Autism Spectrum Disorders

The autism team came to Gabe's preschool on Monday. He was naughty. His TSS was there and all the kids went outside and Gabe had to stay back because of behavior. He didn't transition well, wanted to be first, cried at the drop of a hat, etc. All the things we see all.the.time. that the school kept saying they didn't see. It was great seeing the faces of the two team members when they came to talk to me after evaluating Gabe in the classroom. It was almost a look of...wow...we weren't expecting that. But then they tried to tell me his teacher and TSS were giving him attention for the negative behavior. I just can't win with these people. And again they said they didn't see the ASD. I told them I didn't care if they called it purple syndrome....just please help him.

They did ask me about ADHD and the connors test. I told them I would be more then willing to fill it out...and that yes there are many times I do see ADHD in him. Then I asked them about Gabe's very restricted interests. They told me kids with language delays can have them. I agree with that...EXCEPT...Gabe has had very restricted interests starting at a very young age....at 18mo he did nothing but carry two cars around with him. Of course they don't want to hear that. They said kids with ADHD and language issues can look ASD...again...I agree...BUT Gabe has many signs of an ASD including impaired social skills. He meets the criteria for an ASD dx....which is probably why he has already been dx'd by two different dr's.

So I asked them what they thought about placement for a preschool sped class....and they told me they have to ask their supervisor first! WTH ? Ask their supervisor...come on now...it doesn't matter what their supervisor says....it matters that he isn't getting FAPE. And isn't functioning in a NT preschool. I also explained Gabe's repetitive behaviors, need for sameness, and other issues he has.

Oh, they also told me they look to see if academics are affected not social and behavioral. Again, WTH. Last time it was they don't look at academics they look at social and behavior. And last time they saw Gabe at preschool he was pretty good...but not lagging too much in academics (according to who, I don't know)so that's why he didn't get sped preschool. NOW we HAVE behavior...and all the sudden behavior doesn't matter it's academics....well then Gabe still can't even sing his ABC's....can hardly draw a circle or other shapes...struggles with copying and so on. When I told them that...they didn't even know what to say...So I asked what else can be done to ensure Gabe gets his FAPE...and amazingly they decided it would be a good idea to do a full psycho-educational eval.

If you made it this far...your awesome....I am sooo frustrated with the school...but I am not giving in....oh oh oh...and they admitted that there was some ball dropping when it came to his transitional testing and follow ups. It's about time they admit they screwed up. Gabe deserves to shine too damn it....and I am not going to let this school ruin him like they ruined my niece....

ahhh....I feel a wee bit better now that I vented....thanks!

Jessie mommy to Gabe(4.4 years ASD/CAS/SID)and baby Zane

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Sounded like you needed that Vent!

And applause for fighting and taking nothing lying down.  Its just ashame that no one wants to accept any responsibility or really try and all they want to do is give an easy answer and hope whoever has the questions and concerns gets out of their face.  Its one thing when you are dealing with the Cable Company. Something completely different when it comes to your children and their future.  So Fight Fight Fight! Hanging in there and I know you know you are doing exactly the right things.!

Wow, Jessie, I cannot get over what you and Gabe are going through! I don't get why they are giving you such a hard time. The time they are wasting is costing them money and they should know by now that you're not going away.

I don't have any advice, but I'm glad you come here to vent. You are a great advocate to never give up and keep pushing, I hope they come to realize soon that it's in Gabe's (and their) best interest to finally give him what he needs!

Lily

Gabe does get private ST and she is always updating his scores and always assessing his needs, strengths, etc.  We do not do private OT anymore.  Gabe is borderline with his fine motor delays...he scores in the lowest part of average.  His bigger issue is sensory stuff, which the school doesn't really address!  He is a seeker and has a hard time when it is loud, or very bright, or a lot of movement.  The funny thing is...I find he has a harder time when it is loud if we are in a store and he has to walk or sit... but if we are at a place like Chuckey Cheese...he just runs around like a mad man....noises don't bother him then.  It's pretty odd.  He is sound sensitive to a point.  He holds his ears when the toilet flushes and gets very upset when people are talking in the car.  He has a hard time filtering noise when he is trying to do something like play a video game.  Some of that I would think is normal for a kid....but he gets overly upset about it.  He absoutly cannot function.  I know he screams at circle time at preschool if the kids are loud.  He puts his hands up to his ears and says....you hurt my ears.  He can get rather distressed about too.  Sometimes his teacher has to move him away to get him to settle down.

I just got an email from the school's one autism teacher.  She is one that helped evaluate Gabe.  From the email it sounds like they are waiting on this preschool director for the next step.  I am not sure what that means.  I have a letter ready to go for an emergency IEP meeting if I don't get some answers ASAP.  I will keep you guys posted.

Thanks for your support

Jessie mommy to Gabe(4.4 years ASD/CAS/SID)and baby Zane

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