Expert: Tim Runner - 11/15/2009

Question
My three year old is extremely agressive and prone to violent outbursts.  He is both self-injurous and aggressive towards others.  He would be classified as low-functioning as he is unable to complete simple tasks and does not speak at all.

My husband and I would like to provide my son with some sort of education, even if it was just enough to comunicate his basic needs and perhaps eventually become toilet trained, however, there is no way he would make it in a public school setting with other children.  Strange environments aggravate him and the potential to injure other children is too great.  I have heard that most public school systems provide home-based services to children who cannot function in the classroom environment.  Hw do I go about getting my son enrolled into our local program?  We are in Southern Texas.

Thanks for your time!

Answer
You need to contact the elementary school that serves children in your area. You need to tell them in writing about your son (just like you did in your question to me). School districts, or related government agencies are required to provide in-home behavior training for Autistic children like your son. These services can begin at your son's age. They are also obligated to provide an education to your son in a class set up to handle children facing what your son is facing. Usually these special classes are very small, have lots of aides and a curriculum teaching life skills. Some districts even offer pre-schools for special needs children. If your contacting the school does not result in the assessment and services for your child, contact the school district. There are programs for special needs children required under the law.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates 4 Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)