Expert: Jene Aviram - 7/15/2010

Question
Hi. My son is 2 years 13 months old. We have been with Early Intervention receiving Speech Therapy and DI since he turned 2. Now we are going through the process of switching him over to the public school system via the Preschool with Disability program. I took my son to a Neurologist who diagnosed him with Expressive Communication Disorder and he recommended my son receive at least 3 hours per day 5 days per week of special education preschool. The Child Study Team did their own evaluation (my son was cranky that day so he didn't do as well as he would have) and they concluded that he be put into a self contained class. I'm unsure if he belongs in this class. I was under the impression he would end up in the full inclusion class...should I call the neurologist and check with him or should I try to argue his placement with the school....or is this the class he really needs. My main concern is that he might start imitating the other students and he might start to decline in other areas. Please advise. Thanks.

Answer
Johanna,

If you don't want your son in a self contained class then you should fight for a regular class.  You don't have to settle form something you're not comfortable with.  In fact, the law says that you need the "LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT" that a child can cope with.  In other words, if your child is learning and growing in a regular class, then that's where he should stay.  And by law, they need to provide as much support as possible in that environment before moving him elsewhere.  For example, perhaps he needs an aid with him.  And a behavior plan should be in place.  I'm not sure what state you're in but they have to do an FBA in New York before moving a child.  Unfortunately, most parents don't know about this.  An FBA is a functional behavior assessment.  It shows the function of each behavior and what's causing it.  The scope of the subject is way too complicated for this post, but it's a good idea to search Wrightslaw as they deal with the law and special ed.

I can't stress it enough.  Please do NOT agree to put your son in a self contained class if you're not comfortable with it.  Change schools if you have to.  Or call a meeting and tell them that you want him to be in a regular class.  Give him the chance to succeed.  THIS IS YOUR SON.  AND YOU HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DECISIONS.  SO MAKE SURE THOSE DECISIONS ARE YOURS.  

Advocating for your child can be confusing, especially when you're just starting out.  But treat it like you would a decision for a typical child.  If you're not happy, just say no.  I can tell that you're a great caring mom who will always do the best thing for your child.  You put thought into it, and really think about all the aspects of the best environment for your son.

I wish you SO much luck!  And success!

Jene Aviram
http://www.nlconcepts.com