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Autism/Autism and middle school
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Question
My son is 15 and in 7th grade- public school. There are no alternative programs in our county in Florida. My son is having some emotional difficulties dealing with puberty and school- my question is we have missed some school due to a few emotional shutdowns- the school will automatically give a failing grade after the specified number of absences allowed. Is there anyway around this rule for us?
Carol,
Special Education law does not give the school an excuse, "there are no alternative programs in our county", for not providing needed services to a special needs student. Legally schools are required to meet the unique needs of each special needs students. Autism is a qualifying condition for special education. Therefore, the school must find a way of serving the unique needs of your son. If they can not do it in their school, they either have to set up a program or they have to find a suitable program in a neighboring school district or private school. Then they have to provide transportation to your son so he can be in a suitable school. In the case of a private school, they have to pay the tuition.
The school can not penalize your son because of his disability. This means they can not automatically give him failing grades for missing school. The IEP Team can specify in his IEP that he be graded on the work he is able to complete when he is able to attend school.
It sounds to me that someone in your school district needs to read the special education law.
I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates for Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you I have contacted the county school board and they have set a new IEP to address my sons needs with his school and told me they would make sure his needs would be met. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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