Guest guest Posted September 18, 2006 Report Share Posted September 18, 2006 What is this autism specialist and what is their role? There is one per region? My son is in the middle of an AU evaluation on the Ft. Worth area (I think that's region 11?). Should this autism specialist be involved with his evaluation??? Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: The autism specialist at the local ESC should know of them in your area if you don't get enough response from the list. http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp Tonya Question? My name is Telfeyan, I work for Bluebonnet Trails MHMR as a Service Coordinator for the Autism program. Many of the parents of my consumers are looking for Psychiatrists or psychologists that specialize in Autism and/or Aspergers. I know of two but there must be more. I work the Round Rock, town, and Leander/Cedar Park areas, any help would be great. Thank you again, Telfeyan 1009 N. town St. Round Rock, TX 78664 jaimetelfeyan@... Office: 244-8345 Cell:751-7004 --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 There are several autism specialists in our school district (Austin ISD) and they work with the teachers (gen ed, spec ed, music, art, PE, etc) to develop behavioral charts, reward systems and a customized schedule that works for our son. We are lucky to have an experienced autism specialist in a new role at our school as counselor so she is able to consult with Tyler's one-on-one shadow and teachers on a regular basis as well as observe Tyler routinely and provide new ideas for working with him all the time. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: What is this autism specialist and what is their role? There is one per region? My son is in the middle of an AU evaluation on the Ft. Worth area (I think that's region 11?). Should this autism specialist be involved with his evaluation??? Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: The autism specialist at the local ESC should know of them in your area if you don't get enough response from the list. http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp Tonya Question? My name is Telfeyan, I work for Bluebonnet Trails MHMR as a Service Coordinator for the Autism program. Many of the parents of my consumers are looking for Psychiatrists or psychologists that specialize in Autism and/or Aspergers. I know of two but there must be more. I work the Round Rock, town, and Leander/Cedar Park areas, any help would be great. Thank you again, Telfeyan 1009 N. town St. Round Rock, TX 78664 jaimetelfeyan@... Office: 244-8345 Cell:751-7004 --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 How do you get the autism specialist to be a part of the ARD? I am currently having my son evaluated by the AU team and would like the autism specialist (now that I know there is one!) to be involved. Thanks! michele Maggie Everts wrote: There are several autism specialists in our school district (Austin ISD) and they work with the teachers (gen ed, spec ed, music, art, PE, etc) to develop behavioral charts, reward systems and a customized schedule that works for our son. We are lucky to have an experienced autism specialist in a new role at our school as counselor so she is able to consult with Tyler's one-on-one shadow and teachers on a regular basis as well as observe Tyler routinely and provide new ideas for working with him all the time. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: What is this autism specialist and what is their role? There is one per region? My son is in the middle of an AU evaluation on the Ft. Worth area (I think that's region 11?). Should this autism specialist be involved with his evaluation??? Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: The autism specialist at the local ESC should know of them in your area if you don't get enough response from the list. http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp Tonya Question? My name is Telfeyan, I work for Bluebonnet Trails MHMR as a Service Coordinator for the Autism program. Many of the parents of my consumers are looking for Psychiatrists or psychologists that specialize in Autism and/or Aspergers. I know of two but there must be more. I work the Round Rock, town, and Leander/Cedar Park areas, any help would be great. Thank you again, Telfeyan 1009 N. town St. Round Rock, TX 78664 jaimetelfeyan@... Office: 244-8345 Cell:751-7004 --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 I would ask your son's teacher or whoever is conducting the evaluation who the autism specialist is and tell them you want to make sure they are on your son's team to lend their expertise in autism. I am a proactive type and would call everyone you've been dealing with to make your wishes known. You can even call the front office to ask for the autism specialist. Once you find out that person's name, reach out to them personally and let them know your concerns and ask how they can help. You might request a meeting with the autism specialist so you can bring them up to speed on your son's special needs, ask them to observe him in the class and follow up to see what suggestions they might have. Then evaluate their ideas with your own and make sure they are implemented in his daily routine. How old is your son again? Maggie Michele McCants wrote: How do you get the autism specialist to be a part of the ARD? I am currently having my son evaluated by the AU team and would like the autism specialist (now that I know there is one!) to be involved. Thanks! michele Maggie Everts wrote: There are several autism specialists in our school district (Austin ISD) and they work with the teachers (gen ed, spec ed, music, art, PE, etc) to develop behavioral charts, reward systems and a customized schedule that works for our son. We are lucky to have an experienced autism specialist in a new role at our school as counselor so she is able to consult with Tyler's one-on-one shadow and teachers on a regular basis as well as observe Tyler routinely and provide new ideas for working with him all the time. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: What is this autism specialist and what is their role? There is one per region? My son is in the middle of an AU evaluation on the Ft. Worth area (I think that's region 11?). Should this autism specialist be involved with his evaluation??? Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: The autism specialist at the local ESC should know of them in your area if you don't get enough response from the list. http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp Tonya Question? My name is Telfeyan, I work for Bluebonnet Trails MHMR as a Service Coordinator for the Autism program. Many of the parents of my consumers are looking for Psychiatrists or psychologists that specialize in Autism and/or Aspergers. I know of two but there must be more. I work the Round Rock, town, and Leander/Cedar Park areas, any help would be great. Thank you again, Telfeyan 1009 N. town St. Round Rock, TX 78664 jaimetelfeyan@... Office: 244-8345 Cell:751-7004 --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 Hello, My name is Fisher and I am an OT who is looking for a shadow for one of my clients 3-4 hours per day 5 dyas per week. Does anyone have any resources or people they know who might be interested? Thanks, Michele McCants wrote: How do you get the autism specialist to be a part of the ARD? I am currently having my son evaluated by the AU team and would like the autism specialist (now that I know there is one!) to be involved. Thanks! michele Maggie Everts wrote: There are several autism specialists in our school district (Austin ISD) and they work with the teachers (gen ed, spec ed, music, art, PE, etc) to develop behavioral charts, reward systems and a customized schedule that works for our son. We are lucky to have an experienced autism specialist in a new role at our school as counselor so she is able to consult with Tyler's one-on-one shadow and teachers on a regular basis as well as observe Tyler routinely and provide new ideas for working with him all the time. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: What is this autism specialist and what is their role? There is one per region? My son is in the middle of an AU evaluation on the Ft. Worth area (I think that's region 11?). Should this autism specialist be involved with his evaluation??? Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: The autism specialist at the local ESC should know of them in your area if you don't get enough response from the list. http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp Tonya Question? My name is Telfeyan, I work for Bluebonnet Trails MHMR as a Service Coordinator for the Autism program. Many of the parents of my consumers are looking for Psychiatrists or psychologists that specialize in Autism and/or Aspergers. I know of two but there must be more. I work the Round Rock, town, and Leander/Cedar Park areas, any help would be great. Thank you again, Telfeyan 1009 N. town St. Round Rock, TX 78664 jaimetelfeyan@... Office: 244-8345 Cell:751-7004 --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 Where are you located? Maggie Fisher wrote: Hello, My name is Fisher and I am an OT who is looking for a shadow for one of my clients 3-4 hours per day 5 dyas per week. Does anyone have any resources or people they know who might be interested? Thanks, Michele McCants wrote: How do you get the autism specialist to be a part of the ARD? I am currently having my son evaluated by the AU team and would like the autism specialist (now that I know there is one!) to be involved. Thanks! michele Maggie Everts wrote: There are several autism specialists in our school district (Austin ISD) and they work with the teachers (gen ed, spec ed, music, art, PE, etc) to develop behavioral charts, reward systems and a customized schedule that works for our son. We are lucky to have an experienced autism specialist in a new role at our school as counselor so she is able to consult with Tyler's one-on-one shadow and teachers on a regular basis as well as observe Tyler routinely and provide new ideas for working with him all the time. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: What is this autism specialist and what is their role? There is one per region? My son is in the middle of an AU evaluation on the Ft. Worth area (I think that's region 11?). Should this autism specialist be involved with his evaluation??? Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: The autism specialist at the local ESC should know of them in your area if you don't get enough response from the list. http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp Tonya Question? My name is Telfeyan, I work for Bluebonnet Trails MHMR as a Service Coordinator for the Autism program. Many of the parents of my consumers are looking for Psychiatrists or psychologists that specialize in Autism and/or Aspergers. I know of two but there must be more. I work the Round Rock, town, and Leander/Cedar Park areas, any help would be great. Thank you again, Telfeyan 1009 N. town St. Round Rock, TX 78664 jaimetelfeyan@... Office: 244-8345 Cell:751-7004 --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 I am located in Bellaire. My client lives and goes to school near Fondren and S. Braeswood. Maggie Everts wrote: Where are you located? Maggie Fisher wrote: Hello, My name is Fisher and I am an OT who is looking for a shadow for one of my clients 3-4 hours per day 5 dyas per week. Does anyone have any resources or people they know who might be interested? Thanks, Michele McCants wrote: How do you get the autism specialist to be a part of the ARD? I am currently having my son evaluated by the AU team and would like the autism specialist (now that I know there is one!) to be involved. Thanks! michele Maggie Everts wrote: There are several autism specialists in our school district (Austin ISD) and they work with the teachers (gen ed, spec ed, music, art, PE, etc) to develop behavioral charts, reward systems and a customized schedule that works for our son. We are lucky to have an experienced autism specialist in a new role at our school as counselor so she is able to consult with Tyler's one-on-one shadow and teachers on a regular basis as well as observe Tyler routinely and provide new ideas for working with him all the time. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: What is this autism specialist and what is their role? There is one per region? My son is in the middle of an AU evaluation on the Ft. Worth area (I think that's region 11?). Should this autism specialist be involved with his evaluation??? Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: The autism specialist at the local ESC should know of them in your area if you don't get enough response from the list. http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp Tonya Question? My name is Telfeyan, I work for Bluebonnet Trails MHMR as a Service Coordinator for the Autism program. Many of the parents of my consumers are looking for Psychiatrists or psychologists that specialize in Autism and/or Aspergers. I know of two but there must be more. I work the Round Rock, town, and Leander/Cedar Park areas, any help would be great. Thank you again, Telfeyan 1009 N. town St. Round Rock, TX 78664 jaimetelfeyan@... Office: 244-8345 Cell:751-7004 --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 He's 3, going on 4 in December. Thanks for your help! Michele Maggie Everts wrote: I would ask your son's teacher or whoever is conducting the evaluation who the autism specialist is and tell them you want to make sure they are on your son's team to lend their expertise in autism. I am a proactive type and would call everyone you've been dealing with to make your wishes known. You can even call the front office to ask for the autism specialist. Once you find out that person's name, reach out to them personally and let them know your concerns and ask how they can help. You might request a meeting with the autism specialist so you can bring them up to speed on your son's special needs, ask them to observe him in the class and follow up to see what suggestions they might have. Then evaluate their ideas with your own and make sure they are implemented in his daily routine. How old is your son again? Maggie Michele McCants wrote: How do you get the autism specialist to be a part of the ARD? I am currently having my son evaluated by the AU team and would like the autism specialist (now that I know there is one!) to be involved. Thanks! michele Maggie Everts wrote: There are several autism specialists in our school district (Austin ISD) and they work with the teachers (gen ed, spec ed, music, art, PE, etc) to develop behavioral charts, reward systems and a customized schedule that works for our son. We are lucky to have an experienced autism specialist in a new role at our school as counselor so she is able to consult with Tyler's one-on-one shadow and teachers on a regular basis as well as observe Tyler routinely and provide new ideas for working with him all the time. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: What is this autism specialist and what is their role? There is one per region? My son is in the middle of an AU evaluation on the Ft. Worth area (I think that's region 11?). Should this autism specialist be involved with his evaluation??? Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: The autism specialist at the local ESC should know of them in your area if you don't get enough response from the list. http://autism.esc2.net/consult.asp Tonya Question? My name is Telfeyan, I work for Bluebonnet Trails MHMR as a Service Coordinator for the Autism program. Many of the parents of my consumers are looking for Psychiatrists or psychologists that specialize in Autism and/or Aspergers. I know of two but there must be more. I work the Round Rock, town, and Leander/Cedar Park areas, any help would be great. Thank you again, Telfeyan 1009 N. town St. Round Rock, TX 78664 jaimetelfeyan@... Office: 244-8345 Cell:751-7004 --------------------------------- How low will we go? Check out Yahoo! Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 19, 2006 Report Share Posted September 19, 2006 A good shadow is difficult to find as shadowing is one of the hardest things to do well. Graham Garza maintains a FEAT-Houston therapist list that may have some possibilities, but you should look for someone with experience. She's on this list or you can contact her through the website www.feathouston.org. S. RE: Question? Tonya I am located in Bellaire. My client lives and goes to school near Fondren and S. Braeswood. Maggie Everts wrote: Where are you located? Maggie Fisher wrote: Hello, My name is Fisher and I am an OT who is looking for a shadow for one of my clients 3-4 hours per day 5 dyas per week. Does anyone have any resources or people they know who might be interested? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 20, 2006 Report Share Posted September 20, 2006 Michele, sorry I missed your question. Looks like you got good answers though. The link I provided was for the ESC Autism Specialists. The ESCs function as a training resource for both schools AND families although some don't make the family part very known. I'm lucky; ESC-17 is one of the good ones! Some of the larger school districts also have Autism Specialists on staff. I know Lubbock ISD does, but Idalou ISD, where my kids attend doesn't. Whether it's a school specialist or the ESC specialist, you're completely within your rights to ask for their involvement. Take care, Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 Tonya, I asked the pyschologist about the AU specialist in our region 11 and he said that her role is just basically as a resource for the staff, like making sure they know about autism training, etc. He said since there is only one of her for the whole region (which includes Ft. Worth), that she does not get involved on a personal level with children and families. I find it strange how this specialist's role is different depending on which region they are in and also strange how there can be one or many in each region. Is it a funding issue? The psychologist also said that he basically has the role that I was referring to (of the AU specialist). Another thing that I found strange (we are in the middle of an AU evaluation of my 3 1/2 year old son that I requested...he's already in a speech class) is that he told me when we met to go over some of the questionnaires that I filled out that he cannot diagnose him if he is diagnosable, only identify what his eduational needs are based on the testing. Is this normal? Is this right? How can he not diagnose him if he has a diagnosis? I couldn't afford to go to have him tested independently right now, so that is what I went through the school! Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: Michele, sorry I missed your question. Looks like you got good answers though. The link I provided was for the ESC Autism Specialists. The ESCs function as a training resource for both schools AND families although some don't make the family part very known. I'm lucky; ESC-17 is one of the good ones! Some of the larger school districts also have Autism Specialists on staff. I know Lubbock ISD does, but Idalou ISD, where my kids attend doesn't. Whether it's a school specialist or the ESC specialist, you're completely within your rights to ask for their involvement. Take care, Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 I'm posting this again, because this is a very subtle concept to grasp. In Texas there is no such limitation as there is in Georgia, however, the limitation of school personnel only determining educational need still applies. S. Diagnosis vs. Eligibility: What is the difference? This article was recently published in the Autism Interest Group of ABA's Newsletter The issue of Diagnosis vs. Eligibility comes up from time to time. It is very frustrating for parents because, in my experience, neither the schools nor the physicians do a particularly good job of explaining either and none do a good job of explaining both. I must say that as a clinical psychologist starting out years ago consulting on school issues the question of Eligibility and all the issues relating to it was very confusing for me. After having participated in hundreds of IEPs over the past 10+ years and having done many ASD evaluations I can say that most often confusion on this issue arises from miscommunication. To diagnose ASDs in Georgia one needs to be either a Licensed Psychologist or a Physician. Since nearly none of the school systems in Georgia employ either it is nearly impossible for them to have diagnosed a child with an ASD (or to offer an alternative diagnosis). What schools do is determine Eligibility via the IEP Committee process. Just as the schools can not diagnose legally - physicians and psychologists can not " order " or dictate eligibility to the schools. The two are distinct and have completely different meanings and purposes. A child can hold a legitimate diagnosis of Autism and not have the Autism Eligibility. Usually the alternative is SDD. While I know many have expressed concern with that eligibility it remains a legitimate Federally defined eligibility category that quite often a child with a diagnosis of Autism qualifies under according to the regulations. The debate over the use of SDD as an option is a political issue that is outside the scope of this article. The functional question is whether or not the child is receiving appropriate services to meet all their identified needs. The schools charge is to determine a child's needs and place them into an eligibility based on the identification of needs and services appropriate to meet those needs. Remember, a diagnosis is a label that covers thousands of people none of whom is the same as your child. A diagnosis of Autism (or any ASD) alone is never sufficient to determine what combination of services a specific child actually needs. This means that often when given a diagnosis by a pediatrician or other physician they have insufficient information in the report (often just a letter) to meet the school's obligation to identify all the child's needs. The schools answer when confronted by insufficient information is often to provide an evaluation by their staff. One issue that arises when this offer is made is that many school staff do a poor job of telling the parent that this does NOT mean they are 'rejecting' the diagnosis offered - which leads to misunderstandings and mistrust. It can mean that they need a great deal more specific information to provide appropriate services on an ongoing basis than they were provided with by the physician. It has been my experience that psychologists can also provide reports with insufficient information but this seems to have occurred less often in my experience - principally because we conduct testing and usually offer more than our diagnosis based on an interview with parents and a single limited observation. The bottom line is that very specific and clear information on the nature of the child's needs, skills, deficits, and strengths is absolutely essential to developing the best IEP possible. By doing so the chances that the child will benefit from the services offered by the school increase dramatically. If the school conducts their evaluation(s) and makes recommendations this is the point at which clear and penetrating assessment of the nature of the reports is essential. If the parent reviews the reports (which must be provided to them AND the person that wrote the report and conducted the evaluation must offer to explain the contents) and finds it does not adequately reflect the issues that they see in their child they have the absolute right to contest the information and request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). This means that you and the schools must agree on an independent professional who has the appropriate training and the legal right to independently conduct the evaluation that you are asking for on your child. The essential idea is that the person doing the IEE is paid for by the schools (like how your insurance company pays your physicians) but that they are working for your child (not for the parents). Again, the idea here is to provide clear and comprehensive information on the needs of the child so that the adults can agree on what the child needs and how to proceed with providing the indicated services. I hope that this helps. I hope that this note may help some who are as confused about the differences (very real ones) between diagnoses and eligibility as I was years ago. If I can answer any questions on this topic please contact me. W. Montgomery, Ph.D. Director, Autism Spectrum Assessment Program Licensed Psychologist & Board Certified Behavior Analyst P. O. Box 1572 335 Parkway 575 - Suite 220 Woodstock, GA 30188 http://www.behavior-consultant.com - Fax Copyright C 1996-2006 Reinforcement Unlimited . All Rights Reserved RE: Question? Tonya Tonya, I asked the pyschologist about the AU specialist in our region 11 and he said that her role is just basically as a resource for the staff, like making sure they know about autism training, etc. He said since there is only one of her for the whole region (which includes Ft. Worth), that she does not get involved on a personal level with children and families. I find it strange how this specialist's role is different depending on which region they are in and also strange how there can be one or many in each region. Is it a funding issue? The psychologist also said that he basically has the role that I was referring to (of the AU specialist). Another thing that I found strange (we are in the middle of an AU evaluation of my 3 1/2 year old son that I requested...he's already in a speech class) is that he told me when we met to go over some of the questionnaires that I filled out that he cannot diagnose him if he is diagnosable, only identify what his eduational needs are based on the testing. Is this normal? Is this right? How can he not diagnose him if he has a diagnosis? I couldn't afford to go to have him tested independently right now, so that is what I went through the school! Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: Michele, sorry I missed your question. Looks like you got good answers though. The link I provided was for the ESC Autism Specialists. The ESCs function as a training resource for both schools AND families although some don't make the family part very known. I'm lucky; ESC-17 is one of the good ones! Some of the larger school districts also have Autism Specialists on staff. I know Lubbock ISD does, but Idalou ISD, where my kids attend doesn't. Whether it's a school specialist or the ESC specialist, you're completely within your rights to ask for their involvement. Take care, Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 , Thanks so much for posting this...again! I think I am grasping it now! I don't, however, know what " SDD " , stands for. Also, what do you mean that Texas has no such limitation. Can you explain that? (I'm very concrete, can ya tell? lol) Thanks so much! Michele Singleton wrote: I'm posting this again, because this is a very subtle concept to grasp. In Texas there is no such limitation as there is in Georgia, however, the limitation of school personnel only determining educational need still applies. S. Diagnosis vs. Eligibility: What is the difference? This article was recently published in the Autism Interest Group of ABA's Newsletter The issue of Diagnosis vs. Eligibility comes up from time to time. It is very frustrating for parents because, in my experience, neither the schools nor the physicians do a particularly good job of explaining either and none do a good job of explaining both. I must say that as a clinical psychologist starting out years ago consulting on school issues the question of Eligibility and all the issues relating to it was very confusing for me. After having participated in hundreds of IEPs over the past 10+ years and having done many ASD evaluations I can say that most often confusion on this issue arises from miscommunication. To diagnose ASDs in Georgia one needs to be either a Licensed Psychologist or a Physician. Since nearly none of the school systems in Georgia employ either it is nearly impossible for them to have diagnosed a child with an ASD (or to offer an alternative diagnosis). What schools do is determine Eligibility via the IEP Committee process. Just as the schools can not diagnose legally - physicians and psychologists can not " order " or dictate eligibility to the schools. The two are distinct and have completely different meanings and purposes. A child can hold a legitimate diagnosis of Autism and not have the Autism Eligibility. Usually the alternative is SDD. While I know many have expressed concern with that eligibility it remains a legitimate Federally defined eligibility category that quite often a child with a diagnosis of Autism qualifies under according to the regulations. The debate over the use of SDD as an option is a political issue that is outside the scope of this article. The functional question is whether or not the child is receiving appropriate services to meet all their identified needs. The schools charge is to determine a child's needs and place them into an eligibility based on the identification of needs and services appropriate to meet those needs. Remember, a diagnosis is a label that covers thousands of people none of whom is the same as your child. A diagnosis of Autism (or any ASD) alone is never sufficient to determine what combination of services a specific child actually needs. This means that often when given a diagnosis by a pediatrician or other physician they have insufficient information in the report (often just a letter) to meet the school's obligation to identify all the child's needs. The schools answer when confronted by insufficient information is often to provide an evaluation by their staff. One issue that arises when this offer is made is that many school staff do a poor job of telling the parent that this does NOT mean they are 'rejecting' the diagnosis offered - which leads to misunderstandings and mistrust. It can mean that they need a great deal more specific information to provide appropriate services on an ongoing basis than they were provided with by the physician. It has been my experience that psychologists can also provide reports with insufficient information but this seems to have occurred less often in my experience - principally because we conduct testing and usually offer more than our diagnosis based on an interview with parents and a single limited observation. The bottom line is that very specific and clear information on the nature of the child's needs, skills, deficits, and strengths is absolutely essential to developing the best IEP possible. By doing so the chances that the child will benefit from the services offered by the school increase dramatically. If the school conducts their evaluation(s) and makes recommendations this is the point at which clear and penetrating assessment of the nature of the reports is essential. If the parent reviews the reports (which must be provided to them AND the person that wrote the report and conducted the evaluation must offer to explain the contents) and finds it does not adequately reflect the issues that they see in their child they have the absolute right to contest the information and request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). This means that you and the schools must agree on an independent professional who has the appropriate training and the legal right to independently conduct the evaluation that you are asking for on your child. The essential idea is that the person doing the IEE is paid for by the schools (like how your insurance company pays your physicians) but that they are working for your child (not for the parents). Again, the idea here is to provide clear and comprehensive information on the needs of the child so that the adults can agree on what the child needs and how to proceed with providing the indicated services. I hope that this helps. I hope that this note may help some who are as confused about the differences (very real ones) between diagnoses and eligibility as I was years ago. If I can answer any questions on this topic please contact me. W. Montgomery, Ph.D. Director, Autism Spectrum Assessment Program Licensed Psychologist & Board Certified Behavior Analyst P. O. Box 1572 335 Parkway 575 - Suite 220 Woodstock, GA 30188 http://www.behavior-consultant.com - Fax Copyright C 1996-2006 Reinforcement Unlimited . All Rights Reserved RE: Question? Tonya Tonya, I asked the pyschologist about the AU specialist in our region 11 and he said that her role is just basically as a resource for the staff, like making sure they know about autism training, etc. He said since there is only one of her for the whole region (which includes Ft. Worth), that she does not get involved on a personal level with children and families. I find it strange how this specialist's role is different depending on which region they are in and also strange how there can be one or many in each region. Is it a funding issue? The psychologist also said that he basically has the role that I was referring to (of the AU specialist). Another thing that I found strange (we are in the middle of an AU evaluation of my 3 1/2 year old son that I requested...he's already in a speech class) is that he told me when we met to go over some of the questionnaires that I filled out that he cannot diagnose him if he is diagnosable, only identify what his eduational needs are based on the testing. Is this normal? Is this right? How can he not diagnose him if he has a diagnosis? I couldn't afford to go to have him tested independently right now, so that is what I went through the school! Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: Michele, sorry I missed your question. Looks like you got good answers though. The link I provided was for the ESC Autism Specialists. The ESCs function as a training resource for both schools AND families although some don't make the family part very known. I'm lucky; ESC-17 is one of the good ones! Some of the larger school districts also have Autism Specialists on staff. I know Lubbock ISD does, but Idalou ISD, where my kids attend doesn't. Whether it's a school specialist or the ESC specialist, you're completely within your rights to ask for their involvement. Take care, Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 I believe educators do not feel qualified to diagnose a medical condition and reserve that for physicians. They will evaluate him to recommend his educational needs. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: Tonya, I asked the pyschologist about the AU specialist in our region 11 and he said that her role is just basically as a resource for the staff, like making sure they know about autism training, etc. He said since there is only one of her for the whole region (which includes Ft. Worth), that she does not get involved on a personal level with children and families. I find it strange how this specialist's role is different depending on which region they are in and also strange how there can be one or many in each region. Is it a funding issue? The psychologist also said that he basically has the role that I was referring to (of the AU specialist). Another thing that I found strange (we are in the middle of an AU evaluation of my 3 1/2 year old son that I requested...he's already in a speech class) is that he told me when we met to go over some of the questionnaires that I filled out that he cannot diagnose him if he is diagnosable, only identify what his eduational needs are based on the testing. Is this normal? Is this right? How can he not diagnose him if he has a diagnosis? I couldn't afford to go to have him tested independently right now, so that is what I went through the school! Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: Michele, sorry I missed your question. Looks like you got good answers though. The link I provided was for the ESC Autism Specialists. The ESCs function as a training resource for both schools AND families although some don't make the family part very known. I'm lucky; ESC-17 is one of the good ones! Some of the larger school districts also have Autism Specialists on staff. I know Lubbock ISD does, but Idalou ISD, where my kids attend doesn't. Whether it's a school specialist or the ESC specialist, you're completely within your rights to ask for their involvement. Take care, Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 I'm not sure, but it may be the Georgia term for what we call SED in Texas, Serious Emotional Disturbance, or it could also be SDD Speech Delay and Development. Often kids who the school doesn't think have the educational need under autism are given services for kids with speech delay--especially at a young age. S. RE: Question? Tonya , Thanks so much for posting this...again! I think I am grasping it now! I don't, however, know what " SDD " , stands for. Also, what do you mean that Texas has no such limitation. Can you explain that? (I'm very concrete, can ya tell? lol) Thanks so much! Michele Singleton wrote: I'm posting this again, because this is a very subtle concept to grasp. In Texas there is no such limitation as there is in Georgia, however, the limitation of school personnel only determining educational need still applies. S. Diagnosis vs. Eligibility: What is the difference? This article was recently published in the Autism Interest Group of ABA's Newsletter The issue of Diagnosis vs. Eligibility comes up from time to time. It is very frustrating for parents because, in my experience, neither the schools nor the physicians do a particularly good job of explaining either and none do a good job of explaining both. I must say that as a clinical psychologist starting out years ago consulting on school issues the question of Eligibility and all the issues relating to it was very confusing for me. After having participated in hundreds of IEPs over the past 10+ years and having done many ASD evaluations I can say that most often confusion on this issue arises from miscommunication. To diagnose ASDs in Georgia one needs to be either a Licensed Psychologist or a Physician. Since nearly none of the school systems in Georgia employ either it is nearly impossible for them to have diagnosed a child with an ASD (or to offer an alternative diagnosis). What schools do is determine Eligibility via the IEP Committee process. Just as the schools can not diagnose legally - physicians and psychologists can not " order " or dictate eligibility to the schools. The two are distinct and have completely different meanings and purposes. A child can hold a legitimate diagnosis of Autism and not have the Autism Eligibility. Usually the alternative is SDD. While I know many have expressed concern with that eligibility it remains a legitimate Federally defined eligibility category that quite often a child with a diagnosis of Autism qualifies under according to the regulations. The debate over the use of SDD as an option is a political issue that is outside the scope of this article. The functional question is whether or not the child is receiving appropriate services to meet all their identified needs. The schools charge is to determine a child's needs and place them into an eligibility based on the identification of needs and services appropriate to meet those needs. Remember, a diagnosis is a label that covers thousands of people none of whom is the same as your child. A diagnosis of Autism (or any ASD) alone is never sufficient to determine what combination of services a specific child actually needs. This means that often when given a diagnosis by a pediatrician or other physician they have insufficient information in the report (often just a letter) to meet the school's obligation to identify all the child's needs. The schools answer when confronted by insufficient information is often to provide an evaluation by their staff. One issue that arises when this offer is made is that many school staff do a poor job of telling the parent that this does NOT mean they are 'rejecting' the diagnosis offered - which leads to misunderstandings and mistrust. It can mean that they need a great deal more specific information to provide appropriate services on an ongoing basis than they were provided with by the physician. It has been my experience that psychologists can also provide reports with insufficient information but this seems to have occurred less often in my experience - principally because we conduct testing and usually offer more than our diagnosis based on an interview with parents and a single limited observation. The bottom line is that very specific and clear information on the nature of the child's needs, skills, deficits, and strengths is absolutely essential to developing the best IEP possible. By doing so the chances that the child will benefit from the services offered by the school increase dramatically. If the school conducts their evaluation(s) and makes recommendations this is the point at which clear and penetrating assessment of the nature of the reports is essential. If the parent reviews the reports (which must be provided to them AND the person that wrote the report and conducted the evaluation must offer to explain the contents) and finds it does not adequately reflect the issues that they see in their child they have the absolute right to contest the information and request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). This means that you and the schools must agree on an independent professional who has the appropriate training and the legal right to independently conduct the evaluation that you are asking for on your child. The essential idea is that the person doing the IEE is paid for by the schools (like how your insurance company pays your physicians) but that they are working for your child (not for the parents). Again, the idea here is to provide clear and comprehensive information on the needs of the child so that the adults can agree on what the child needs and how to proceed with providing the indicated services. I hope that this helps. I hope that this note may help some who are as confused about the differences (very real ones) between diagnoses and eligibility as I was years ago. If I can answer any questions on this topic please contact me. W. Montgomery, Ph.D. Director, Autism Spectrum Assessment Program Licensed Psychologist & Board Certified Behavior Analyst P. O. Box 1572 335 Parkway 575 - Suite 220 Woodstock, GA 30188 http://www.behavior-consultant.com - Fax Copyright C 1996-2006 Reinforcement Unlimited . All Rights Reserved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 21, 2006 Report Share Posted September 21, 2006 that makes sense, but this is a psychologist (and can't pychologists diagnose autism???) and he's on a team of two different diagnosticians, an OT, 2 STs, and who knows who else? This is a very thorough evaluation. They have 60 days to complete it and it's looking like they are going to use every one of those days! lol I believe it is much more throrough than an evaluation I could have done through a developmental pediatrician or psychologist. Just my thoughts! Michele Maggie Everts wrote: I believe educators do not feel qualified to diagnose a medical condition and reserve that for physicians. They will evaluate him to recommend his educational needs. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: Tonya, I asked the pyschologist about the AU specialist in our region 11 and he said that her role is just basically as a resource for the staff, like making sure they know about autism training, etc. He said since there is only one of her for the whole region (which includes Ft. Worth), that she does not get involved on a personal level with children and families. I find it strange how this specialist's role is different depending on which region they are in and also strange how there can be one or many in each region. Is it a funding issue? The psychologist also said that he basically has the role that I was referring to (of the AU specialist). Another thing that I found strange (we are in the middle of an AU evaluation of my 3 1/2 year old son that I requested...he's already in a speech class) is that he told me when we met to go over some of the questionnaires that I filled out that he cannot diagnose him if he is diagnosable, only identify what his eduational needs are based on the testing. Is this normal? Is this right? How can he not diagnose him if he has a diagnosis? I couldn't afford to go to have him tested independently right now, so that is what I went through the school! Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: Michele, sorry I missed your question. Looks like you got good answers though. The link I provided was for the ESC Autism Specialists. The ESCs function as a training resource for both schools AND families although some don't make the family part very known. I'm lucky; ESC-17 is one of the good ones! Some of the larger school districts also have Autism Specialists on staff. I know Lubbock ISD does, but Idalou ISD, where my kids attend doesn't. Whether it's a school specialist or the ESC specialist, you're completely within your rights to ask for their involvement. Take care, Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 What is saying is true, schools can only determine educational need, BUT the psychologist our school used DID diagnose our son with autism. The psychologist wasn't EMPLOYED by the school though so that may be the difference. I know staff from ESC-17 regularly diagnose too. That's part of what makes Texas schools so much fun; they're all INDEPENDENT and make the most of it! Tonya RE: Question? Tonya Tonya, I asked the pyschologist about the AU specialist in our region 11 and he said that her role is just basically as a resource for the staff, like making sure they know about autism training, etc. He said since there is only one of her for the whole region (which includes Ft. Worth), that she does not get involved on a personal level with children and families. I find it strange how this specialist's role is different depending on which region they are in and also strange how there can be one or many in each region. Is it a funding issue? The psychologist also said that he basically has the role that I was referring to (of the AU specialist). Another thing that I found strange (we are in the middle of an AU evaluation of my 3 1/2 year old son that I requested...he's already in a speech class) is that he told me when we met to go over some of the questionnaires that I filled out that he cannot diagnose him if he is diagnosable, only identify what his eduational needs are based on the testing. Is this normal? Is this right? How can he not diagnose him if he has a diagnosis? I couldn't afford to go to have him tested independently right now, so that is what I went through the school! Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: Michele, sorry I missed your question. Looks like you got good answers though. The link I provided was for the ESC Autism Specialists. The ESCs function as a training resource for both schools AND families although some don't make the family part very known. I'm lucky; ESC-17 is one of the good ones! Some of the larger school districts also have Autism Specialists on staff. I know Lubbock ISD does, but Idalou ISD, where my kids attend doesn't. Whether it's a school specialist or the ESC specialist, you're completely within your rights to ask for their involvement. Take care, Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Yes, psychologists can diagnose autism. The hang-up may be because they are employed by the school. Go to the ARD and see what they offer. If it's not sufficient, you can always ask for an IEE (Independent Educational Evaluation). Schools don't like it though; cost them money because they have to contract with someone in private practice. Tonya RE: Question? Tonya that makes sense, but this is a psychologist (and can't pychologists diagnose autism???) and he's on a team of two different diagnosticians, an OT, 2 STs, and who knows who else? This is a very thorough evaluation. They have 60 days to complete it and it's looking like they are going to use every one of those days! lol I believe it is much more throrough than an evaluation I could have done through a developmental pediatrician or psychologist. Just my thoughts! Michele Maggie Everts wrote: I believe educators do not feel qualified to diagnose a medical condition and reserve that for physicians. They will evaluate him to recommend his educational needs. Maggie Michele McCants wrote: Tonya, I asked the pyschologist about the AU specialist in our region 11 and he said that her role is just basically as a resource for the staff, like making sure they know about autism training, etc. He said since there is only one of her for the whole region (which includes Ft. Worth), that she does not get involved on a personal level with children and families. I find it strange how this specialist's role is different depending on which region they are in and also strange how there can be one or many in each region. Is it a funding issue? The psychologist also said that he basically has the role that I was referring to (of the AU specialist). Another thing that I found strange (we are in the middle of an AU evaluation of my 3 1/2 year old son that I requested...he's already in a speech class) is that he told me when we met to go over some of the questionnaires that I filled out that he cannot diagnose him if he is diagnosable, only identify what his eduational needs are based on the testing. Is this normal? Is this right? How can he not diagnose him if he has a diagnosis? I couldn't afford to go to have him tested independently right now, so that is what I went through the school! Thanks! Michele Tonya Hettler UA wrote: Michele, sorry I missed your question. Looks like you got good answers though. The link I provided was for the ESC Autism Specialists. The ESCs function as a training resource for both schools AND families although some don't make the family part very known. I'm lucky; ESC-17 is one of the good ones! Some of the larger school districts also have Autism Specialists on staff. I know Lubbock ISD does, but Idalou ISD, where my kids attend doesn't. Whether it's a school specialist or the ESC specialist, you're completely within your rights to ask for their involvement. Take care, Tonya Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Part of the issue here is that many, if not most, school psychologists are NOT PhD. level psychololgists. They are master's level LSSP's (licensed specialist in school psychology). Master's level LSSP's are allowed to practice psychology WITHOUT SUPERVISION. Anywhere outside of school districts in Texas, master's level psychologists are not allowed to diagnose or even test without the SUPERVISION of a licensed psychologist. That is one reason why many school districts cannot and will not " diagnose " but will test for educational need. Sometimes, in districts where they actually have a licensed, Ph.D. level psychologist, they think they can diagnose. I think that is where the confusion is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 thanks! That makes a lot of sense! nna Bond wrote: Part of the issue here is that many, if not most, school psychologists are NOT PhD. level psychololgists. They are master's level LSSP's (licensed specialist in school psychology). Master's level LSSP's are allowed to practice psychology WITHOUT SUPERVISION. Anywhere outside of school districts in Texas, master's level psychologists are not allowed to diagnose or even test without the SUPERVISION of a licensed psychologist. That is one reason why many school districts cannot and will not " diagnose " but will test for educational need. Sometimes, in districts where they actually have a licensed, Ph.D. level psychologist, they think they can diagnose. I think that is where the confusion is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 22, 2006 Report Share Posted September 22, 2006 Thanks nna! That was new info for me. Is the certification for life or does it have to be renewed? Tonya ================== nna Bond mbond@... Master's level LSSP's are allowed to practice psychology WITHOUT SUPERVISION. Anywhere outside of school districts in Texas, master's level psychologists are not allowed to diagnose or even test without the SUPERVISION of a licensed psychologist. That is one reason why many school districts cannot and will not " diagnose " but will test for educational need. Sometimes, in districts where they actually have a licensed, Ph.D. level psychologist, they think they can diagnose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.