Expert: Tim Runner - 2/26/2009

Question
My 3 yo autistic daughter is transitioning to the SD from the regional center (we live in CA). The SD wants her to attend a county SDC and receive in home ABA as well. I believe the best placement for her is a typical preschool with an ABA aid. What arguments can I use to convince them she should be with typical children? Do I have to send her to school and just continue her in-home ABA program? Can they force me to accept the SDC placement in order to receive the in-home ABA therapy with their NPA?

Answer
Sue,

Until your daughter reaches mandatory school age, they can't force you to do anything. If the district will not provide in-home ABA services, then you need to go after the Regional Center because the law says they are the payer of last resort. I have successfully achieved their services for my clients in your situation.

Once your child reaches school age, the district can tell you that you must put your daughter in their SDC program. Before deciding this, they have to conduct assessments to determine her level of academic functioning, her intellectual level and her behaviors.

Many districts now have programs where even the kids in the SDC classes spend some of their time in regular classes with an aide. Then they return to the SDC for instruction. I also represent high functioning autistic kids that are placed in general education classes with an aide. But their functioning level should be high enough that they will gain educational benefit from the class and their behaviors must not be disruptive to the class.

I wish you and your daughter the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
Email: timrunner@cox.net
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)