Expert: Paul Johnson - 4/7/2008

Question
What can I expect classes to be like for my son when he starts school this fall?  He was recently diagnosed as pdd-nos.  He doesn't deal well with frustration.  He lashes out,screaming, hitting, kicking, scratching, etc..  He will also require speech services.  Do you think he will be allowed to be in a typical classroom, or will he have to be in a special ed classroom full time?  How do schools typically deal with this?

Answer
Hey JoBeth,

Thank you for your important question.

My question to you would be what do you think would be accomplished by your son attending regular education. Within your question are at least 5 challenging and special needs that he will require from his educators. I would imagine that the best setting is where these needs would be addressed.
All school district have provisions for special education. The learning needs of your child have to be met by law. You have enormous power in this regard. In regular education your power is gone. The diagnosis of PDD would qualify him for special education.

Furthermore i would ask the school district in his community for their Autism Spectrum Disorder programs. In my city there are many schools that have ASD programs where children attend and get their needs met. I would begin in an ASD program and move towards mainstream after speech therapy and his needs are addressed.

There are many quality books which guide parents with their children in the school district. Sorry I do not have my resources availiable to make recommendations but they are their in a quality book seller and online.

Good luck to your son in his education career.