How can I convince the School District to fund ABA services for my son.?

Question

We just moved from Florida and we will have an upcoming IEP meeting. We want to include ABA services in our son's IEP. I needed to know what steps to do - any parents who's child is diagnosed with Autism. and live in Millbrae area. Thank you.

Answer 1

If the current IEP calls for it then they have to comply, especially if you have had a psychological or psychiatric evaluation that recommended it.  I would let them know in advance that you want ABA and they need someone at the meeting that can make the decision to fund it.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Join the parents committee it will help you get closer to what you want.

Answer 3

What is the school district offering?

What has your child recieved previously? If he has recieved ABA before and has shown good progress this a good starting point for you. Also if you just moved here and have a previous IEP for the first 30 days in the new district the new district must provide the services that match the previous IEP as best as possible and then evaluate you child to determine placement in their district.

What does ABA mean to you.. 1 on 1 discrete trial training (DTT) in the home or at school?

You need to be specific about what you are asking for and why.

ABA means a lot of different things in the real world. Alot of times in education for children with autiams people are talking about 1 on 1  discrete trial 25+ hours per week.

If you are talking about Millbrae CA there are a lot of providers in the bay area (although I don't know the specific district) also many school districts have DTT based classrooms now.

www.wrightslaw.com

has lots of information ont his topic under autism.

Answer 4

Did your son have ABA in his Florida IEP?  You should not have to convince the School District of anything.  I suggest writing a letter requesting an ABA assessment if your son did not have ABA in Florida.  If he did have ABA, the need for it is already proven.  How old is your son?  If he is over the age of 5, check into the Verbal Behavior methodology.  It is a good addition to the Lovaas model of Discrete Trials methodology.  My son receives about 45 hours of ABA/AVB (ABA and Applied Verbal Behavior) per week.  He is 9 yrs old and in a regular education classroom.  I would love to have more information so I can give you clearer advice on your individual situation.  I invite you to our Yahoo Group called SNAFU (Special Needs Advocates for Understanding) at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/valleysnaf...  Also check us out at www.valleysnafu.com and www.believeacademy.com.  You can contact me directly at [e-mail].

In short, the federal law (IDEA) and state laws indicate that if a child needs a particular service, then he must get that service.  Financial and/or personnel reasons cannot be used as an excuse not to provide a service.  Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Shirley