Expert: James Michael Roan - 1/6/2008

Question
I am having a CSE meeting for my 7 year old son. My son was diagnosed with PDD/NOS. He is in a self contained classroom for his anxiety and perseveration issues. Academically he is doing well and pretty much on target. But sometimes because of his anxieties academics is the secondary issue with his teacher.The CSE coordinator  want to place him in a integrated classroom. His teacher and I do not think that at this point it is to his benefit. He will go to this class just with a regular Ed teacher and special Ed teacher. The class has 23 children and 6 of which are on the spectrum. It seems it is going to happen regardless of what we have to say or bring up. HOW DO I KNOW IF HE NEEDS A ONE ON ONE AIDE TO HELP HIM WITH HIS BIG TRANSITION BEFORE I BRING THIS UP AT HIS CSE MEETING?

Answer
Hi Arlene;

In consideration of his anxiety issues and the fact he has Asperger's syndrome, we know with a substantial degree of certainty that his anxiety and behavior will escalate to the degree he will miss out on much of his learning. On this basis, fight to maintain placement where he is and demand an aide if they force the issue. Do you live in the U.S. or UK?

Kind regards,
James