AboutTim Runner Expertise Questions concerning autistic student special education: IEP, assessments, Due Process, mediation, resolution conference, federal law, CA state law, qualifying for services, residential treatment, special day classes, resource specialists, procedures, having your child assessed, adaptive PE, speech & language, non-public school, FAPE.
Experience I have been an education advocate representing students and parents for five years. My experience includes: representing my clients in IEPs, SSTs, Due Process, review assessment results for my clients and for other advocates, and mediations. I have represented clients with learning disabilities, autism, Downs Syndrome, cognitively challenged, emotional problems, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and physical disabilities. I have also represented clients to County Mental Health Departments and Regional Centers. My clients range from pre-school to college students in California and various other states.
Education/Credentials I have a degree in Mathematics from the University of California with minors in Psychology and Physics. I also studied applied statistics in the field of psychology at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I have taught college classes, conducted seminars, written articles for various publications, and testified as an expert witness.
Question My son has had a recent evaluation at Hershey Medical Center and was diagnosed with Asperger, Bipolar, ADHD (which he was diagnosed in first grade), Dysgraphia. Now the school district where I live is telling me that I have to request another eval. through them telling me that they cannot accept an outside diagnosis. Dr Mayes is a certified pa school psychologist,licensed psych. and a professor of psychiatry. Do they have to accept this diagnosis for an IEP or not?
Answer Angela,
The law only requires that the school district "consider" the results of outside assessments. It gives the school the final responsibility to determine what challenges a child has that are interfering with their education. Therefore, you need to share your results with them and allow them to do their own assessments. If their assessments do not agree with your independent assessments, you have the right to request and Independent Educational Assessments conducted by a mutually agree do assessor.
I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)
