Re: FW: Tx hearing officer asleep during a hearing

February 5, 2012

OMG! I dont even know what to say this is so horrendous! that could be me and my child some day! please pass this on!Sent from my iPhone

Please send this out to everyone and every list you are on urging people to pass it on and comment on Facebook. Copy and paste the link. Hearing Officer slept thru hearing and TEA did nothing and school district attorneys and school officials lie and say he did not sleep!!!

Send it to media contacts if you have any

S.

February 5, 2012

This doesn't surprise me at all. Isn't this sad? Has anyone sent this video to the US DOE? Would it do any good? Texas is just getting worse and worse. The IDEA is just a joke down here.Even if you don't go all the way to Due Process I fear it has just become a game between SE attorneys, school district attorneys, and mediators who wind up deciding everything out of ear shot of the plaintiffs. The mediators have often served in the past as hearing officers, and all these people know each other better than they know the plaintiffs usually.

But this hearing officer falling asleep -- that takes the cake. what have we got to do in order to see that children with autism are not denied FAPE in Texas. Many, including myself went down to testify before the senate committee to discuss vouchers for autism. I see that went NOWHERE. The schools do not want to change, and it is clear -- from my perspective as a parent advocate -- that most schools don't have a clue as to how to educate a child with autism.

I think one of the first things we need to do is finally get autism separated from the typical special ed certification. We need to demand the formation of a certification in autism education.I am SICK of finding teachers who are probationary certificates allowed to teach special ed kids in general, but to be teaching children with autism on a probationary certificate???

Do you think if we got a petition and sent it to the US DOE it would do any good? We need to separate the state advocacy agency from the TEA, as well -- that is a joke.

February 5, 2012

Haven, I fear it will only get worse when the new definition of autism comes out, the districts will win and the children will lose....CarolynSent from my iPhone

This doesn't surprise me at all. Isn't this sad? Has anyone sent this video to the US DOE? Would it do any good? Texas is just getting worse and worse. The IDEA is just a joke down here.Even if you don't go all the way to Due Process I fear it has just become a game between SE attorneys, school district attorneys, and mediators who wind up deciding everything out of ear shot of the plaintiffs. The mediators have often served in the past as hearing officers, and all these people know each other better than they know the plaintiffs usually.

But this hearing officer falling asleep -- that takes the cake. what have we got to do in order to see that children with autism are not denied FAPE in Texas. Many, including myself went down to testify before the senate committee to discuss vouchers for autism. I see that went NOWHERE. The schools do not want to change, and it is clear -- from my perspective as a parent advocate -- that most schools don't have a clue as to how to educate a child with autism.

I think one of the first things we need to do is finally get autism separated from the typical special ed certification. We need to demand the formation of a certification in autism education.I am SICK of finding teachers who are probationary certificates allowed to teach special ed kids in general, but to be teaching children with autism on a probationary certificate???

Do you think if we got a petition and sent it to the US DOE it would do any good? We need to separate the state advocacy agency from the TEA, as well -- that is a joke.

=

February 5, 2012

Is there anything we can do to stop the new definitions?Haven

February 5, 2012

I don't know, but if anyone finds a way I want to know. It is through the APA and they are redoing the DSM IV, and when these new definitions go through some are predicting that only 1/3 of children currently diagnosed with PDD-NOS/Aspergers/Autism will keep the diagnosis, and all three will be rolled into one- Autism only........ I wonder if we start a massive letter writing campaign???

Carolyn

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2012 9:49 AMSubject: Re: FW: Tx hearing officer asleep during a hearing

Is there anything we can do to stop the new definitions?Haven

February 5, 2012

Just sent it out to over 2000 followers via my FB and twitter accounts.

Please send this out to everyone and every list you are on urging people to pass it on and comment on Facebook. Copy and paste the link. Hearing Officer slept thru hearing and TEA did nothing and school district attorneys and school officials lie and say he did not sleep!!!

Send it to media contacts if you have any

S.

--

Hutchins

Director & Corporate Risk Manager

Texas Autism, Inc.

South Texas Region

(voicemail Only)

www.southtexasautism.org

February 5, 2012

I recently saw something from Autism Speaks about getting involved to ensure that those on the spectrum will not be left out in the cold when the new DSM comes out as well as trying to get it re-worded. Not sure how reliable A.S. is when it comes to pressing these things, but if someone wants to start petitioning or whatever, consider me in!! Same with the schools! I will write letters or whatever. I think through my social media and getting this video retweeted on twitter, it went out to well over 10,000 followers. I will keep pressing it every couple of days. Hutchins Director Texas Autism, Inc. South Texas Region (voicemail Only)www.southtexasautism.orgTwitter: @STXAutismFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/Texas.Autism FaceBook Groups: South:http://www.facebook.com/groups/southtexasautism/North:http://www.facebook.com/groups/northtexasautism/East:http://www.facebook.com/groups/easttexasautism/West:http://www.facebook.com/groups/westtexasautism/

--- Re: FW: Tx hearing officer asleep during a hearing Is there anything we can do to stop the new definitions?Haven

February 5, 2012

Okay, I did some checking, and here is what we do. Is this the American Psychiatric or psychological Association doing this? Are you all familiar with Change.org?There we can start a petition and then get enough signatures (post the petition link to all our facebook/twitter accounts.

This does work! It is what got the banks to back off on their debit card fees. It got the President to rethink the tar sands pipeline and postpone a decision on it. And a group of fourth graders stater ted a petition there and got Universal Studios to rethink the making of " The Lorax " so that it would include environmental themes found in the book.

You can read more about Change.org and the impact its petitions have been making on policy here:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/kristof-after-recess-change-the-world.html?_r=1

If someone will help me draft the petition, I just want to be sure who we are targeting. Is it the APA (tell me is this psychiatric or psychological) and do they have the power to change it if we put public pressure on them. Once we have enough signatures we can also send this petition/signatures to other persons in power to change this or prevent it from happening.

Any volunteers to help me draft the petition? Let's see how many signatures we can get.Get back to me. Too many children will lose services if this is allowed to happen. The prejudice is growing towards our children in many other areas as well. I am still getting reports from parents regarding physicians refusing medical treatment to those who choose not to vaccinate.....and I am getting really SICK of the medical blackmail.

Haven

February 5, 2012

Haven, I have never done it, but I am all for it!! We are targeting the APA as far as I know, we need to let them know that this is NOT ok, at the very least, they need to leave the 3 diagnoses and not combine them into one, it will hurt the children, not help them!!!!

Carolyn

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy Sent: Sunday, February 5, 2012 5:53 PMSubject: Re: FW: Tx hearing officer asleep during a hearing

Okay, I did some checking, and here is what we do. Is this the American Psychiatric or psychological Association doing this? Are you all familiar with Change.org?There we can start a petition and then get enough signatures (post the petition link to all our facebook/twitter accounts.This does work! It is what got the banks to back off on their debit card fees. It got the President to rethink the tar sands pipeline and postpone a decision on it. And a group of fourth graders stater ted a petition there and got Universal Studios to rethink the making of "The Lorax" so that it would include environmental themes found in the book.You can read more about Change.org and the impact its petitions have been making on policy here:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/kristof-after-recess-change-the-world.html?_r=1If someone

will help me draft the petition, I just want to be sure who we are targeting. Is it the APA (tell me is this psychiatric or psychological) and do they have the power to change it if we put public pressure on them. Once we have enough signatures we can also send this petition/signatures to other persons in power to change this or prevent it from happening.Any volunteers to help me draft the petition? Let's see how many signatures we can get.Get back to me. Too many children will lose services if this is allowed to happen. The prejudice is growing towards our children in many other areas as well. I am still getting reports from parents regarding physicians refusing medical treatment to those who choose not to vaccinate.....and I am getting really SICK of the medical blackmail.Haven

February 5, 2012

Read this from Autism Speaks. Will give you an idea of what they say they are going to do regarding proposed DSM 5. May give you you info on where to direct the petition. I think that you can also do just a letter through change.org as opposed to only petitions. Here is the link http://www.autismspeaks.org/science/policy-statements/statement-revisions-dsm-definition-autism-spectrum-disorder Hutchins Director Texas Autism, Inc. South Texas Region (voicemail Only)www.southtexasautism.orgTwitter: @STXAutismFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/Texas.Autism FaceBook Groups: South:http://www.facebook.com/groups/southtexasautism/North:http://www.facebook.com/groups/northtexasautism/East:http://www.facebook.com/groups/easttexasautism/West:http://www.facebook.com/groups/westtexasautism/

--- Re: FW: Tx hearing officer asleep

during a hearing

Date: Sun, February 05, 2012 5:53 pm

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

Okay, I did some checking, and here is what we do. Is this the American Psychiatric or psychological Association doing this? Are you all familiar with Change.org?There we can start a petition and then get enough signatures (post the petition link to all our facebook/twitter accounts. This does work! It is what got the banks to back off on their debit card fees. It got the President to rethink the tar sands pipeline and postpone a decision on it. And a group of fourth graders stater ted a petition there and got Universal Studios to rethink the making of "The Lorax" so that it would include environmental themes found in the book. You can read more about Change.org and the impact its petitions have been making on policy here:http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/05/opinion/sunday/kristof-after-recess-change-the-world.html?_r=1 If someone will help me draft the petition, I just want to be sure who we are targeting. Is it the APA (tell me is this psychiatric or psychological) and do they have the power to change it if we put public pressure on them. Once we have enough signatures we can also send this petition/signatures to other persons in power to change this or prevent it from happening. Any volunteers to help me draft the petition? Let's see how many signatures we can get.Get back to me. Too many children will lose services if this is allowed to happen. The prejudice is growing towards our children in many other areas as well. I am still getting reports from parents regarding physicians refusing medical treatment to those who choose not to vaccinate.....and I am getting really SICK of the medical blackmail. Haven

February 5, 2012

I was able to reach about 20,000 people with this video and I got it to Age of Autism www.ageofautism.com. They posted it to their facebook. I even saw a comment from Birt Center for Autism Law & Advocacy on facebook. I also posted a second video I saw mentioned. Here is that link.

More specifics to the case

Please send this out to everyone and every list you are on urging people to pass it on and comment on Facebook. Copy and paste the link. Hearing Officer slept thru hearing and TEA did nothing and school district attorneys and school officials lie and say he did not sleep!!!

Send it to media contacts if you have any

S.

--

Hutchins

Director & Corporate Risk Manager

Texas Autism, Inc.

South Texas Region

(voicemail Only)

www.southtexasautism.org

February 6, 2012

Below is the first draft of the petition regarding the DSM-5. See what you think and edit at will. Hopefully we can post a final draft by this afternoon.Sincerely,Haven

This petition seeks to preserve the right to interventions,

supports, and services to all individuals who meet the current DSM criterion

for Asperger’s disorder, autism spectrum disorder, pervasive developmental disorder,

childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not

otherwise specified under the new proposed DSM-5 scheduled for release in the spring

of 2013.

Currently, planned revisions to the DSM by the American Psychiatric

Association may restrict diagnoses and jeopardize vital medical treatments,

social services, and educational rights to many persons struggling with the

symptoms of ASD. The proposed revisions could negatively affect millions living

on the spectrum of autism. The new criterion will interfere with efforts to

determine the biological causes in autism disorders.

We must make certain that all those who currently meet the definition of

autism spectrum disorders continue to receive supports an services without discrimination. We, the undersigned demand sufficient

evaluation of these revisions with regard to consequences, including input from

those living with the disorder, as well as their caregivers, and that persons

with mild forms of the disorder not be denied rights and services under diagnostic

criterion.

We demand distinction between infantile and regressive forms of the

disorder as part of the diagnostic criterion.

While the etiologies of the infantile and regressive forms of autism may

be quite different, the revisions do not differentiate between the two. Furthermore, we require that services and treatments

conform to the unique and changing needs of the individual, and that the

criterion state that autism may be a life-long disorder.

Tightening the criterion denies many young children of early interventions,

supports, and services, which they now receive under federal and state

laws. Any changes to the DSM for autism

spectrum disorders must support the urgent need for early diagnosis and treatments

for these individuals without discrimination.

Under the current proposed changes, supports and services will be stripped

from many while others will fail to begin to receive vital services at all. It is vital that stakeholders in these issues

are consulted and their views considered in changes to the DSM for autism

spectrum disorders.

February 6, 2012

Does anyone know who pays for the hearing officers?

Its apparent this hearing officer cannot make a ruling on this hearing, because

he is sleeping during the hearing. And should be removed from all future

hearings.

Sad for the parents, because they aren't being taken serious about their son's

needs.

And having to fight yet another battle.

Allie

>

> Below is the first draft of the petition regarding the DSM-5. See what you

> think and edit at will. Hopefully we can post a final draft by this

> afternoon.

>

> Sincerely,

>

> Haven

>

> This petition seeks to preserve the right to interventions, supports, and

> services to all individuals who meet the current DSM criterion for

> Asperger's disorder, autism spectrum disorder, pervasive *developmental

> disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental

> disorder not otherwise specified under the new proposed DSM-5 scheduled for

> release in the spring of 2013.*

>

> * *

>

> *Currently, planned revisions to the DSM by the American Psychiatric

> Association may restrict diagnoses and jeopardize vital medical treatments,

> social services, and educational rights to many persons struggling with the

> symptoms of ASD. The proposed revisions could negatively affect millions

> living on the spectrum of autism. The new criterion will interfere with

> efforts to determine the biological causes in autism disorders.*

>

> * *

>

> *We must make certain that all those who currently meet the definition of

> autism spectrum disorders continue to receive supports an services without

> discrimination. We, the undersigned demand sufficient evaluation of these

> revisions with regard to consequences, including input from those living

> with the disorder, as well as their caregivers, and that persons with mild

> forms of the disorder not be denied rights and services under diagnostic

> criterion.*

>

> * *

>

> *We demand distinction between infantile and regressive forms of the

> disorder as part of the diagnostic criterion. While the etiologies of the

> infantile and regressive forms of autism may be quite different, the

> revisions do not differentiate between the two. Furthermore, we require

> that services and treatments conform to the unique and changing needs of

> the individual, and that the criterion state that autism may be a life-long

> disorder.*

>

> * *

>

> *Tightening the criterion denies many young children of early

> interventions, supports, and services, which they now receive under federal

> and state laws. Any changes to the DSM for autism spectrum disorders must

> support the urgent need for early diagnosis and treatments for these

> individuals without discrimination.*

>

> * *

>

> *Under the current proposed changes, supports and services will be stripped

> from many while others will fail to begin to receive vital services at all.

> It is vital that stakeholders in these issues are consulted and their views

> considered in changes to the DSM for autism spectrum disorders.*

>

> * *

>

> * *

>

> * *

>

> * *

>

February 7, 2012

I like the way it reads. Let me know if / when you post to change.org and I will sign and help distribute to all of those I know. Hutchins Director & Corporate Risk ManagerTexas Autism, Inc. South Texas Region (voicemail Only)www.southtexasautism.orgTwitter: @STXAutismFacebook - http://www.facebook.com/Texas.Autism FaceBook Groups: South:http://www.facebook.com/groups/southtexasautism/North:http://www.facebook.com/groups/northtexasautism/East:http://www.facebook.com/groups/easttexasautism/West:http://www.facebook.com/groups/westtexasautism/

--- Re: FW: Tx hearing officer asleep

during a hearing

Date: Mon, February 06, 2012 9:01 am

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

Below is the first draft of the petition regarding the DSM-5. See what you think and edit at will. Hopefully we can post a final draft by this afternoon.Sincerely,Haven This petition seeks to preserve the right to interventions, supports, and services to all individuals who meet the current DSM criterion for Aspergerâ€™s disorder, autism spectrum disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified under the new proposed DSM-5 scheduled for release in the spring of 2013. Currently, planned revisions to the DSM by the American Psychiatric Association may restrict diagnoses and jeopardize vital medical treatments, social services, and educational rights to many persons struggling with the symptoms of ASD. The proposed revisions could negatively affect millions living on the spectrum of autism. The new criterion will interfere with efforts to determine the biological causes in autism disorders. We must make certain that all those who currently meet the definition of autism spectrum disorders continue to receive supports an services without discrimination. We, the undersigned demand sufficient evaluation of these revisions with regard to consequences, including input from those living with the disorder, as well as their caregivers, and that persons with mild forms of the disorder not be denied rights and services under diagnostic criterion. We demand distinction between infantile and regressive forms of the disorder as part of the diagnostic criterion. While the etiologies of the infantile and regressive forms of autism may be quite different, the revisions do not differentiate between the two. Furthermore, we require that services and treatments conform to the unique and changing needs of the individual, and that the criterion state that autism may be a life-long disorder. Tightening the criterion denies many young children of early interventions, supports, and services, which they now receive under federal and state laws. Any changes to the DSM for autism spectrum disorders must support the urgent need for early diagnosis and treatments for these individuals without discrimination. Under the current proposed changes, supports and services will be stripped from many while others will fail to begin to receive vital services at all. It is vital that stakeholders in these issues are consulted and their views considered in changes to the DSM for autism spectrum disorders.

February 7, 2012

One quick change.... It should be American psychological association....Sent from my iPhone

I like the way it reads. Let me know if / when you post to change.org and I will sign and help distribute to all of those I know. Hutchins Director & Corporate Risk Manager<sigimg1>Texas Autism, Inc. South Texas Region (voicemail Only)www.southtexasautism.orgTwitter: @STXAutism<icon_sm_facebook.gif>Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Texas.Autism FaceBook Groups: South:http://www.facebook.com/groups/southtexasautism/North:http://www.facebook.com/groups/northtexasautism/East:http://www.facebook.com/groups/easttexasautism/West:http://www.facebook.com/groups/westtexasautism/

--- Re: FW: Tx hearing officer asleep

during a hearing

Date: Mon, February 06, 2012 9:01 am

To: Texas-Autism-Advocacy

Below is the first draft of the petition regarding the DSM-5. See what you think and edit at will. Hopefully we can post a final draft by this afternoon.Sincerely,Haven This petition seeks to preserve the right to interventions, supports, and services to all individuals who meet the current DSM criterion for Aspergerâ€™s disorder, autism spectrum disorder, pervasive developmental disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified under the new proposed DSM-5 scheduled for release in the spring of 2013. Currently, planned revisions to the DSM by the American Psychiatric Association may restrict diagnoses and jeopardize vital medical treatments, social services, and educational rights to many persons struggling with the symptoms of ASD. The proposed revisions could negatively affect millions living on the spectrum of autism. The new criterion will interfere with efforts to determine the biological causes in autism disorders. We must make certain that all those who currently meet the definition of autism spectrum disorders continue to receive supports an services without discrimination. We, the undersigned demand sufficient evaluation of these revisions with regard to consequences, including input from those living with the disorder, as well as their caregivers, and that persons with mild forms of the disorder not be denied rights and services under diagnostic criterion. We demand distinction between infantile and regressive forms of the disorder as part of the diagnostic criterion. While the etiologies of the infantile and regressive forms of autism may be quite different, the revisions do not differentiate between the two. Furthermore, we require that services and treatments conform to the unique and changing needs of the individual, and that the criterion state that autism may be a life-long disorder. Tightening the criterion denies many young children of early interventions, supports, and services, which they now receive under federal and state laws. Any changes to the DSM for autism spectrum disorders must support the urgent need for early diagnosis and treatments for these individuals without discrimination. Under the current proposed changes, supports and services will be stripped from many while others will fail to begin to receive vital services at all. It is vital that stakeholders in these issues are consulted and their views considered in changes to the DSM for autism spectrum disorders.

February 7, 2012

,Good, if no one suggests any changes need to be made, then I will post it and get back to you once I do.Haven

February 8, 2012

I find it absurd that children are being denied services and supports with this " It's a medical diagnosis and not an educational diagnosis. Hogwash! They are one and the same. A child is on the spectrum or not, and if they are, they need supports and services. When you keep trying to bog down in that great area of how bad is it -- then too many kids will get p!!$$ & @, and then what is going to happen to them? Our state is currently throwing too many of these children away as it is. It needs to stop.

February 8, 2012

well I for one can attest that my sons medical diagnosis by a well respected neurologist and two well known private diagnostic center was NOT accepted by my sons school district and they even TOOK AWAY his sped diagnosis of autism when they were the first to recognize his autism at age 3. he is now 7 and this happened when he was 6. so schools are not always helping with autism diagnosis but ignoring them and NOT providing services to students that need them. and i do think that the DSM changes will further increase this same thing happening to many more kids thats just my own opinion on the situation.Sent from my iPhone

As per the current (and previous) edition of the DSM, Pervasive Developmenta Disorders (PDD) is considered a category/group of 5 disorders. Their characteristics are "Pervasive:" the same across all groups: developmental delays in multiple basic functions, including communication and socialization. The five diferent disorders are:

- PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (NOS). There is a great deal of controversy in the professional community regarding this disorder.

- Autism

- Aspergers Syndrome

- Rett Syndrome, and

- Childhood Desintegrative Disorder (CDD)

PDD-NOS, Autism, and Aspergers, are commonly referred by the MEDICAL community (psychiatrist), as "autism spectrum disorders." Rett and CDD, very rare disorders, sometimes are and sometimes not.

In order to qualify for insurance and other benefits, in many cases, the DSM classification is the determining factor. HOWEVER, as far as qualifying for special education educational services, medical diagnosis ARE CONSIDERED, but SHOULD NOT be accepted as meeting the IDEA disability criteria of AU. Evaluations conducted by a psychiatrists and/or most licensed psychologists (Ph.D.s), who are not LSSPs (school psychologists) DON'T meet the criteria to determine the disability of AU. Evaluation to confirm or rule out autism is a "multidisciplinary process."

I'm well aware that "medical diagnosis" of AU are inappropriately accepted by districts every day. I'm also well aware that many school evaluations leave much to be desired. There lies the problem. In many instances our children are not being appropriately evaluated.

Having said that, the proposed changes to the DSM should not have great impact on "educational diagnosis."

Loretta,

Advocate

Sent from my iP2

February 8, 2012

That is the problem, Loretta. I think a doctor's determination of autism should carry a great deal of weight educationally -- especially a developmental pediatrician or a neurologist in determining how to help a childin and educational setting.

February 8, 2012

Agree Haven, hey did you have the link to the petition??Sent from my iPhone

I find it absurd that children are being denied services and supports with this "It's a medical diagnosis and not an educational diagnosis. Hogwash! They are one and the same. A child is on the spectrum or not, and if they are, they need supports and services. When you keep trying to bog down in that great area of how bad is it -- then too many kids will get p!!$$ & @, and then what is going to happen to them? Our state is currently throwing too many of these children away as it is. It needs to stop.

=

February 9, 2012

Because counselors and psychologists are allowed to diagnose the

conditions in the DSM-IV, and have to use them to get insurance

reimbursement. Interestingly, psychiatrists are medically trained and

counselors and psychologists are behaviorally trained. The DSM-IV gives

behavioral criteria to diagnose, not medical testing.

Love and prayers,

Heidi N

" ALL the news reports I read said this was being changed by the American

Psychiatric Association. so then why would it be psychological? The DSM is

a manual for mental disorders most often handled by psychiatrists. They

are medical doctors; psychologists are not, so the clout then given to the

DSM would be reduced, IMO. "

February 9, 2012

A multidisciplinary team does NOT have to be used to diagnose

autism. Schools, because they are governmental entities, do not

answer to insurance companies nor even state licensing bureaus. The

last time I checked my school district's LSSP list (those deciding

if one has autism or not), none of them would be able to legally

diagnose independently (without supervision) outside of working for

a governmental entity. In other words, in Texas, people who are not

independently licensed to diagnose, are deciding who has autism and

who does not, for the school system, and are over-ruling (to the

schools at least) doctors, psychologists, counselors, etc. who are

independently licensed to diagnose without supervision. The law

states that you do not have to be licensed to diagnose if you are

hired by a governmental entity to do so. But, if you are not

working for a governmental entity, you must be licensed to

diagnose. The school districts do hire individuals with degrees and

even licenses, but I am not seeing them hire those with full

credentials to diagnose if they were not supervised or not working

for a governmental entity.

Upon discussing this with an LSSP, he stated that they do not

actually diagnose, but rather decide to accept or to not accept

particular diagnoses. So, there seems to be a lot of misconceptions

of some sort because it does appear that they do diagnose, and the

general public seems to feel they do or rather the general public

seems to feel that they state children don't have diagnoses that

professionals have stated that they do have. This all sounds like a

good argument for the Texas legislature. For sure, I seen no reason

for the school to not hire licensed professionals who are fully

credentialed. That way, those individuals would answer to their

licensing bureau over the school district. With individuals

answering to the school district foremost, it would leave one to

feel they are doing more what the school district wants over what an

independent person would do.

Heidi N

> As per the current (and previous) edition of the DSM, Pervasive

Developmenta Disorders (PDD) is considered a category/group of 5

disorders. Their characteristics are "Pervasive:" the same across

all groups: developmental delays in multiple basic functions,

including communication and socialization. The five diferent

disorders are:

>

> - PDD-Not Otherwise Specified (NOS). There is a great deal of

controversy in the professional community regarding this disorder.

> - Autism

> - Aspergers Syndrome

> - Rett Syndrome, and

> - Childhood Desintegrative Disorder (CDD)

>

> PDD-NOS, Autism, and Aspergers, are commonly referred by the

MEDICAL community (psychiatrist)

, as "autism spectrum

disorders." Rett and CDD, very rare disorders, sometimes are and

sometimes not.

>

> In order to qualify for insurance and other benefits, in many

cases, the DSM classification is the determining factor. HOWEVER,

as far as qualifying for special education educational services,

medical diagnosis ARE CONSIDERED, but SHOULD NOT be accepted

>

> as meeting the IDEA disability criteria of AU. Evaluations

conducted by a psychiatrists and/or most licensed psychologists

(Ph.D.s), who are not LSSPs (school psychologists) DON'T meet the

criteria to determine the disability of AU. Evaluation to confirm

or rule out autism is a "multidisciplinary process."

>

> I'm well aware that "medical diagnosis" of AU are

inappropriately accepted by districts every day. I'm also well

aware that many school evaluations leave much to be desired. There

lies the problem. In many instances our children are not being

appropriately evaluated.

>

> Having said that, the proposed changes to the DSM should not

have great impact on "educational diagnosis."

>

> Loretta,

> Advocate

>

> Sent from my iP2

>

February 9, 2012

Good points! It's similar as a claims adjuster. We have to read the doctor reports and see if the claim will be accepted or not. We are not diagnosing but have to be able to know if the diagnosis matched the details and mechanism of injury. If we disagree, we must have medical from a different doctor to substantiate our position. This is where the schools are out of bounds. If they disagree with the medical doctor's diagnosis, they need to be required to involve another medical doctor to substantiate their disagreement. This whole thing is just really stupid and a failure on the part of the education system as well as lacking the desire to have to accomodate children with certain types of disabilities.