Delaware Special Ed Law

[mom2aboyngirl]

deleted for privacy

 

[rmet4nzkx]

What is the name of your state? Delaware

Hello, I am requesting an IEP for my son with new diagnosised Asperger's Syndrome which is on the Austism Spectrum. He is very bright and doing okay in his classes, but he as never been eval for special education or needs. For example, he is on all honors classes, and math has always been his favorite and best subj. He usually makes straight A's but has numerous sensory and social issues. Recently his math grade was 82% which is incredibly out of character for him. I just found out that the boy that sits next to my son smells horribly (AS kids have hightened senosory perceptions) and constantly invades his space to the point that my son cant' concentrate on his studies thus an 82 grade. I would like to have the school district eval him for such issues that are affecting his education. I don't believe a 504 is enough...he needs services (occupational services) to help him learn to deal with these issues so he can succeed. We can't have an IEP if we don't know all his issues.... I am afraid the school is going to balk because he is smart and doing fairly well.

But I was looking at this online "Administrative Manual for Special Education Services" at
http://www.doe.k12.de.us/exceptional_child/Final AMSES/AMSESRevised12152004.pdf on page 40 specific to Autism and Austim Spectrum Disorders which included Asperger's Syndrome. (A student must be eval before he can receive spec educ and an IEP) and I believe this means that they have to evaluate him based upon his diagnosis NOT his performance. Do they have to do a full spectrum eval just because he has AS???

thank you

This is all new to you and the system is difficult to navigate for children and families with AS.
How long since your son was diagnosed with AS and who diagnosed him? Was your daughter evaluated also? HOw old is your son? Is he under the treatment of a child/adolescent psychiartist?

While persons with AS have normal to high intelligence, it is the pragmatics and difficulity to abstract that are at the core of their problems accommodating to changing situations. Each child may have different strengths and weaknesses and while their sensory perspective may be altered, that may not be the only reason for a change in performance.

An IEP would be in order. Are you already connected with your state Department of Developmental disabilities?

You need to understand that contrary to previous thought, children don't grow out of AS, they learn by rote, they learn everything by rote eventually they catch up or learn many skills including social skills by rote. They need structure and support, mentors and coolobrators all their lives, no matter how brilliant they may be. I have seen persons with AS not be able to do simple math yet be able to do complex math problems and write down the answer from left to right as soon as the question is posed and be correct!

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Here is a link that may help
http://www.udel.edu/bkirby/asperger/suppDE.html

 

[lealea1005]

What is the name of your state? Delaware

Hello, I am requesting an IEP for my son with new diagnosised Asperger's Syndrome which is on the Austism Spectrum. He is very bright and doing okay in his classes, but he as never been eval for special education or needs. For example, he is on all honors classes, and math has always been his favorite and best subj. He usually makes straight A's but has numerous sensory and social issues. Recently his math grade was 82% which is incredibly out of character for him. I just found out that the boy that sits next to my son smells horribly (AS kids have hightened senosory perceptions) and constantly invades his space to the point that my son cant' concentrate on his studies thus an 82 grade. I would like to have the school district eval him for such issues that are affecting his education. I don't believe a 504 is enough...he needs services (occupational services) to help him learn to deal with these issues so he can succeed. We can't have an IEP if we don't know all his issues.... I am afraid the school is going to balk because he is smart and doing fairly well.

But I was looking at this online "Administrative Manual for Special Education Services" at
http://www.doe.k12.de.us/exceptional_child/Final AMSES/AMSESRevised12152004.pdf on page 40 specific to Autism and Austim Spectrum Disorders which included Asperger's Syndrome. (A student must be eval before he can receive spec educ and an IEP) and I believe this means that they have to evaluate him based upon his diagnosis NOT his performance. Do they have to do a full spectrum eval just because he has AS???

thank you

Yes, in order for your son to qualify for an IEP a full spectrum evaluation will be and should be completed. Ask for copies of each evaluation and request that his testing is spread out over several days so he is able to rest and "refuel" between evaluations/tests.

From my own experience I suggest you obtain letters from your child's Physician and Therapist which indicate his problems with external stimuli, how they interfere with his learning process, and the reason h/she feels, in his case, an IEP is more appropriate then a 504. Also, speak with his teacher and ask that she is present during your IEP meeting as an advocate for your son. Keep copies of all evaluations/correspondence/test scores, etc.

The school may balk because you son IS doing well academically. Funding for special education is being cut all the time. It will be frustrating, but don't give up. Good luck!