Needs some IEP goals for child with Asperger syndrome

Question

My 13 year old was recently diagnosed with Asperger syndrome this summer. He already has an IEP to address is reading disability but I think with Asperger's being a special need he could benefit from some new goals, modification, and accommodations to be included in his current IEP. He is shy very withdrawn and tends to become overwhelmed with the amount of assignments, projects, and homework he is given. He has poor handwriting and spelling skills (which I hear could be a part of the asperger syndrome). He is of normal intelligence but doesn't seem to fit in well with his peer group. He has a fear of failure and doesn't like anything that is considered competitive. He is currently receiving medication for anxiety which seems to be helping, he is in individual therapy, and next week I plan to put him in group therapy with kids around his age who also have social withdrawal problems. I would appreciate some advice about school goals, and accommodations that I can ask for. The school district we are in tends to not want to be flexible when dealing with kids with special needs.

Answer 1

I would discuss this with his therapist, and she/he will know your son better and probably be able to brainstorm with you about what kind of goals to set. You need to think about what you want for him, and possibly even research ways to work on those goals at home with him. Assuming your son has been seeing the therapist for a while and also meets with you, she will be able to work through this with you. Also, see if your therapist could contact the school regarding the IEP, or have her come to the next IEP meeting. Does your therapists office have a Case Manager? I worked in a Children's Outpatient clinic as a Case Manager, and my job was to work with the families and various agencies getting them the help they needed. I also would go to IEP's with the families to offer suggestions and advocate for the families wants/needs. Maybe you could get a case manager to work with.

You can also try to find an agency that works as an advocate for children with special needs when dealing with school systems. In Michigan, we have one called CAUSE (www.causeonline.org). These types of organizations will contact the school and make sure they doing their part and upholding their obligations to children with special needs.  

Answer 2

To receive this diagnosis at 13 must be a challenge! I imagine he has struggled in school for many years. Contact an autism spectrum disorder support group. My son has had an IEP for 11 years now, so I do have some ideas for you! You do not mention behavioral issues. Children with Asperger's often have difficulties socially. I would consider having some accommodation within his IEP for discipline. A teacher or staff person could easily misunderstand his behavior without  taking his disability into account. If you can afford it, please consider hiring a special education advocate. He/she will review his IEP and your son's diagnosis and the family "reports" of his behavior and needs. An advocate will go with you to the IEP mtg and inform the inflexible school system of their legal obligations to your child. Your best tool is the IEP, do not approve it unless it has everything and more you need for your son. I hired an advocate a few years ago and it cost about 500-600. I think that it would be more today. It would be so worth it. You are doing a good job.... group therapy sounds like a good idea. Best of luck, and seek out support!

Answer 3

The people at this message board can help a lot -

http://www.millermom.proboards107.com/in...

Just to let you know, take a list with you to the IEP meeting of things you want them to do to help him.

If they refuse any of them, write 'refuse' beside what they are refusing.

After the meeting, write a letter to the district sped director and request 'prior written notice' for their refusals.

By law they have to give this to you, and they have to have LEGAL reasons for their refusals.

Sometimes when you ask school for this prior written notice, they will magically change their minds and allow what they previously refused, because they will not put illegal reasons in writing.

Also, what ever they DO agree to , make SURE it is written in the IEP plan or they won't have to do any of it.

I can't tell you how many times I"ve heard of schools who somehow get by without writing things in the IEP plan and the parents don't even notice it.  

Answer 4

I am a special ed student. I have a learning dissability. on my iep i have extra time and flexible settings for testing. if he has poor handwriting like i do it would probaly help him if you got word processing i have that on my iep too. i hope this helps you =]

Answer 5

My son Is in High school also AS .ask For a school adjustment counselor .This person would be able to check in with him on a weekly basis for 20 minute -30 minute sessions Not the guidance counselor,also ask them what programs they have for social and life skill programs. also transitioning whats offered for this meaning whats offered for him to transition into the high school and also whats being offered for mobility till he gets use to the school and the changing of his classes unless he is in a selfcontained class.Also for the writting ask For OT.Keep fighting most of these services should have beeen in place in elementery and they should have The school been the one's to offer but the dont and wont ...Good luck

also for future support check into these site's

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy

http://www.wrightslaw.com/

Autism Society of America

http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageS...

The Federation for Children with Special Needs

http://fcsn.org/index.php

NAMI

National Alliance on Mental Illness

http://www.nami.org/

Easter Seals Helping people with disabilities gain greater independence

http://www.easterseals.com/site/PageServ...