Re: Mainstream class or not?

[Guest guest]

I highly recommend for you to buy the book

“How to Reach and Teach Children with Challenging Behavior” written

by Kaye L. Otten and Jodie L. Tuttle. I wanted to gain as much knowledge

as I possibly could prior to making decisions on what was best for my

daughter.

http://www.amazon.com/Reach-Children-Challenging-Behavior-Ready/dp/0470505168

My daughter just started Kindergarten Fall

2010. It was VERY rough. We wanted and thought she could handle

being completely mainstreamed. However, this was not the case. She

went through a spell of hitting, kicking, throwing pencils and even scissors,

then going around the room knocking down chairs, banging her head against the

wall… I could go on and on… I rec’d emails or

calls on a daily basis, had to go into the school to calm her on several

occasions, etc… My heart had never felt so heavy and I wanted to

just pull her out of the school altogether. The special ed teacher, her

teacher, etc… all admitted to me that they did not really know

anything about ASD children.

This group had suggested that we request a

FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment) in addition to the IEP that was already in

place and it was the best thing that ever happened. We required that they

brought in someone that specializes in ASD to assist the district psychologist

and the school’s special ed teacher. We also did not allow them to

get away with the minimum requirements of the FBA as we wanted a very thorough assessment,

etc…

My daughter has done amazing with the

changes… She has a schedule in place that she is handed every

morning by her teacher. She is in the Special Ed room for 2 hours a day

mainly to do math, reading, most of the required subjects as this was when she

wanted to roam the room and would get the most upset and frustrated, we have a

shadow with her for 3 hours of the day in the classroom, during floor time, and

science, etc… then the remainder of the day she is on her

own. We put this schedule in place right after Thanksgiving break. I

have not been called into the school since… she has not acted out and

is beginning to excel.

I also requested the school to send me a

weekly report on how she is doing. It has percentages, charts, etc…

(got that from the book ) This way we can all see her progress and make

changes as needed. It lists her IEP goals, etc…

My hope is that if we do this the correct

way, she will be able to be mainstreamed by 2nd or 3rd grade.

Only time will tell if that’s feasible. The book has great

information and if the school doesn’t have it, you may want to buy them a

copy…

Hope this helps. Everyone has told

me, so I will tell you… ONLY you know what’s best for your

child. It’s a fight worth fighting. I cried every day the first few

months of school and now only tears of joy. My daughter was just

recognized at the school assembly this morning for her outstanding behavior in

helping others in her class last week.

From:

Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of SoCalVal

Sent: Friday, January 21, 2011

2:59 PM

To:

Autism and Aspergers Treatment

Subject:

Mainstream class or not?

Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or

has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes?

What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind

academically?

My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all -

reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his

biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has

outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up

hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior

like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and

cries or runs to be alone.

I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how

to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from

school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't

even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for

already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35

mintues.

We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was

starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of

people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they

want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea

of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about

the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide.

We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that

she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and

just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because

he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels

like he does).

I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking,

even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would

the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything

about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week

and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15

different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher

would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should

do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

[Guest guest]

What worked awesomely for us was Montessori 1st through 3rd grade classroom. The teacher and the mode of teaching is so wonderful.

What didn't work was public school 4th-6th. It was a disaster and she learned nothing and did nothing.

So, in 7th grade at the iep meeting they wanted to put her in a self-contained classroom and I said only if she could take Spanish. They didn't like it but did agree.

She had trouble getting to Spanish class on time and got a 30 on the first test. The Spanish teacher was flipping out, and the guidance counselor was bothering me. I was delighted. 30% of the material was better than the past 3 years. So before the next Spanish test, we spent the weekend praying, and she got a 66! The Spanish teacher was ecstatic, and called asking if I'd taken her to Berlitz! I said, no, we simply prayed.

went on to become an A and A+ student in Spanish, even taking both Spanish and French one year in high school and doing so well in both. This opened the door for other kids with difficulties to take a foreign language and shaped up the iep committe so they started to listen.

By eighth grade she was in regular classes, and graduated high school taking regular classes.

Now, if I had it to do over again, I would have had the school district pay for a private school, as there was one in town that had changed to have kids who just didn't fit well in public school. She took a summer school class there and it was heaven. So that's my suggestion. The district should pay for appropriate schooling, if You can find a good private school near enough, and like the idea. I say this because of the social reasons, not academics.

One of the boys in the 7th grade classroom (13 boys and !) who was a handful, his mother got the school district to pay $36,000 to send him to a military-type private school upstate (NY), which worked wonders for him.

Last I heard, he was planning to enter the Iditarod dog sled race.

Francine

Speak with Him Thou for He hearest.

Spirit with Spirit can speak.

Closer is Love than breathing,

Nearer than hands and feet.

(with appreciation for Tennyson)

Mainstream class or not?

Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically?

My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone.

I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues.

We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide.

We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does).

I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

[Guest guest]

Have you thought about homeschooling? There are many homeschool networks/ support groups. I don't think public school in general is the right place for our kiddos. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryFrom: "SoCalVal" <socalval@...>Sender: Autism and Aspergers Treatment Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:58:36 -0000<Autism and Aspergers Treatment >Reply Autism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Mainstream class or not? Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically? My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone. I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues. We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide. We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does). I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I have to agree with homeschooling. I am a teacher and at the time we didn't know our son had Asperger's. They said it was only ADHD. His penmanship has always been an issue. He never had outbursts but he would walk away and sometimes cry when he thought he hurt someone's feelings. He was very sensitive.

If I had to do it all over again, I would have started with homeschooling and joined other groups. I hate to say it, but his first grade teacher was terrible. He cried in the morning on his way to school and we had to move him to a Montessouri school for a few years. He really enjoyed his time there. The teachers were awesome.

I taught ESE and Reg Ed and I think that teachers who don't have the ESE experience don't understand to how to handle those situations.

Hope it helps.

Cheryl Have a great day!

The Murray's

Cheryl MurrayHomeschool Evaluator321-281-7156

From: "srt12780@..." <srt12780@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Fri, January 21, 2011 8:40:05 PMSubject: Re: Mainstream class or not?

Have you thought about homeschooling? There are many homeschool networks/ support groups. I don't think public school in general is the right place for our kiddos. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: "SoCalVal" <socalval@...>

Sender: Autism and Aspergers Treatment

Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:58:36 -0000

<Autism and Aspergers Treatment >

ReplyAutism and Aspergers Treatment

Subject: Mainstream class or not?

Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically? My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone. I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met

with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues. We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide. We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he

does). I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

[Guest guest]

I don't know that I have an answer but I certainly relate. My son is three and he is in special ed preschool through the school district in the morn and reg ed in the afternoon. He is doing better in reg ed. The school district is nothing but hassles and arguements. My son is high functioning autism. The school won't pay for special school which is where I want him for kindergarten. I am pulling him from special ed soon and putting him in private OT and speech which is more hrs a month. I think a lot depends on the district and what they have to offer. Debi Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerryFrom: sunrose101@...Sender: Autism and Aspergers Treatment Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 19:41:59 -0500<Autism and Aspergers Treatment >Reply Autism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Re: Mainstream class or not? What worked awesomely for us was Montessori 1st through 3rd grade classroom. The teacher and the mode of teaching is so wonderful. What didn't work was public school 4th-6th. It was a disaster and she learned nothing and did nothing. So, in 7th grade at the iep meeting they wanted to put her in a self-contained classroom and I said only if she could take Spanish. They didn't like it but did agree. She had trouble getting to Spanish class on time and got a 30 on the first test. The Spanish teacher was flipping out, and the guidance counselor was bothering me. I was delighted. 30% of the material was better than the past 3 years. So before the next Spanish test, we spent the weekend praying, and she got a 66! The Spanish teacher was ecstatic, and called asking if I'd taken her to Berlitz! I said, no, we simply prayed. went on to become an A and A+ student in Spanish, even taking both Spanish and French one year in high school and doing so well in both. This opened the door for other kids with difficulties to take a foreign language and shaped up the iep committe so they started to listen. By eighth grade she was in regular classes, and graduated high school taking regular classes. Now, if I had it to do over again, I would have had the school district pay for a private school, as there was one in town that had changed to have kids who just didn't fit well in public school. She took a summer school class there and it was heaven. So that's my suggestion. The district should pay for appropriate schooling, if You can find a good private school near enough, and like the idea. I say this because of the social reasons, not academics. One of the boys in the 7th grade classroom (13 boys and !) who was a handful, his mother got the school district to pay $36,000 to send him to a military-type private school upstate (NY), which worked wonders for him. Last I heard, he was planning to enter the Iditarod dog sled race. FrancineSpeak with Him Thou for He hearest.Spirit with Spirit can speak.Closer is Love than breathing,Nearer than hands and feet.(with appreciation for Tennyson) Mainstream class or not? Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically? My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone. I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues. We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide. We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does). I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

[Guest guest]

Actually we did homeschool last year for kindergarten. I knew my son was struggling with something and was hoping to buy some time to figure things out. We did well with it but he really wanted to try "real" school. Now that he's there he wants to stay but I'm not sure yet. I at least want to wait to see how the IEP turns out.

Before moving here to CA we had him in Montessori. That's when his sensory issues were at their worse and having the smaller class size was perfect. It was the teacher there that suggested he be evaluated as she noticed some things. She was an awesome teacher. Just don't think our bank account could handle it right now.

[Guest guest]

I wish so badly that your experience was better. My child is in a public school, and they go out of their way to increase special ed hours and to help us. It sounds like a para professional might really help your child in the classroom. You can have this extra service written into the IEP. Give it a chance to see if you can get it. Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®From: "SoCalVal" <socalval@...>Sender: Autism and Aspergers Treatment Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:58:36 -0000<Autism and Aspergers Treatment >Reply Autism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Mainstream class or not? Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically? My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone. I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues. We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide. We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does). I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

[Guest guest]

can you tell me more about a para professional? Is this the same as an aide or a one on one aide or a shadow? Are they often trained for ASD kids? I hear a lot of stories about aides and the fact that they only require a few hours training, they don't have to have a degree and that it could be anyone off the street looking for a job. This worries me!

I've been acting as his aide - I'm there one whole day a week and 1- 2 hours the other mornings. Today was so hard for him - probably the worst yet and I just can't see how this can go on. He has big issues on the morning rug with personal space, then he can't stand when they count to 100 (all those voices drive him crazy), then at 9:00 they start reading group and each group transitions through 4 tables that are 10 minutes each -( transitions are very hard for my son ) then he becomes very rigid when the group is asked to read a book that he doesn't want (it has to be about snakes!), then they race to the computer and once he's on you cannot get him off, so he gets in trouble.... then off to recess where 100 kids with unstructured play and barely supervised is just a disaster waiting to happen. (Today a boy laughed at him when my son's shoe fell off and my son threw woodchips in his face and cried. NO One would have been there to help them work through that, I felt lucky that I was) Then for line up back to the class, he HAS to be first, if he's not - another disaster.

This was just over the course of 2 hours. Some days he does well but one just never knows.

Mainstream class or not?

Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically? My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone. I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues. We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide. We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does). I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3394 - Release Date: 01/21/11 07:34:00

[Guest guest]

I am not an expert by any means just a mom going through the public school system with amazing results for my child, so I hope this helps....I'm not sure of the qualifications of a para professional, necessarlity, but I've witnessed one at my son's school, and she is amazing! The timing of this e-mail is ironic, as we just had an IEP meeting today. When I asked for a para to help my son on the playgound with his socialization skills, the response was 'paras are usually reserved for children with safety risks".... I understand that most school districts do not have a tremedous budget, so I defer to their judgement on this. But, it sounds like, without you being there, and thank goodness you are able to, this might be a bad situation for your child. I would push for a para on his IEP. You should not feel so nervous that you

have to show up for school recess to make sure your child is ok. You can also have meetings with the para to "train" him or her on what works best for your child. I always bring this up because each of our children are unique. You know what is best! Hope this helps>

From: SoCalVal <socalval@...>Subject: Re: Mainstream class or not?Autism and Aspergers Treatment Date: Saturday, January 22, 2011, 12:04 AM

can you tell me more about a para professional? Is this the same as an aide or a one on one aide or a shadow? Are they often trained for ASD kids? I hear a lot of stories about aides and the fact that they only require a few hours training, they don't have to have a degree and that it could be anyone off the street looking for a job. This worries me!

I've been acting as his aide - I'm there one whole day a week and 1- 2 hours the other mornings. Today was so hard for him - probably the worst yet and I just can't see how this can go on. He has big issues on the morning rug with personal space, then he can't stand when they count to 100 (all those voices drive him crazy), then at 9:00 they start reading group and each group transitions through 4 tables that are 10 minutes each -( transitions are very hard for my son ) then he becomes very rigid when the group is asked to read a book that he doesn't want (it has to be about snakes!), then they race to the computer and once he's on you cannot get him off, so he gets in trouble.... then off to recess where 100 kids with unstructured play and barely supervised is just a disaster waiting to happen. (Today a boy laughed at him when my son's shoe fell off and my

son threw woodchips in his face and cried. NO One would have been there to help them work through that, I felt lucky that I was) Then for line up back to the class, he HAS to be first, if he's not - another disaster.

This was just over the course of 2 hours. Some days he does well but one just never knows.

Mainstream class or not?

Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically? My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone. I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met

with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues. We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide. We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he

does). I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3394 - Release Date: 01/21/11 07:34:00

[Guest guest]

Thank you for the book recommendation. I will check it out right away! Glad to hear your daughter is going so well.

RE: Mainstream class or not?

I highly recommend for you to buy the book “How to Reach and Teach Children with Challenging Behavior” written by Kaye L. Otten and Jodie L. Tuttle. I wanted to gain as much knowledge as I possibly could prior to making decisions on what was best for my daughter.

http://www.amazon.com/Reach-Children-Challenging-Behavior-Ready/dp/0470505168

My daughter just started Kindergarten Fall 2010. It was VERY rough. We wanted and thought she could handle being completely mainstreamed. However, this was not the case. She went through a spell of hitting, kicking, throwing pencils and even scissors, then going around the room knocking down chairs, banging her head against the wall… I could go on and on… I rec’d emails or calls on a daily basis, had to go into the school to calm her on several occasions, etc… My heart had never felt so heavy and I wanted to just pull her out of the school altogether. The special ed teacher, her teacher, etc… all admitted to me that they did not really know anything about ASD children.

This group had suggested that we request a FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment) in addition to the IEP that was already in place and it was the best thing that ever happened. We required that they brought in someone that specializes in ASD to assist the district psychologist and the school’s special ed teacher. We also did not allow them to get away with the minimum requirements of the FBA as we wanted a very thorough assessment, etc…

My daughter has done amazing with the changes… She has a schedule in place that she is handed every morning by her teacher. She is in the Special Ed room for 2 hours a day mainly to do math, reading, most of the required subjects as this was when she wanted to roam the room and would get the most upset and frustrated, we have a shadow with her for 3 hours of the day in the classroom, during floor time, and science, etc… then the remainder of the day she is on her own. We put this schedule in place right after Thanksgiving break. I have not been called into the school since… she has not acted out and is beginning to excel.

I also requested the school to send me a weekly report on how she is doing. It has percentages, charts, etc… (got that from the book ) This way we can all see her progress and make changes as needed. It lists her IEP goals, etc…

My hope is that if we do this the correct way, she will be able to be mainstreamed by 2nd or 3rd grade. Only time will tell if that’s feasible. The book has great information and if the school doesn’t have it, you may want to buy them a copy…

Hope this helps. Everyone has told me, so I will tell you… ONLY you know what’s best for your child. It’s a fight worth fighting. I cried every day the first few months of school and now only tears of joy. My daughter was just recognized at the school assembly this morning for her outstanding behavior in helping others in her class last week.

From: Autism and Aspergers Treatment [mailto:Autism and Aspergers Treatment ] On Behalf Of SoCalValSent: Friday, January 21, 2011 2:59 PMAutism and Aspergers Treatment Subject: Mainstream class or not?

Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically? My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone. I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues. We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide. We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does). I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.449 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3394 - Release Date: 01/21/11 07:34:00

[Guest guest]

My son with aspergers is now in 6th grade. He is in the regular classroom and

is doing really well. But that is because he has an incredible teacher who also

has a son with aspergers so she knows exactly what to do. She has been a true

angel for us. I have also spent many hours in the school talking to the

principal, special ed teachers, autistic specialist, and school psychologist

making sure they all know I am on top of everything. It has been a long journey

to this point though. I did homeschool my son for 2nd and 3rd grade because the

school district we lived in could not give my son the education he needed, even

with an IEP. During 3rd grade, we decided to move back up north to be near

family. I researched the school districts and chose one that was well known for

helping special needs kids and I knew this district employed autistic

specialists. Even so, 4th grade was great and 5th grade was awful. The

differences have been the teachers and my level of involvement with the school.

The more involved I am, the more my son receives. Also, as a graduate student

studying special ed, I have to say IDEA law says your child is entitled to an

education, but it does not say that the school district must pay for a private

school. Every child is different and unique, so only you know what is right for

your child. For my son, I wanted inclusion and I am fighting to keep it. My

son loves being with his peers and he is really starting to make friends. But

go with what you think is best. At the IEP meeting, don't go in feeling

intimidated. You are the expert on your child, and the school must take your

advice into consideration. Also, it really helps to have a copy of the IEP and

the ER before the meeting. You can review it and make notes and questions. You

will go into the IEP meeting prepared.

Good luck!

>

> Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do

you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince

been? What are other options if child is not behind academically?

> My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all -

reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his

biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has

outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up

hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior

like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and

cries or runs to be alone.

>

> I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how

to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from

school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't

even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already

20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues.

>

> We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was

starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of

people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they

want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea

of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing

about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to

decide.

>

> We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class

that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all

and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay

because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he

feels like he does).

>

> I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking,

even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would

the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything

about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week

and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15

different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher

would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should

do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

>

[Guest guest]

I have to say IDEA law says your child is entitled to an education, but it does not say that the school district must pay for a private school.

Perhaps it varies by state Kim. It does in NY, or did back then, if the public school can not educate appropriately.

Francine

Speak with Him Thou for He hearest.

Spirit with Spirit can speak.

Closer is Love than breathing,

Nearer than hands and feet.

(with appreciation for Tennyson)

Re: Mainstream class or not?

My son with aspergers is now in 6th grade. He is in the regular classroom and is doing really well. But that is because he has an incredible teacher who also has a son with aspergers so she knows exactly what to do. She has been a true angel for us. I have also spent many hours in the school talking to the principal, special ed teachers, autistic specialist, and school psychologist making sure they all know I am on top of everything. It has been a long journey to this point though. I did homeschool my son for 2nd and 3rd grade because the school district we lived in could not give my son the education he needed, even with an IEP. During 3rd grade, we decided to move back up north to be near family. I researched the school districts and chose one that was well known for helping special needs kids and I knew this district employed autistic specialists. Even so, 4th grade was great and 5th grade was awful. The differences have been the teachers and my level of involvement with the school. The more involved I am, the more my son receives. Also, as a graduate student studying special ed, I have to say IDEA law says your child is entitled to an education, but it does not say that the school district must pay for a private school. Every child is different and unique, so only you know what is right for your child. For my son, I wanted inclusion and I am fighting to keep it. My son loves being with his peers and he is really starting to make friends. But go with what you think is best. At the IEP meeting, don't go in feeling intimidated. You are the expert on your child, and the school must take your advice into consideration. Also, it really helps to have a copy of the IEP and the ER before the meeting. You can review it and make notes and questions. You will go into the IEP meeting prepared.

Good luck!

>

> Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically?

> My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone.

>

> I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues.

>

> We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide.

>

> We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does).

>

> I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

>

[Guest guest]

IDEA is a federal law, not state. No, it doesn't say that a school district must pay for a private school specifically, however it does say that a school district much provide an appropriate education based on the unique needs of the child. If a school district does not have the resources for such a child it must either design such a model or outsource the job.

From: "sunrose101@..." <sunrose101@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Sat, January 22, 2011 7:17:15 PMSubject: Re: Re: Mainstream class or not?

I have to say IDEA law says your child is entitled to an education, but it does not say that the school district must pay for a private school.

Perhaps it varies by state Kim. It does in NY, or did back then, if the public school can not educate appropriately.

Francine

Speak with Him Thou for He hearest.Spirit with Spirit can speak.Closer is Love than breathing,Nearer than hands and feet.(with appreciation for Tennyson)

Re: Mainstream class or not?

My son with aspergers is now in 6th grade. He is in the regular classroom and is doing really well. But that is because he has an incredible teacher who also has a son with aspergers so she knows exactly what to do. She has been a true angel for us. I have also spent many hours in the school talking to the principal, special ed teachers, autistic specialist, and school psychologist making sure they all know I am on top of everything. It has been a long journey to this point though. I did homeschool my son for 2nd and 3rd grade because the school district we lived in could not give my son the education he needed, even with an IEP. During 3rd grade, we decided to move back up north to be near family. I researched the school districts and chose one that was well known for helping special needs kids and I knew this district employed autistic specialists. Even so, 4th grade was great and 5th grade was awful. The differences have been the teachers and my

level of involvement with the school. The more involved I am, the more my son receives. Also, as a graduate student studying special ed, I have to say IDEA law says your child is entitled to an education, but it does not say that the school district must pay for a private school. Every child is different and unique, so only you know what is right for your child. For my son, I wanted inclusion and I am fighting to keep it. My son loves being with his peers and he is really starting to make friends. But go with what you think is best. At the IEP meeting, don't go in feeling intimidated. You are the expert on your child, and the school must take your advice into consideration. Also, it really helps to have a copy of the IEP and the ER before the meeting. You can review it and make notes and questions. You will go into the IEP meeting prepared.Good luck!>> Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically? > My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone. > > I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle

him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues. > > We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide. > > We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system

at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does). > > I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help >

[Guest guest]

IDEA (a Federal, not state, Law) states that children are entitled to a FAPE -- Free and Appropriate Public Education. IF your school district cannot meet your child's needs, then they have to either back-fill as necessary, send them elsewhere or pay for private outplacement. Unfortunately, while IDEA is a Federal Law, parents often have to resort to attorneys to get the school district to follow the Federal Law--they can and all too often will drag their feet.As IDEA is Federal Law, it supersedes State Law. The state may say "we don't have to do that" but the Feds say "Oh, yes you do!". But again--it far too often involves lawyers to get the school districts to do what they should be doing, unless you live in one of the better states. NY is one of the better states for Autism services and

educational placement, by and large. Other states are not so fortunate. I've heard nightmare stories about states in the Southeast. Connecticut, where I live, is somewhat in the middle. MarilynFrom: "sunrose101@..." <sunrose101@...>Autism and Aspergers Treatment Sent: Sat, January 22, 2011 7:17:15

PMSubject: Re: Re: Mainstream class or not?

I have to say IDEA law says your child is entitled to an education, but it does not say that the school district must pay for a private school.

Perhaps it varies by state Kim. It does in NY, or did back then, if the public school can not educate appropriately.

Francine

Speak with Him Thou for He hearest.

Spirit with Spirit can speak.

Closer is Love than breathing,

Nearer than hands and feet.

(with appreciation for Tennyson)

Re: Mainstream class or not?

My son with aspergers is now in 6th grade. He is in the regular classroom and is doing really well. But that is because he has an incredible teacher who also has a son with aspergers so she knows exactly what to do. She has been a true angel for us. I have also spent many hours in the school talking to the principal, special ed teachers, autistic specialist, and school psychologist making sure they all know I am on top of everything. It has been a long journey to this point though. I did homeschool my son for 2nd and 3rd grade because the school district we lived in could not give my son the education he needed, even with an IEP. During 3rd grade, we decided to move back up north to be near family. I researched the school districts and chose one that was well known for helping special needs kids and I knew this district employed autistic specialists. Even so, 4th grade was great and 5th grade was awful. The differences have been the teachers and my

level of involvement with the school. The more involved I am, the more my son receives. Also, as a graduate student studying special ed, I have to say IDEA law says your child is entitled to an education, but it does not say that the school district must pay for a private school. Every child is different and unique, so only you know what is right for your child. For my son, I wanted inclusion and I am fighting to keep it. My son loves being with his peers and he is really starting to make friends. But go with what you think is best. At the IEP meeting, don't go in feeling intimidated. You are the expert on your child, and the school must take your advice into consideration. Also, it really helps to have a copy of the IEP and the ER before the meeting. You can review it and make notes and questions. You will go into the IEP meeting prepared.

Good luck!

>

> Since this is a safe place (everyone hear is ASD or has ASD children) how do you feel about Aspergers being in mainstream classes? What has your experince been? What are other options if child is not behind academically?

> My son is six, in the first grade. He is not behind academically at all - reading and math are fine, maybe some fine motor issues with writing but his biggest deficit is pragmatics - understanding social situations and he has outbursts and sometimes when it's bad he misinterprets situations and ends up hitting and hurting classmates. He is immediately shocked by his bad behavior like it was totally an impulsive reaction but then goes into panic mode and cries or runs to be alone.

>

> I'm becoming increasinly aware that the teachers and principal do not know how to handle him or talk to him. When I went to pick him up yesterday early from school for an appt. he was in the office for being bad but the principal hadn't even met with yet, he had been sitting (quite patiently I must say!) for already 20 minutes when I arrived. By the time she actally came it had been 35 mintues.

>

> We are in the middle of IEP meetings and gor the first time in 5 years I was starting to feel a bit of relief because it looks like there is a good team of people that really want to help my son but I am wondering what placement they want for him. The inexperinced principal was initially throwing around the idea of special ed day classes but then someone must have told her a little thing about the law and she hasn't mentioned that anymore! She wait for the IEP to decide.

>

> We got dealt a bad teacher card this year. Very unorganized, chaotic class that she has zero control over. She doesn't implement the reward system at all and just shouts at the kiddos all day. If you ask my son, he wants to stay because he thinks he has friends in that class (which he really doesn't, but he feels like he does).

>

> I've spent a lot of time in the classroom to help and today I kept thinking, even if he switched classroom teachers... would he be able to handle it? Would the new teacher be able to handle him? No one at this school knows anything about kids on the spectrum. So even if he qualifies for 1/2 hr. speech a week and 1/2 hr. O.T. a week, is it enough? The 2 hours I was there he hit about 15 different rough spots that I was able to get him through it but the teacher would not have. I'm really feeled scared and sad and I don't know what I should do or what I should wish for in the IEP. Please help

>

[Guest guest]

I am so curious about this. I've heard of several people somehow getting the

school to pay for different schooling. I wonder how do they do it? It seems

impossible!

>

> IDEA is a federal law, not state.  No, it doesn't say that a school district

> must pay for a private school specifically, however it does say that a school

> district much provide an appropriate education based on the unique needs of

the

> child.  If a school district does not have the resources for such a child

it

> must either design such a model or outsource the job. 

>

>  

>

> >

>

>