Expert: Tim Runner - 6/15/2010

Question
Hello, Im single mom of two girls one, the younger one has autism,ADHD, and mild mental retardation,she is low function, I can stand any more her aggressive behavior is getting worse and she has poor social skills, but  our district school say that she is doing good in her school but when she is in home or in the community is really dificult for me manager her, she is non-verbal child and she has HOME ABA 10 hours at week but she still is being aggressive with them she maybe is doing good in academic staff but even I don't see that either, please help me, do you think that my daughter has right to be placement in the residential school,my cse meeting is the next week jun 25/2010 and i have a lot videos where i show her aggressive behaviors. thank you very much for your help and your soon answer in this matter.

God Bless you,

Janeth P.

Answer
It is difficult for me to recommend a residential school not know more about your daughter. For example, her age is very important in making this recommendation. I suggest that you go observe you daughter in school to determine if the school is reporting accurately. Don't try to video at school as this is against the law. You can ask for more ABA services in your home and you can seek training to help you in dealing with your daughter. I also suggest that you discuss residential placement with your case worker. Before your daughter can be placed in a residential treatment center, all other possibilities have to be exhausted. You should consider having your daughter assessed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist familiar with adolescent autism. Many medical insurance plans will pay for this. This assessor should determine what placement and services can best serve you daughter's needs.

In order for me to make any recommendations about placement, I would have to conduct a complete case review of all of your daughter's school and medical records. To do this you would have to become a client.


I wish you and your daughter 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
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)