Why my child with autism is NOT going back to public school
February 6, 2009
Last night, at a friend’s invitation, I went to a meeting of our local school district’s special education parents’ group. We had moved recently, and while I’m homeschooling now I thought “why not learn more?”
I did.
Perhaps not surprisingly, our new special ed program is just like the old one. The administrator’s job, in essence, is to keep costs down… parents quiet…. and teachers submissive. If the special ed kids do well, that’s great. If they don’t… that’s life.
Meanwhile, parents are in a panic, trying to manage IEPs that don’t include the accomodations, therapies, supports or social skills programs they asked for. Should they sign the IEP, so their child can get at least SOME services right now? Or hold off, hire an advocate, and demand what they’re entitled to – meanwhile leaving their child in legal limbo for months?
And, while parents want a terrific education for their kids with autism, they’re meanwhile facing a serious dilemma relative to their kids who are typically developing. It’s a fine thing to fight “like a mother lion” for your child with autism. But do you then earn a reputation as a “difficult parent?” And if you do – how will that affect the district’s response when your other children develop a special need, behavior problem, or other issue? Will they suffer the consequences of your actions?
What makes the whole process even worse is the knowledge that whatever you work out with the district, the teacher and the school this year – will fall apart completely next year when you child is in a new classroom, new school, or new group of students. The elementary school principal may be a huge inclusion advocate, while the middle school principal doesn’t get it at all. The middle school may have a terrific lunch bunch peer group with a top notch therapist – while the high school may have no peer social program at all.
Bottom line, there’s no doubt in my mind: my son with autism will NEVER go back to public school!
Wondering if your child has the symptoms of autism? What Autism treatments Work Best? Save your child from a challenged future by spotting the signs of autism early and learn the therapies that can dramatically improve your child’s quality of life at Autism Symptoms & Treatments
Original article here.
Comments
Got something to say?