Where can I find information on rights for children with special needs? Specifically PDD or ADD?

Question

I have requested that my child have an assessment at her school and I feel like I'm being jacked around. I'd like to have some black and white information so that I can be armed when I hear back from her teacher/school psychologist. I had her evaluated privately before she started school and she was loosely diagnosed with PDD. (Pervasive Development Disorder) I know she has some issues but I've been unsuccessful in finding information on my own. I'm looking for resources so that she doesn't fall through the cracks.

Answer 1

A loose diagnosis of PDD is weak. The autism spectrum disorders have become the zeitgeist and the schools are being bombarded with them.

Have you provided the school with a copy of the evaluation? That could be helpful for you and your child. If you haven't why not?

If there is something you are seeking on behalf of your child then be very specific with what you want, why you want it and what you are hoping for.

Typically schools do not render autism spectrum disorders but must follow guidelines if they are presented with a child with said diagnosis.

Answer 2

Because you currently have a diagnosis, the school should be willing to call a meeting with you and if needed set up an IEP for your child.  In the evaluation that you currently have are there educational or theraputic suggestions?  If there are you need to contact the person who is in charge of the special education department at your school ansd request a meeting.  Take the current evaluation you have, address all of the conerns you have and start at that point.  You did not state whether your child has delays or difficulties in social settings or with the work.  There are a lot of things that have to be considered in this situation.

Go to www.wrightslaw.com and read what they have to say.  You have to learn to be her advocate and you have to be informed and able to speak to the school in a manner that is effective for your child.  PRACTICE this on a daily basis.  Before you walk in the meeting YOU have to be prepared and able to speak on your child's behalf with facts and figures and suggestions and information -- not with emotion.

Answer 3

Ask yourself a couple of questions:  

What does my child need assistance with in the academic setting?  Typically there has to be a demonstrated academic need under whatever criteria your child might qualify for.

What kinds of services or support would help to fill that academic need?

Then ask for a meeting with the school (where I am it's a child study team) and bring a couple of copies of your outside evaluation with you.  Talk about how the teachers see your child, and you talk about your concerns.

At that point - it may be logical or not to ask for an evaluation.  It should be comprehensive and include IQ, Academic testing, behavior rating scales, adaptability scales, observations, organizational check lists, information processing check lists etc.

If at the end of the evaluation the student fits one of your states criteria for service - and there is an academic need - your child will get services.

If at the end of the evaluation the student fits one of the states criteria except there is no documented educational need.  no special education services.

Please don't go to the school expecting to be turned away.  Go to them with information from the outside agency, ask their opinion of your concerns and go from there.  Good Luck.

Answer 4

The best resource out there in my opinion is

www.wrightslaw.com

It has legal information, cases and good sound advice.

Make sure you put your request in writing (this may vary by state) but they generally have 14 days to respond with either an assessment plan or a written notice of refusal (why they will not do the assessment). If they give you an assessment plan after you sign it they have 60 days to do the assessment and have a meeting to share their findings and determine whether your child qualifies for special education.

Remember there is a two prong criteria for qualifying. Your child must have a documented disability (sounds like this will be met) but second this disability must require special education services (services beyond interventions or accommodations that can be provided for any student) for your child to benefit or access general education.

Answer 5

http://www.cafemom.com/profile/register_...

This is a web site for chat for moms who have children like yours.  My brother is mentraly disabled and she got the United Way to help her and a congressman actually got involved to.

Answer 6

Can this help..

click below...