Expert: Tim Runner - 12/3/2010

Question
My son is in the 5th grade and headed for middle school. I am concerned that his public school has not prepared him educationally for the rigors of middle school and I fear he is not emotionally ready for the stress of school combined with normal changes inherent to adolescence in combination wtih his diagnosis of autism. I am struggling to provide supplemental counseling as it is not covered by insurance. Are there resources for my autistic child to provide tutoring, counseling -- any help at all beyond resource time at school??

Answer
Melissa,

I represent a number of Asperger kids. They all need a variety of help, but many times public schools are reluctant to provide this help because the kids are doing OK academically. You should ask you school in writing to assess your child for special education in the areas of social skills and pragmatics.

Every Asperger child I represent needs help in these important areas. I have clients that are in accelerated classes as well as special education under the category of speech & language (because speech therapists do the social skills and pragmatics training). Under the law, upon receipt of your request they have 15 days to prepare and present you with an Assessment Plan. Once you sign this plan, they have 60 days to do the assessing and present the results.

Your son is also likely to need help with organization. Some schools have special classes such as "Study Skills", or some of my clients attend a Resources Class at the end of the day so that they can review their homework with the teacher to make sure they have the assignments and the books they need. Then they do some of their homework in this class.

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