Having problems with shcool - Autism Spectrum Message Board

cjksj · 07-13-2003, 11:21 PM

Hello, I am a parent of 4 children and my oldest is 10 yrs. old and has autism. He has had the same paraprofessional (aide) for 5 years now. She is wonderful with him and really is like a second mom to him. I have just found out that our school has not rehired her for this upcoming school year. I find this devastating. I am really afraid my son will be set back and stop talking again. He has just really started talking this last school year. His progess has been amazing and it is due alot to his aide. She works very hard with him. It seems to me that she does more of his teaching than his teachers do. I do not know the laws or what I can do about this. I know the school has to provide his education and his aide, but what about taking this one away from him. I have told them they can't just change things on him without prediction, but apparently all my talking has done no good. I do not believe they thought about the stress this is going to cause my son. They are distoying his world. Please can anyone help me?

------------------

Joanne · 07-17-2003, 07:23 PM

I really am not sure how much this will help. I do not have this issue. I would simply explain to them how important routine is for children with this specific diagnosis. Maybe you could find a psycologist to come in and speak on his behalf. You could also try to find an advocate that would help fight for what is best for your child. I am not sure how your school system works, but here, I have an agency I can call and they send an advocate with me. I am in a fight right now for individual speech therepy, They assigned me an advocate because they know how to work the system better than I do. Good luck. I hope you get her back!!!
Joanne

cjksj · 07-17-2003, 09:15 PM

Thanks so much for your reply. Since I posted I got in touch with MPACT and they have instructed me on how to address the board and they will also go with me to our IEP. My sons family doctor has also written a letter to our school board on my sons behalf. I will present our case to the board on July 24th. MPACT informed me that there is nothing I can do legally, to get her back, but if I can get the board to see our side and understand more about Autism maybe they will change their mind. I have a cordinator from our local Regional Center and she attends our IEP's with me. The board really blind sided us with this one. Thanks again. I am glad to get any idea that might help.

------------------

saratire · 07-18-2003, 11:54 AM

Last year my daughter lose the aid she had had for years. The aid requested to go with her but the school wont let her.She was wonderful with her. I know how you feel have you talked to the school board meembers.?

cjksj · 07-18-2003, 01:17 PM

I am do to speak to the school board on July 24th. I am typing up a letter to give to each board member with the definition of autism and introducing my son personally. This will follow with my reasons for wanting my sons aide to stay with him. I also have letters of concern from his specialist, family doctor and therapist. I am hoping this does some good, but I won't count on it. Did they replace your childs aide or just take them away completely? Thanks for your comments. I am glad to know I am not alone with these battles.

------------------