Autism and school placement

[Confused Mom1]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California.

Hi, I have a son in the 8th grade with moderate Autism. Our school district placed him in an Autism classroom which they consider to be a private school on a public school campus. He is going into high school next year and the district wants to remove him from this "private school" and place him in a public school program for learning handicap students. The school district is going through severe budget cuts and I believe this move is being made as a cost saving measure and does not have my son's best interests in mind.

Do I have a right to refuse to allow them to remove him from this program? He is on an IEP. Can they change it without my consent? I have contacted an attorney, but apparently she is extremely busy right now with IEP meetings due to the school year ending so I was hoping you might have some advice for me while I am waiting.

Thank you for your helpWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Humusluvr]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California.

Hi, I have a son in the 8th grade with moderate Autism. Our school district placed him in an Autism classroom which they consider to be a private school on a public school campus. He is going into high school next year and the district wants to remove him from this "private school" and place him in a public school program for learning handicap students. The school district is going through severe budget cuts and I believe this move is being made as a cost saving measure and does not have my son's best interests in mind.

Do I have a right to refuse to allow them to remove him from this program? He is on an IEP. Can they change it without my consent? I have contacted an attorney, but apparently she is extremely busy right now with IEP meetings due to the school year ending so I was hoping you might have some advice for me while I am waiting.

Thank you for your helpWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

In my school district, they only place severely handicapped students in inclusive classrooms. Most are mainstreamed with IEP's to make sure their needs are met.

Does this "private school" continue into high school? Or does it cut off at 8th grade?

Yes, the school can change the IEP with ARD approval, which should include your input. But it also includes the input of teachers, administrators, and special ed admins. If everyone is in agreement that your son should go mainstream, then it will happen. In my opinion, however, having your son in a regular classroom with support is much better for his socialization and learning than for him to be in an "autism only" class.

This site offers some good reading about Ed Law

Who Can Override an IEP?

Good Luck!

 

[Confused Mom1]

Yes, the spectrum program continues on to high school. They have him in a single classroom for reading, history and for social skills training. He is currently mainstreamed in math, since it is one of his better subjects, art and physical education.

The "learning handicap" program that the district wants to place him in for high school does not include any of the social skills training, it is a basically a homeroom (similar to a special day classroom) where the kids get extra help with homework and does not provide any extra support.

Although I agree that putting him into a mainstreamed classroom is better in most cases, my son tends to be the target of bullies (hence the need for more social skills training) and it distracts him from doing his school work and I am starting to see possible signs of depression (his doctor has been contacted about that as well). I just want to do everything I can to make his high school years the best possible.

 

[Humusluvr]

Yes, the spectrum program continues on to high school. They have him in a single classroom for reading, history and for social skills training. He is currently mainstreamed in math, since it is one of his better subjects, art and physical education.

The "learning handicap" program that the district wants to place him in for high school does not include any of the social skills training, it is a basically a homeroom (similar to a special day classroom) where the kids get extra help with homework and does not provide any extra support.

Although I agree that putting him into a mainstreamed classroom is better in most cases, my son tends to be the target of bullies (hence the need for more social skills training) and it distracts him from doing his school work and I am starting to see possible signs of depression (his doctor has been contacted about that as well). I just want to do everything I can to make his high school years the best possible.

I can absolutely understand you wanting to make his high school experience the best one possible. And I can understand you wanting to do everything you can for him not to be bullied. I hope you continue to work with the ARD team, and pressure them to do what his doctors, counselors, psychiatrists or psychologists, and teachers feel is best. Remember that you can always request another hearing if something changes - read: if the high school setting does end up being detrimental to him - get him back in and request the special program. So, if after his high school classes are NOT suitable for him, request him be placed back. I think it's worth a shot. Maybe he will work harder, but maybe the outcome will be the best for him. It would sure be a pleasant surprise if it works out positively!

 

[Confused Mom1]

Thank you for your encouragement

 

[Humusluvr]

Thank you for your encouragement

Come back and let us know how it turns out! Or, if anything changes and you have additional questions. Good luck!