Autism/Help for my Nephew

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Expert: - 11/8/2009


Question
Mr. Runner, my brother has an autistic son-my nephews mother has just pasted away and my brother has fully custody-here is my question he has been laid off for almost a year now and lost his insurance-is there any type of resource we can get to help pay for his therapies, schooling, doctors etc., he is making great progress but fear of not being able to pay for the services we are afraid he will fall back again?  Any information anyone has is appreciated there has to be some type of help (money wise) for these kids especially in this economy.  Thank you

Answer
You need to have your nephew assessed by the school he will attend (if he goes to public school). He should qualify for special education at this school, or in the school district. They can also advise you of other help available through government agencies. He should be assessed by the other agencies as well. Autism usually qualifies students for many services, if he or she needs them, including behavior therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), adaptive physical education (APE), and special classes, or even special schools.

I wish you and your nephew 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)  

Autism

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Tim Runner

Expertise

Questions concerning autistic student special education: IEP, assessments, Due Process, mediation, resolution conference, federal law, 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, tuition reimbursement for private schools and treatment centers .

Experience

I have been an education advocate representing students and parents for six 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.

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