Problems on the school bus - need help w/ options

[Guest guest]

My son is 6 yrs old and was diagnosed w/ ADHD and Autism. I noticed it very

early on and was able to get therapy before he started school. He is now in

Kindergarten and is taking the school bus to and from school and the bus drivers

are having a hard time keeping him in his seat. He attempts to unlatch the

windows and sometimes runs around the bus. They have suggested a harness, which

I am strongly against.

My son doesn't show this type of behavior when an experienced teacher or staff

member is around. I have requested that an assistant be on the bus at all times.

They have a different assistant on the bus daily and they all seem to be

inexperienced, they don't interact with my child, and they sit several rows

away. This creates an awkward feeling for my child as he is the only student on

the bus. When they arrive at my home my son is sometimes running around the bus,

or under the seat, with his shoes and jacket off. I usually have to step onto

the bus to get him off. This behavior they are seeing on the bus is because he

is not getting proper supervision and reinforcement while on the bus.

I refuse to agree to a harness because I know my son has the ability to sit and

ride the bus without being restrained. Restraining him will make matters worse

and affect him emotionally and doesn't do anything to train or teach him.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? Can I request that the same

assistant be on the bus each day? Can I request a certain gender? Do I call an

Emergency IEP/ARD? Are there certain words that I should use? How do I get them

to provide an experienced assistant? Can there be some sort of goals relative to

the bus ride in the IEP? I really need help!