whether to put her in the public school where she can get some

> special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has

> anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done

> that mid-year?

>

> 2. For IEP purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we

> have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school

> district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They

> say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway. Does anyone

> have experience that would illustrate the pros and cons of

> classifying her as autistic, especially how that plays out in the

> high school system?

>

> Thanks for reading and offering your opinions. It's nice to find a

> community of people dedicated to helping their children and I hope to

> learn from all your experiences.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi :

I am the parent of a 15 year old boy and living on Chicago's North

Shore. About 3 years ago, when my son was about to enter Middle School,

we moved from one suburb to another to get, not so much better

services, as a better match in terms of environment for our son. We are

happy that we did so. Noel, my son, was diagnosed autistic at his last

re-eval - up until that point he had been diagnosed as non-verbal

learning-disabled. NVLD is not one of the federally mandated LD

categories though so it is not always possible to get services as a

result of this diagnosis.

Anyway, the move was definitely worth it - that is not to say that it

has all been perfection. Currently, our son is in High School, in a

small setting for most of the day and in regular ed with supports for

World History, Biology, and PE. (Your daughter sounds quite a bit more

independent and self aware than my son and might not require this level

of support but whatever she needs, the school ought to be providing it.)

Regards,

Trish

[Guest guest]

Where can i find a list of federally protected disabilities? Thanksprisread <prisread@...> wrote: ,A red flag is waving when a child IS autistic and yet the schooldistrict "stays away from making any recommendations aboutthat....they say it shouldn't matter, etc. etc. etc." Autism is afederally protected disability. Aspergers is not. The school districtHAS to provide services, IEP, etc. when there is a federal disabilitydiagnosis. They don't have to do any of that IF a

child with othermedical diagnosis (not on the disability list) is doing adequate work(70%)in school. The school district is not concerned when a child hassocial issues as long as those issues don't cause problems in theclassroom or in their building. If your daughter is isolating to avoiddifficulties/painful social interactions now, it's going to be moredifficult in a public school. As she ages her risk becomes greater forher social innocence to be misunderstood. A diagnosis of autism willforce the school district to make efforts to protect her.. writteninto the IEP. Just remember, the IEP is only a document, how it isimplimented is most important. However, it IS a legal document andholds the district accountable. This is one of the reasons districtsdon't jump up and down to provide needed services to less obviouschildren. It costs them time, effort and money. And with the "no childleft behind"... there is NO

break for them with special ed studentsnot passing the mandated tests. The federal law at present makes noallowances for special ed students.... all children are expected topass the mandated tests within a few years... yes, 100% will beexpected to pass the tests based not on their abilities, but on theirage and grade. It makes homeschooling look better and better.Priscilla, homeschooling bright and happy autistic 9 yr old boythrough charter public online school. Autism and Aspergers Treatment , "" <pblack67@...> wrote:>> Greetings all,> > My ex-wife and I are raising a delightful daughter, Alyssa in the > northwest suburbs of Chicago. She's going to be 13 next week and was > diagnosed with Aspergers about 18 months ago. After we complained > greatly about some of her grades and such we finally had her tested

> for learning disabilities. We weren't too surprised with the results > of a Non-Verbal Learning Disability. Her math skills are quite poor > and this was the big red flag that something else was going on. Also, > she has a lot of trouble socially, not getting facial expressions, > body language, not respecting personal space, overly affectionate, > etc. She's taken to isolating herself at school so that there are no > uncomfortable interactions with others. > > I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice, > stories, experiences related to any or all of these:> > 1. Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with > whether to put her in the public school where she can get some > special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has > anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done > that

mid-year?> > 2. For IEP purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we > have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school > district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They > say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway. Does anyone > have experience that would illustrate the pros and cons of > classifying her as autistic, especially how that plays out in the > high school system?> > Thanks for reading and offering your opinions. It's nice to find a > community of people dedicated to helping their children and I hope to > learn from all your experiences.> > >

[Guest guest]

Where can i find a list of federally protected disabilities? Thanksprisread <prisread@...> wrote: ,A red flag is waving when a child IS autistic and yet the schooldistrict "stays away from making any recommendations aboutthat....they say it shouldn't matter, etc. etc. etc." Autism is afederally protected disability. Aspergers is not. The school districtHAS to provide services, IEP, etc. when there is a federal disabilitydiagnosis. They don't have to do any of that IF a

child with othermedical diagnosis (not on the disability list) is doing adequate work(70%)in school. The school district is not concerned when a child hassocial issues as long as those issues don't cause problems in theclassroom or in their building. If your daughter is isolating to avoiddifficulties/painful social interactions now, it's going to be moredifficult in a public school. As she ages her risk becomes greater forher social innocence to be misunderstood. A diagnosis of autism willforce the school district to make efforts to protect her.. writteninto the IEP. Just remember, the IEP is only a document, how it isimplimented is most important. However, it IS a legal document andholds the district accountable. This is one of the reasons districtsdon't jump up and down to provide needed services to less obviouschildren. It costs them time, effort and money. And with the "no childleft behind"... there is NO

break for them with special ed studentsnot passing the mandated tests. The federal law at present makes noallowances for special ed students.... all children are expected topass the mandated tests within a few years... yes, 100% will beexpected to pass the tests based not on their abilities, but on theirage and grade. It makes homeschooling look better and better.Priscilla, homeschooling bright and happy autistic 9 yr old boythrough charter public online school. Autism and Aspergers Treatment , "" <pblack67@...> wrote:>> Greetings all,> > My ex-wife and I are raising a delightful daughter, Alyssa in the > northwest suburbs of Chicago. She's going to be 13 next week and was > diagnosed with Aspergers about 18 months ago. After we complained > greatly about some of her grades and such we finally had her tested

> for learning disabilities. We weren't too surprised with the results > of a Non-Verbal Learning Disability. Her math skills are quite poor > and this was the big red flag that something else was going on. Also, > she has a lot of trouble socially, not getting facial expressions, > body language, not respecting personal space, overly affectionate, > etc. She's taken to isolating herself at school so that there are no > uncomfortable interactions with others. > > I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice, > stories, experiences related to any or all of these:> > 1. Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with > whether to put her in the public school where she can get some > special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has > anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done > that

mid-year?> > 2. For IEP purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we > have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school > district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They > say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway. Does anyone > have experience that would illustrate the pros and cons of > classifying her as autistic, especially how that plays out in the > high school system?> > Thanks for reading and offering your opinions. It's nice to find a > community of people dedicated to helping their children and I hope to > learn from all your experiences.> > >

[Guest guest]

, I also have a daughter named Elissa who was diagnosed (FINALLY) a little over a year ago with AS on top of ADHD, ODD and bi polar disorder. She will be 14 in February. (just thought, two girls, same name, similar age.....) We live in SW Iowa. I could tell you where but you wouldn't have heard of it! lol Anyway, in my experience, it IS better to have the "autism" designation as far as getting necessary services for your daughter. At first, I did not want to "label" her and wanted things to be as low key as possible for her so she wouldn't be made to feel more different than she is. BUT this has been a CONSTANT stumbling block for us in getting the assistance and services she needs. As far as changing schools, I am fairly sure you can get additional services for your daughter even while she is at the private school if they are willing to cooperate. My dd has a therapist who comes in to our home so

many hours per week to work with Elissa re her social skills training and interactions with others. As far as school goes, I arranged more study hall time at school so she could complete her work there with teachers to assist as necessary so she almost never has any homework and is now an A and B honor roll student in mainstream classes. I am under the impression that you should be able to get some additional services from the public schools/government while she is still in private school. I may be incorrect but I think it is something to look into before switching her as she will probably have drastic issues with the school change at this age. My dd had serious behavior and emotional issues just going from public school elementary to jr high. The routines were just too different and she was expected to take so much more responsibility for herself while being subjected to so many enviornmental distractions and changes that it was simply overwhelming. Having gone to a

smaller private school myself and then public school, I can tell you the change was dramatic enough without adding the sensory etc issues that most AS children have. Larger class sizes, larger environment physically, different foundation of schools. (I went to a Chrisitian school and then public). I guess I am saying, just make sure the advantages outweigh the disadvantages before making the choice. Good luck and God bless on raising your Alyssa. If you wish to talk more off list etc, feel free to email me. DeeDee <pblack67@...> wrote: Greetings all,My ex-wife and I are raising a delightful daughter, Alyssa in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She's going to be 13 next week and was diagnosed with Aspergers about 18 months ago. After we complained greatly about some of her grades and such we finally had her tested for learning disabilities. We weren't too surprised with the results of a Non-Verbal Learning Disability. Her math skills are quite poor and this was the big red flag that something else was going on. Also, she has a lot of trouble socially, not getting facial expressions, body language, not respecting personal space, overly affectionate, etc. She's taken to isolating herself at school so that there are no uncomfortable interactions with others. I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice, stories, experiences related to any or

all of these:1. Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with whether to put her in the public school where she can get some special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done that mid-year?2. For IEP purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway. Does anyone have experience that would illustrate the pros and cons of classifying her as autistic, especially how that plays out in the high school system?Thanks for reading and offering your opinions. It's nice to find a community of people dedicated to helping their children and I hope to learn from all your

experiences.

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[Guest guest]

I have too had problems with the school and the "labels issue". I have found that my son does get the same services as he did before the "Autistic" label, however I have also found out that there are more services and options available to you if you use the proper label. When I told the school I wanted to be labeled correctly on the IEP that changed our normal 30min meeting to 2 1/2 hr meeting because of the options and provisions that can be made. When I asked why was I being pushed away from this label I was told that a label like autism could keep from making certain choices later on in life. I asked like what. I was told that he would not be able to join the military in the future with a label of autism. Well I don't know about you all but I know that my son is not military bound and that would just be scary thinking of him with a weapon. All in all as has progressed in education we are finding that making him toe a line and have certain expectations of him and for him, things have changed tremendously and some of the other services are no longer needed but if we ever needed to use them again they are available. Now that we are in Middle school (7th Grade) and we have different staff, they are equally involved in looking for services, programs, and anything that would work to benefit . All it takes is 1 person to try and control the services available to your child but you just have to remember that YOU are your childs biggest and #1 advocate and generally the law is on your side.

-Irwin

From: d corbin <jdcorbin_2000@...>Reply-Autism and Aspergers Treatment To: Autism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Re: Aspergers and School IssuesDate: Tue, 12 Dec 2006 05:00:31 -0800 (PST)

, I also have a daughter named Elissa who was diagnosed (FINALLY) a little over a year ago with AS on top of ADHD, ODD and bi polar disorder. She will be 14 in February. (just thought, two girls, same name, similar age.....) We live in SW Iowa. I could tell you where but you wouldn't have heard of it! lol

Anyway, in my experience, it IS better to have the "autism" designation as far as getting necessary services for your daughter. At first, I did not want to "label" her and wanted things to be as low key as possible for her so she wouldn't be made to feel more different than she is. BUT this has been a CONSTANT stumbling block for us in getting the assistance and services she needs.

As far as changing schools, I am fairly sure you can get additional services for your daughter even while she is at the private school if they are willing to cooperate. My dd has a therapist who comes in to our home so many hours per week to work with Elissa re her social skills training and interactions with others. As far as school goes, I arranged more study hall time at school so she could complete her work there with teachers to assist as necessary so she almost never has any homework and is now an A and B honor roll student in mainstream classes. I am under the impression that you should be able to get some additional services from the public schools/government while she is still in private school. I may be incorrect but I think it is something to look into before switching her as she will probably have drastic issues with the school change at this age. My dd had serious behavior and emotional issues just going from public school elementary to jr high. The routines were just too different and she was expected to take so much more responsibility for herself while being subjected to so many enviornmental distractions and changes that it was simply overwhelming. Having gone to a smaller private school myself and then public school, I can tell you the change was dramatic enough without adding the sensory etc issues that most AS children have. Larger class sizes, larger environment physically, different foundation of schools. (I went to a Chrisitian school and then public). I guess I am saying, just make sure the advantages outweigh the disadvantages before making the choice.

Good luck and God bless on raising your Alyssa. If you wish to talk more off list etc, feel free to email me.

DeeDee <pblack67comcast (DOT) net> wrote:

Greetings all,My ex-wife and I are raising a delightful daughter, Alyssa in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She's going to be 13 next week and was diagnosed with Aspergers about 18 months ago. After we complained greatly about some of her grades and such we finally had her tested for learning disabilities. We weren't too surprised with the results of a Non-Verbal Learning Disability. Her math skills are quite poor and this was the big red flag that something else was going on. Also, she has a lot of trouble socially, not getting facial expressions, body language, not respecting personal space, overly affectionate, etc. She's taken to isolating herself at school so that there are no uncomfortable interactions with others. I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice, stories, experiences related to any or all of these:1. Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with whether to put her in the public school where she can get some special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done that mid-year?2. For IEP purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway. Does anyone have experience that would illustrate the pros and cons of classifying her as autistic, especially how that plays out in the high school system?Thanks for reading and offering your opinions. It's nice to find a community of people dedicated to helping their children and I hope to learn from all your experiences.

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[Guest guest]

You don't get autism team services along with an OT and Speech and Language therapist under Autism???? I thought that they had to provide them. Molly finally got all these services this year - despite me pulling her out of RSP English with History to follow next semester. She is doing VERY well for the first time in her life - and this is the first year of high school. -Irwin <laura_0375@...> wrote: I have too had problems with the school and the

"labels issue". I have found that my son does get the same services as he did before the "Autistic" label, however I have also found out that there are more services and options available to you if you use the proper label. When I told the school I wanted to be labeled correctly on the IEP that changed our normal 30min meeting to 2 1/2 hr meeting because of the options and provisions that can be made. When I asked why was I being pushed away from this label I was told that a label like autism could keep from making certain choices later on in life. I asked like what. I was told that he would not be able to join the military in the future with a label of autism. Well I don't know about you all but I know that my son is not military bound and that would just be scary thinking of him with a weapon. All in all as has progressed in education we are finding that making him toe a line and

have certain expectations of him and for him, things have changed tremendously and some of the other services are no longer needed but if we ever needed to use them again they are available. Now that we are in Middle school (7th Grade) and we have different staff, they are equally involved in looking for services, programs, and anything that would work to benefit . All it takes is 1 person to try and control the services available to your child but you just have to remember that YOU are your childs biggest and #1 advocate and generally the law is on your side. -Irwin From: d corbin <jdcorbin_2000 >Reply-To:

Autism and Aspergers Treatment To: Autism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Re: Aspergers and School IssuesDate: Tue, 12 Dec 2006 05:00:31 -0800 (PST) , I also have a daughter named Elissa who was diagnosed (FINALLY) a little over a year ago with AS on top of ADHD, ODD and bi polar disorder. She will be 14 in February. (just thought, two girls, same name, similar age.....) We live in SW Iowa. I could tell you where but you wouldn't have heard of it! lol Anyway, in my experience, it IS better to have the "autism" designation as far as getting necessary services for your daughter. At first, I did not want to "label" her and wanted things to be as low key as possible for her so she wouldn't be made to feel more different than she is. BUT this has been a CONSTANT stumbling block

for us in getting the assistance and services she needs. As far as changing schools, I am fairly sure you can get additional services for your daughter even while she is at the private school if they are willing to cooperate. My dd has a therapist who comes in to our home so many hours per week to work with Elissa re her social skills training and interactions with others. As far as school goes, I arranged more study hall time at school so she could complete her work there with teachers to assist as necessary so she almost never has any homework and is now an A and B honor roll student in mainstream classes. I am under the impression that you should be able to get some additional services from the public schools/government while she is still in private school. I may be incorrect but I think it is something to look into before switching her as she will probably have drastic issues with the school change at this age. My dd had serious behavior

and emotional issues just going from public school elementary to jr high. The routines were just too different and she was expected to take so much more responsibility for herself while being subjected to so many enviornmental distractions and changes that it was simply overwhelming. Having gone to a smaller private school myself and then public school, I can tell you the change was dramatic enough without adding the sensory etc issues that most AS children have. Larger class sizes, larger environment physically, different foundation of schools. (I went to a Chrisitian school and then public). I guess I am saying, just make sure the advantages outweigh the disadvantages before making the choice. Good luck and God bless on raising your Alyssa. If you wish to talk more off list etc, feel free to email me. DeeDee <pblack67comcast (DOT) net> wrote: Greetings all,My ex-wife and I are raising a delightful daughter, Alyssa in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. She's going to be 13 next week and was diagnosed with Aspergers about 18 months ago. After we complained greatly about some of her grades and such we finally had her tested for learning disabilities. We weren't too surprised with the results of a Non-Verbal Learning Disability. Her math skills are quite poor and this was the big red flag that something else was going on. Also, she has a lot of trouble socially, not getting facial expressions, body language, not respecting personal space, overly affectionate, etc. She's taken to isolating herself at school so that there are no uncomfortable interactions with others. I guess I have several questions and would appreciate advice, stories, experiences related to any or all of these:1.

Alyssa is currently in a private school and we're wrestling with whether to put her in the public school where she can get some special ed help and have a social worker to work with her, too. Has anyone here switched schools for better services? Has anyone done that mid-year?2. For IEP purposes we're going to classify Alyssa as NVLD. Also, we have the option of classifying Alyssa as Autistic but the school district stays away from making any recommendations about that. They say it shouldn't matter since she'll get services anyway. Does anyone have experience that would illustrate the pros and cons of classifying her as autistic, especially how that plays out in the high school system?Thanks for reading and offering your opinions. It's nice to find a community of people dedicated to helping their children and I hope to learn from all your experiences. Want to start your own business? Learn how on Small Business. Stay up-to-date with your friends through the Windows Live Spaces friends list. "I want to be part of the solution. Not part of the agonizing, grinding, boring complacent problem..."

Henry Rollins; From "I hate U2" __________________________________________________