Expert: Tim Runner - 5/18/2009

Question
Hi,

I hope you can help me. First, some background info. I have a 40 month old son that has been diagnosed with autism via the ADOS, Vineland, Weilcher IQ test(spelling?) and he has been undergoing 25 hours of ABA/IBI therapy a week since the age of 36 months. He is verbal (25% contextuallly relevent, original. The remainder is rote phrases, some pronoun reversal and echo, language and speech delay) is not violent or aggressive and generally most people comment (unsolicited) that he is very polite and well-behaved (ie. retail sales people, relatives etc). I will be placing him in a daycare in 2 months for two reasons. 1) I am returning to work 2) it is time to intergrate some of the ABA/IBI within a daycare setting. My intention is that about 3 - 4 hours a day with be one-on-one time for ABA/IBI in a separate room  and other 1- 2 hours will be with NT peers and his facilitator. How do you suggest I prepare the Daycare for the arrival of my son? I should let you know that the team administerig ABA/IBI think he will be "almost off the ASD scale" within one-two years because he is what they call a "rapid learner". Also, two pediatricians and a neurologist have all stated that although they are not experts in the field "Am I sure that my son is autistic?". I think some of my child's behaviours are close to NT, while others are not, as previously mentioned. There is also some repetitive play. Any tips for preparing the NT daycare and what I can expect would be appreciated. Again, for 5 hours of the day my child with have the one-on-one facilitator with him and for about 2-3 hours he will be with the daycare providers in an 8:1 ratio. I have checked out daycare facilitites for children with autism and will not put my child there, mainly because I have seen and been told by the supervisors that he would be the highest functioning child they have (and in some cases have ever had!) I need him where he can continue to learn appropriate peer interaction. He also has a 6 year old sibling that he plays with. Thank you for your time and support.

Answer
I suggest that you talk with your child's doctor and his ABA/IBI providers about your plans. I can't predict how appropriate your plans are. They are in a much better position to do this than I am. You have supplied quite a bit of information, but it still isn't enough to predict how things will go. Plus, I am not a specialist with the background and knowledge to give you advice.

I wish you and your son 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)