Feeling lost

[dbelgonzalez]

My son is 3 year and has HFA. I just went through my first IEP. I have no idea what I'm doing and what they are required to give me. I signed the IEP report but know I'm not sure my son is getting all the help he needs. Does anyone know what I can do? Is there a way I can appeal it?:confused:

[Deester]

It might be good to hire an advocate that is familiar with the law in your area.

The can be a great asset in the begining.

Next, go to as many lectures, seminars or informational's that you can. Knowledge is power. The more you know the less the schools CAN take advantage of you.

Important note; at the PPT meetings never say I want, say he/she needs......


Denise

[Lisa S]

Sure, you can appeal an IEP. You would need to have some independent professionals evaluate your son and then listen to what they have to say about his needs. Whatever his educational needs are, the school district is supposed to provide them at no cost to you. Like Deester said, an advocate in your area would be very helpful. Since this was his first IEP, it's probably for the best you went ahead and signed it, so he could begin to receive some services. Did they classify him as "Autism" or as "Preschooler with a Disability" on his IEP? They commonly use that classification for preschoolers.

Would you like to tell us more about your son and what services they propose to give him? At any rate, I am glad you are here.

[dbelgonzalez]

Thank you for the info. They offically classified him with high functioning autism. He was put in a preschool mix class. He is younger then all the other kids. Which I think I harder on me then on him.... LAUSD says he doesn't require any OT. He does have 10 hours of behavioral instruction (With a 6 month waiting list). He also has speech thearpy (with a waiting list of 3-6 months). I'm sorry can you sense my frustration!!! LAUSD made it sound like i was going to get help asap... I don't know what else there is. I've been trying to find out about other programs.. Any advice? I know about the Regional Center. Where can I get information about conferences and forums?I know there is one coming up in Feb (San Diego).. On legal

[Lisa S]

Wrightslaw will give you some general information about special education law:

http://www.wrightslaw.com/

Here is their Yellow Pages for Kids with Disabilities:

http://www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/ca2.htm

Is this the conference in San Diego you mentioned?

http://www.wrightslaw.com/speak/07.02.ca.htm

Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy Conference
with Peter Wright, Esq. and Pamela Darr Wright
San Diego, California, February 20, 2007

Wrightslaw Special Education and Advocacy Conference, a Wrightslaw training program with Pete Wright and Pam Wright, is being brought to you by The Autism Society of America - San Diego Chapter.

The program will be held at:

The Dana on Mission Bay
1710 West Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109-7899

Program Description
One-day special education law and advocacy programs focus on four areas:

special education law, rights and responsibilities
tests and measurements to measure progress & regression
SMART IEPs
introduction to tactics & strategies for effective advocacy
Wrightslaw programs are designed to meet the needs of parents, educators, health care providers, advocates and attorneys who represent children with disabilities regarding special education. The program is not disability specific.

I think it would be a good investment of your time and money if there is any way you can attend.

[lindafox]

My son is also high functioning, and he is in a normal class. He receives additional services throughout the school day such a language, mentoring, learning social activities, etc. I think it's important that high functioning does stay in the normal class, but its also important that he does get the help that he needs socially, and emotionally.

[VTMama]

Thank you for the info. They offically classified him with high functioning autism. He was put in a preschool mix class. He is younger then all the other kids. Which I think I harder on me then on him.... LAUSD says he doesn't require any OT. He does have 10 hours of behavioral instruction (With a 6 month waiting list). He also has speech thearpy (with a waiting list of 3-6 months). I'm sorry can you sense my frustration!!! LAUSD made it sound like i was going to get help asap... I don't know what else there is. I've been trying to find out about other programs.. Any advice? I know about the Regional Center. Where can I get information about conferences and forums?I know there is one coming up in Feb (San Diego).. On legal

Hi, I'm Viv. Haven't been on in a while. Yes, I can sense your frustration and it seems very well founded! Are you saying he has to wait 3-6 months for services?! It is possible that there is a volunteer advocate in your area. Isn't parenthood weird? We are supposed to automatically know what to do for our kids and when we don't it is frightening.

I agree with an earlier message, knowledge is power. Good luck to you.

Viv.