Smoke and Mirrors in the Funhouse of Education
October 6, 2007
With Spiff, his Asperger’s issues were pretty much laid bare for all to see. Once we started searching for answers, the specialists helped us figure out which way we need to go to help him. The services fell into our lap, like manna from heaven. Granted, it wasn’t as easy implementing them at first, but over the years we have been able to figure out what we needed, when we needed it, and then like the rabid dog that I am, sink our teeth in and get it done. Or at least, see results.
This has worked well for us.
Well, the times, they are a-changin’.
This is Scamp’s first year in the mainstream classroom. When he was three, we had the school tag him with a developmental delay diagnosis, which allowed him to go the the Special Needs Pre-K program. He blossomed. He bloomed. Not without issues, mind you. He was kind of like his brother, just not as severe. Kind of like a Spiff Lite.
As I have said, he’s not exactly doing so great. And the school wants to get rid of his diagnosis, because after a certain age they don’t recognize it anymore. He’ll be that age very soon. So what’s a mother to do, you ask? Well, this mother subjects her child to a series of tests. And the results show that yes, there ARE issues, just not HUGE issues like his brother, and that in time and with assistance, things can change. So I have my doctor write a letter basically saying Developmental Delay but with other wordage so we can keep and begin services to help him.
It isn’t enough. The school plans to terminate services in February. The End.
My plan? I’m glad you asked. You KNEW I had a plan, didn’t you? I’m crafty like that. Well, the current plan is to see a neurologist and have Scamp tested. Then, my plan is to discuss with the doctor the possibility of a PDD-NOS diagnosis for Scamp. Basically, I’m going to push for it, simply because it allows me the services that benefit Scamp ASAP. I’m not above bribery either, to be honest. And even though many family members disagree, and worry that this will haunt him forever, I DON’T CARE. The school will only spring into action on their own when he begins to fail their system, and I refuse to let that happen. I REFUSE.
I refuse to stand by and watch him fail. Not when helping him NOW is the better way to go.
I’ll keep you posted on what happens. Wish me luck.
*Cue the carnival music*
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How far will you go for your children? Will you fight, or just roll over and play dead? Tell us all about it, and you could win a $200 VISA/MC check card. Yep, it’s another PBN Blog Blast, sponsored by Harper Collins.
October 6th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
I would, in no particular order, lie, cheat, beg, steal and bribe. I would also do whatever else might be required for Reid. How wrong it is that you have to find a label that the school acknowledges before they will keep providing the services and supports for Scamp needs. It should be enough that he needs them. A mom has to do what a mom has to do. Better he have a label and a good education than be free from the stigma of the PDD (or whatever) label and acquire the generic “failed like all the other kids”. Keep up the fight.
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October 6th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
We had a similar issue with Mikey. Even though all his teachers AND the psychologist said he would do horrible in mainstream classes, that’s where he’d be going because academically he excelled. So we got his autism diagnosis, which we probably would have done anyways but it irritates me that all the school cares about is how smart he is, not how the rest of his life is going…
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October 7th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
i must say that your reality is my big fear with my little man. we are still in the spec ed cocoon and he is challenged but thriving in kindergarten but knowing the expectations in mainstream thanks to the 4 ahead of him, i am worried big time…and i am working out to be fighting ready.
good luck to you!
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October 9th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
Does your school district accept OHI — Other Health Impaired? We sometimes use that to get services for a child wtih a diagnosis who almost, but not quite, qualifies for services. Sending good vibes your way…good luck!
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October 10th, 2007 at 1:38 am
Daisy – I don’t believe my district recognizes OHI. They use the DD diagnosis, but they put a time limit on it. VERY VERY Frustrating….
Thanks for the good vibes!!!! We sure need ‘em!
Shash
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