Expert: Tim Runner - 9/8/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my son is 7 and Autistic and we live in California. I want to know if my wife & I have the final say over what type of therapies our son receives, and also what companies provides these therapies? We are thinking of changing behavioral therapist companies because there are some aspects about the current company that we are not thrilled with. My wife has another company in mind that sound great, but I want to meet with some another company which trains the parents to do the therapy instead of sending therapists (or trainees) just to see what they have to offer. Now that I mentioned this to our Service Coordinator she is saying that we do not have the final say from which company, or what type of therapy our child is to recieve. She says that her clinical team has checked the performance of our current company and that they aren't reaching the goals. So since they aren't meeting the goals that they have the right to choose what is best for our son! Is that right?! I was under the impression that the parent has control of what types of therapies their child receives.  

Thanks for your time. Any knowledge you can give me to help me make decisions in my situation as a parent is greatly appreciated.  Thank You!

ANSWER: Joshua,
If the services are being paid for by your school district or Regional Center, you do not have the final say about the provider. You can go to the agency and tell them why you feel the current provider is not appropriate. Keep detailed records of poor service, not coming on time, inappropriate therapy, and anything else that shows why the current provider is bad.
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

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, If I can't choose the provider can I change coordinators? This coordinator is too forcefull and I want someone who wants to listen to OUR needs and not what she wants. How do I change coordinators?

Answer
Joshua,

You can request a different coordinator, but it is their call. They will decide if they want to switch. I often get involved in cases where the parents need a strong advocate to stand up to the service providers for them.
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