Special Needs Because of Speech?

Question

Ive recently posted a question about my son and his education problem and appreciate the enormous response but my question is still quite unanswered because he has had his testing and they both conflict. Children Hospital in Little Rock Arkansas stated that my son has no learning dissabilities what so ever and this is from liscensed doctors but the teachers themselves have still put him in a Special Needs Class and on Top of this his younger brother has the same speech delay but he is in CDI (Child Developement Institution) and has progressed further than his 8yr old brother and he is 4 1/2 and he is in a normal class and has speech therapy aside and is going too kindergarden next year....race may not be a issue none the less but it is becomming a Stereo Typical situation and we are working hard too solve this but have no idea how too approach this situation.

Answer 1

Request an IEP.

Specifically request what you want for your child... what your child needs to make progress in school.

Don't sign the IEP unless you get what you needs to be successful.

Or else put all your requests in writing and make the district give you a written response as to why they cannot help you.

Look into getting an advocate. Free advocacy services should be available and agencies listed on your copy or the parental rights you should get at each IEP.

In the end it doesn't matter a whole lot what the evaluations say if your child qualifies for special education he is entitled to whatever services he needs to make progress. If you are requesting a least restrictive environment.. a general education class plus speech service versus a special needs class you always have a legal advantage because of the laws bend towards least restrict environment.

check out

www.wrightslaw.com for lots of legal and advocacy information.

Answer 2

I am not realy sure I understand your question. Speech can put a person in  special needs. It depends on the degree of the problem. If you feel your child should not be in this class have them evaluated by a private speech pathologist (ASHA.ORG to locate one). From their evaluation you can make an appointment with the principle to discuss your concerns.

Answer 3

I'm sorry you feel so frustrated with your son's school experience...

One bit of background that is frequently misunderstood is that the medical and educational fields define "disability" in very different ways.  It may be correct that your son does not have a medically defined disability, and for that you are truly blessed.  However, he may fit within the definition of "communication disability" under education law, which will allow him to access certain services and classes that are available in the school setting.  Choosing to access these services now doesn't mean he can't be in regular classes on down the road, either.

Not having met your son, I cannot pretend to know or understand the types of difficulties he is having with communication, whether it is speech sounds, phonological patterns, receptive language, expressive language, etc.  But what I can say is that many school districts do have special needs classes set up for students who are having academic issues that have arisen out of their communication needs.  In other words, they are having most of their problems in reading, math, etc. because they have underlying language or speech problems, not because they are retarded.

As a parent of a child being educated in the US, you have a right to be an active participant in your child's IEP.  The educational team cannot make placement decisions without your written consent, and you have the right to bring an advocate with you to any meetings you choose.  If you feel unsure of yourself, please take advantage of those rights!  It is better to maintain a congenial relationship with the district personnel if possible, but your child's best interests must come first.  Remember that even if they are the educational experts, YOU are the ultimate expert on your child!

Answer 4

a speech problem alone should not put a child in special ed-unless it is truly affecting his ability to learn-

generally-a child whose only deficiti is in expressive language should have a 504 plan and be accommodated in teh regualr classroom-by limiting the requiremnet to speak in class/giving speech therapy

look for somesort of parnetal advocate-you should have a copy of your rights in special ed-

you do not have to agree to place your chidl in special ed-gthey may threaten you with kicking him out-but that is unethical

push the issue of getting a 504 plan instead of an IEP...you have your professional opinions on your side.

even an IEP can stipulatre he is to be in teh mainstream class (least restrictive environment)

it is true that ther eis a difference between medical and education needs-but usually it is teh doctor saying the child needs services and teh school sayinh he doesn't...