Son w/Asperger's started middle school- Update Page 6

[missypie]

I think the problem exists when a kid with accomodations is at the top of the class because without those accomodations, the student would still be doing very well (most likely.) So, the question arises regarding the intentions of accomodations. Are they meant to help a student pass and meet the requirements of the class, or are they meant to help a student be at the top of his or her class?

I don't know.......I see both sides. If a kid does well without accomodations, then I think it's best to go without them. On the other hand, I see the opposing side as well.

I've heard it said that accomodations are only intended to allow a child to PASS a class....and not an advanced class, either, just "regular ed." I think that is ridiculous. First, isn't it in society's best interest if each child lives up to his orher potential? Let's see...with accomodations a kid could be a college graduate; without, he could mow lawns...Hmmm....

Second, can you imagine telling the parents of a kid in a wheelchair that the school doesn't need elevators, because all the "regular ed" classes are on the ground floor and you don't need to accomodate her to get to the AP classes upstairs? There would be seen as illegal. But kids with neurological issues are told that they can't have accomodations in AP classes.

 

[AC7179]

No, missypie, I see your point. I guess it depends on the types of accomodations they are talking about. The big ones I am thinking of are the reduction of the assignment, modified tests or quizzes (not just restructured, but multiple choice instead of essay, for example), and extra time.

Do you know if students are allowed accomodations in college for Asperger's?

 

[missypie]

No, missypie, I see your point. I guess it depends on the types of accomodations they are talking about. The big ones I am thinking of are the reduction of the assignment, modified tests or quizzes (not just restructured, but multiple choice instead of essay, for example), and extra time.

Do you know if students are allowed accomodations in college for Asperger's?

I think that it gets a lot more "legal" in college. If you are interested in college issues (as I am), collegeconfidential.com has a learning differences board (look under "Discussion Home" for a complete list of all the boards.)

 

[Forevryoung]

No, missypie, I see your point. I guess it depends on the types of accomodations they are talking about. The big ones I am thinking of are the reduction of the assignment, modified tests or quizzes (not just restructured, but multiple choice instead of essay, for example), and extra time.

Do you know if students are allowed accomodations in college for Asperger's?

I'm going to get on a slippery slope- I'm a college student (graduate). I have never gone through "disability support services" but I have gone to my professors and asked for extended deadlines due to "personal issues" (I never state why) and 90% of the time they comply.

But in college, there are only certain accomodations that they can allow for- extended time on exams or deadlines, books on tape, note takers... those are most common. But I DOUBT they would give you a multiple choice test instead of an essay exam in college and I would be seriously upset if someone did get that "modification" because a multiple choice test is 100% different than an essay exam- for a mc exam, it's about recognition, not completely about recall. You can guess and still get a question right... and a lot of things in college can't be tested through mc- like "what is your opinion on... back it up with facts" They want you to be critical thinkers and be able to state a well thought out answer.

I don't know what the lawsuit name is but look for lawsuit regarding the deaf girl wanting an interpreter in a class when she was getting B's in a class without it- the school said no way and the state supreme court backed up the school. And part of me agrees with that- it's about NEED not WANT.

 

[AC7179]

I guess that is along the lines I was thinking of.

If school is really about preparing them for the real world, the real world is not going to extend deadlines (such as at work) or help them get organized.

I totally understand that these children have true disabilities. I get that and I understand the desire for them to function at the highest level possible. But, if they are already getting As and Bs without the extra help, I think it would be the best thing to have them out in a situation as close to the real world as they are going to experience.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I didn't know my post would generate such an interesting discussion!

I can definitely see the difference between wanting accommodations and actually needing them. In my son's case, I definitely think it's a matter of need. He has a recognized diagnosis and a track record in the school of not being able to keep up without extra help. All I'm asking for is the chance for him to meet his potential. In fact, at every IEP meeting they ask you what your goal is for your child over the next year. My answer has always been the same: For him to be functioning socially and academically in a mainstream classroom at at least an average level. To me that would be a great achievement for him! However, I think it will be near impossible in middle school without extra support. We're not asking for reduced assignments or special tests. I know he's intellectually capable of doing the work. However, his brain is so unorganized and he's so easily distracted that he's missing important information in class. When he gets unfocused, he gets frustrated and when he gets frustrated he melts down. I think an aide would be able to see a crisis coming and be able to head it off before it gets to that level. By the time a teacher sees it and stops the class to intervene, it's gone too far and become a negative situation. The poor kid also can't keep his homework straight. Because of weak fine motor skills, writing is very difficult for him so he'll do as little as he thinks he can get away with. An OT has been working with him, but it's going to take time to get him writing as much as he needs to so he can stay on track.

Besides the new principal, the school has a new psych that I've been in contact with. I'm hoping she can provide some help as well.

Thanks again for all the great responses! This has been a very interesting discussion!

 

[Schmeck]

Just to note - AP classes are 'advanced placement' courses that require a standardized exam at the end of the year. These classes can be counted by colleges as entry level college courses, so students don't have to take 101 classes their freshman year. Most private colleges do not have to make accommodations for special needs students (of course, many do accommodate!) so taking an AP course with accommodations may not be really helping that student see how a college subject really is - how intense the workload, etc.

Also, I don't think accommodations are allowed on the AP test, without noting them? I know our MCAS tests have a whole section an administrator fills out for special needs students and how the test was done with their accommodations.

And I totally agree - it is another whole can of worms with the social acceptance/non-acceptance of students with disabilities. It seems that the extremely disabled students are more accepted, but the students that 'look normal' (and I cringe at that!) are barely accepted by their peers, if at all. Anything that sets them apart from 'the norm' can be fair game to some students. I've found that the students who tend to give special needs students a hard time are the ones who are struggling themselves to have some success.

 

[Forevryoung]

And I totally agree - it is another whole can of worms with the social acceptance/non-acceptance of students with disabilities. It seems that the extremely disabled students are more accepted, but the students that 'look normal' (and I cringe at that!) are barely accepted by their peers, if at all. Anything that sets them apart from 'the norm' can be fair game to some students. I've found that the students who tend to give special needs students a hard time are the ones who are struggling themselves to have some success.

That's because of jealousy- "nobody is giving ME help"

And Luv Bunnies, you continue to fight for what your son needs but we are just presenting another side of things (and other options). From what you have written, it sounds like an appropriate IEP was in place but was not followed though which has caused the problems. While you know your child best, maybe, just maybe, the current IEP would work out best if it was strictly adheared to by all involved (as is the law- IEPs are legal documents). Good luck.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

While you know your child best, maybe, just maybe, the current IEP would work out best if it was strictly adheared to by all involved (as is the law- IEPs are legal documents). Good luck.

You're right. If they just adhered to the IEP, things would be much better. And that's all I'm asking them to do.

 

[disneymarie]

My 12 year old son has Asperger's and started middle school yesterday and I'm already frustrated! And the problem is that I started taking steps to avoid this frustration months ago (or at least I thought I did).


My husband is ready to get a lawyer. My son is totally capable of handling the classroom work. He just really needs help with organization, focus and sometimes behavior. I think an aide is a proactive way to help him get on track. By the time the teacher has to stop the class to remind him about something, it's become a negative situation. Now my son feels bad that he lost his clothes and thinks he's stupid. He always gets down on himself when he forgets something important but it's not his fault.

Thanks for letting me vent. The other problem is that I work at another school in the district in a special ed class so the special ed director that controls resources for my son is also my boss. I'm trying to keep my job separate from the situation with my son and I hope he will too. Any advice would be appreciated.

Our school systems are very supportive for this case...also, working toward the support your son needs and helping to learn coping to gain the ability to creat a way to be focused, or a system to back up where his memory fails.

We find that the better the class aid provided and better the plan adapted to your child, he will likely not need as much support in middle school, but there are several, even two the agency I have worked with have in our high school.

I would retain an attorney, the puclic school system receives public funds adn must provide your son the support...Otherwise what happens, the child is just pushed through school with passing grades and left out into the world, without ever having the support, and means developed prior to graduation.

My friends young one, will likey need an aid all the way through highschool. He is great socially, not disruptive, but behind and really strugles to focus and remember.
Some kiddos are real hyperactive, reward systems to re-enforce the positive behavior are prepared adn the kiddo understands, the rewards, and loss of rewards.

I love the kids, right now I am doing social work with a supervised visitation program. But, when my youngest is oout of our local elementary school, I would love to get the kids as a TSS in classroom. Theraputic support staff.

Fight that person that said he does not need an aid...he does not maybe need what she is thinking but he needs something.
My older son now 32, had a higer IQ then those in the gifted program, but could not focus. HE was in a half and half day. Some classes he was mainstreamed the others he had support for. HE excelled to highschool. about 10th grade it all clicked. He was named who's who among students in the US and puclished in the book printed nationally.
How amazing, but we do have an amazing school system and dedicated staff.

Please forgive my typos, end of the day and hands are bad with the lap top and carpal tunnel.
DiMarie

 

[cymomtx]

My DD11 (Aspie) started junior high last week. Prior to school starting I notified them that I wanted to meet with all the teachers and have a "staffing". The diagnostician called me and we had it on the 4th day of school. My husband and I showed up with my typed agenda for all the teachers.

On my "agenda" I listed all our phone numbers and email addresses, how and when I expected them to communicate with me. What my expectations were for her to have a SUCCESSFUL year and how THEY were going to make this happen. I reminded them of her modification (i.e. her agenda that THEY are responsible for homework assignments, using the computer in classroom, as she has weak fine motor skills and will respond better with a computer then paper and pencil). Also, in the gym locker room we have them assign a locker on the outside edge where the coaches have a good view and can keep constant watch on her and others around (this was a big problem with my oldest, he was always getting picked on in the locker room).

As this is my second Aspie child to go through this school they are very responsive to me.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My DD11 (Aspie) started junior high last week. Prior to school starting I notified them that I wanted to meet with all the teachers and have a "staffing". The diagnostician called me and we had it on the 4th day of school. My husband and I showed up with my typed agenda for all the teachers.

On my "agenda" I listed all our phone numbers and email addresses, how and when I expected them to communicate with me. What my expectations were for her to have a SUCCESSFUL year and how THEY were going to make this happen. I reminded them of her modification (i.e. her agenda that THEY are responsible for homework assignments, using the computer in classroom, as she has weak fine motor skills and will respond better with a computer then paper and pencil). Also, in the gym locker room we have them assign a locker on the outside edge where the coaches have a good view and can keep constant watch on her and others around (this was a big problem with my oldest, he was always getting picked on in the locker room).

As this is my second Aspie child to go through this school they are very responsive to me.

Wow! It sounds like you've been able to achieve for your daughter what I need to achieve for my son! We were also worried about PE and we asked for him to have a locker near the coach's office. I haven't actually been in the locker room since school started but I understand the locker situation is working out fine and the coach has been very helpful in keeping him organized (actually PE was my greatest fear and is turing out to be the least of my worries!).

I have asked the RSP teacher and the psychologist if we can set up a meeting with all the teachers and do exactly what you described. They have both told me that it would be premature. We have to "wait for the services to kick in." I started the process of asking for help back in June so that the services would "kick in" on the first day of school.

I may have mentioned in a previous post that the school principal just resigned during the 2nd week of school! She's not leaving the district. She will now be the program specialist for the special ed dept. She has been totally unresponsive so far. She ignored an e-mail in which I politely asked her to explain something on my son's schedule. Now she will be in charge of his services on a larger scale. It will be interesting to see if she steps up to the task.

In the meantime, I think the new principal is more approachable and more personable. She starts officially tomorrow. I'm going to ask her if we can meet for a few minutes one afternoon this week. I'm going to explain the situation to her and ask for her advice. I'm also going to ask her if we can get all the teachers together to discuss how my son works best. I'm hoping the new principal can help make some things happen.

Thanks for all the helpful replies from everyone!!!

 

[pcparamedics01]

I agree with all! I haven't read a couple but.....However not only a IEP in place but specific accommodations. You can amend the IEP with this,.....
The accomodations whould be that every teacher must write a blurp about his day and they must keep you informed of anything going on or any changes etc. Trust me you will not have to guess anymore!!!!!~!

 

[cymomtx]

When my son was in elementary school and was not communicating his frustrations with us, I had it written into his IEP that if something happened at school they had to notify me verbally, not just leave a message before he got off the school bus at my door. Otherwise, his afternoon at home was awful and I had no idea why!

 

[Luv Bunnies]

The update is that I e-mailed the new principal and briefly explained what's been going on. I asked if I could meet with her sometime this week to share some ideas. She immediately wrote me back a nice e-mail saying she wants to sort this out for my son. We are going to meet on Thursday afternoon. I have high hopes that we can figure this out!

 

[pcparamedics01]

The update is that I e-mailed the new principal and briefly explainee d what's been going on. I asked if I could meet with her sometime this week to share some ideas. She immediately wrote me back a nice e-mail saying she wants to sort this out for my son. We are going to meet on Thursday afternoon. I have high hopes that we can figure this out!

Good! Good luck! I am sure the Principal will take care of this for you.

 

[fakereadhed]

I have a couple of suggestions that have worked for my DD in middle school. She is very tech savvy, like lots of Asperger's kids, so I got her a PDA on ebay. The school has a planner, which doesn't work for her because she forgets to write assignments down, but she loves her gadget and will use it for every class. The trick is not losing it as they lose EVERYTHING! I bought an old palm m105 for about 10 bucks on ebay, so I can easily replace it if I need to. She has one binder with 2 pencil pockets(1 for pencils, 1 for pda and calculator) and 2 folders. One is for assignments to be done. The other is for finished work. That's it! If the teacher is looking for missing work, that is where it is. Also, she has a tutorial class(spec ed)written in her IEP so once a day the teacher can go over her assignments, accomodate as necessary to make them better visually/spatially, and make sure she is staying organized throughout the day. That would be who would have tracked down the gym clothes for you. Also,the teacher can write notes to me on the PDA, and I can communicate with her that I am reviewing assignments etc. This worked out really well last year. 1)It's keeping her organized 2)She is becoming more independant 3)She is using technology that she can use as an adult to stay organized in the future.

 

[fakereadhed]

BTW, my daughter's tutorial class is instead of PE. PE is a social nightmare! Since my DD does swimming, the school waived the PE requirement. I have heard that karate or other activities outside school can also be considered. Just depends on what the school is willing to do for you-YMMV
When I asked for the tutorial they said "what will we take out of her schedule?" I said PE! Much better financially for them than hiring an aide.

 

[kktoland]

The poor kid also can't keep his homework straight. Because of weak fine motor skills, writing is very difficult for him so he'll do as little as he thinks he can get away with. An OT has been working with him, but it's going to take time to get him writing as much as he needs to so he can stay on track.

Does your son's school have "AlphaSmart" keyboards? These are like keyboards with a 3-4 line screen. I have an 11 yr old daughter who just started middle school four weeks ago. She is Asperger's as well as OCD, ADHD, ODD and anxiety issues. She has had handwriting issues for many years and these keyboards are a way for her to type in her homework assignments etc.

As to the issue of an aide, my daughter spent several years with only a spec ed teacher "checking up" on her and only by bringing "lots" of attention to the situation did things finally change. Talking with the teachers (who are on the front line) is a good place to start but if that does not generate enough of a response, this method finally worked for me: collect every teacher's email address as well as those for the principal, director of spec ed and MOST IMPORTANTLY the Superintendant of your school district. Every question you have, every comment you wish to make (no matter how minor), every incident (especially those that might cause the school some liability i.e. Johnny bit Sue) -send to EVERY person on up the power chain. Some will be willing to help - others not a bit! After all those emails etc. though they will certainly know who you are and the situation with your child. After making a general pest of myself, not only did my daughter have her own 1:1 aide last year but that aide moved with her to the middle school Hang in there and keep working the system.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

Does your son's school have "AlphaSmart" keyboards? These are like keyboards with a 3-4 line screen. I have an 11 yr old daughter who just started middle school four weeks ago. She is Asperger's as well as OCD, ADHD, ODD and anxiety issues. She has had handwriting issues for many years and these keyboards are a way for her to type in her homework assignments etc.

I'll have to look into this. Sounds like it might help. Thanks for the suggestion.