Expert: Tim Runner - 8/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: My son is a teenager with AS, Agoraphobia and Panic and Anxiety Disorder. During the school year, his symptoms are much worse and he requires more medical support. He misses a lot of school and he is a Senior this year. He is one of the smartest kids in his school. My problems have been trying to get good and proper accomodations for him at school. This week, his Psychologist said that due to his severe anxiety disorder that he should not have to give oral presentations in front of the entire classroom. He could to the teacher. He said he would be glad to send a paper to the school stating such. I had a meeting, once again, at the school today and they told me that he had to do the oral presentations. They said that if he did them only to the teachers, then the teachers would either have to come in early or stay late to do it. He has been on homebound before and his classes were so advanced, the school could not even send anyone qualified to teach him. His schedule this year is a killer, but that is what he likes. School has been in session for 3 days and he has already missed one day and I have had to take him to therapy that day and I have had to schedule an appt with his dr and Psychiatrist as well. He has lost so much weight. He will not eat breakfast or lunch on school days in fear of having to use the restroom (he has irritable bowel syndrome related to the stress). Last year, I called the State, Dept of Disability Services and Protection and Advocacy Board with very little help or results. I am at my wits end. My son is my life. I don't know who else to call or what else to do to try to get him the accommodations he deserves. The Director of Special Ed suggested at the end of the school year last year to change him to an IEP. They did a couple of tests on him before school ended in May. Testing is not complete. I told them what I read an IEP was for learning disabilities and that my son did not have a learning disability. She said, well he probably won't qualify..I said well, why put him through all the testing and suggest that in May if you didn't think he would qualify. That is the crap I have been dealing with. Running around and chasing my tail. His teacher's this year don't even have a copy of his 504 yet. Do you have any suggestions for me? and in your opinion, do you think they have to follow the Dr's recommendations, example, regarding no oral presentations standing in front of the class?? Sorry to be so windy, I just need to unload some of my worries. Thank you in advance.

ANSWER: Trina,

I represent many students with Aspergers, and I fight for them to all have IEP's. These are "Individual Education Plans" intended for any student with special needs. They are not just for students with physical or learning disabilities. The reason I push for IEP's is that they have better defined rules and enforcement procedures. For example, all of your son's teachers are required to be given a copy of his IEP before school starts, and good case managers will talk with the teachers when there are special requirements. 504 Plans just don't do as much for the student for many reasons.

I have clients with the same kind of challenges your son has when it comes to speaking in front of a group. In one case, we worked out with the school that he would video his oral presentations at home and then submit the video to the teacher. Some teachers play them in class and others just watch then on their own. In other cases, the student presents a written script for his/her speech and the teacher grades based on this.

The purpose of the IEP is to enable the student to make good educational progress using the services, placements, and accommodations they need. Often Aspergers children test very well academically and for intelligence, but they qualify for an IEP in the category of Speech & Language, based on their lack of social skills. They typically receive social skills training at school (or privately if paid for by the parents).

I encourage you to have the assessment completed and make sure they are doing speech and language assessments (check the Assessment Plan you signed). I also encourage you to consider retaining an advocate to help make sure your son receives what he needs from the school. I practice in most states.

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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your prompt reply. My son is already anxious and worried because he is going to be FORCED to do an oral presentation tomorrow in front of his entire class even though his teacher and the 504 staff are aware of the Dr advising him not to have to do so. He is talking about just quitting public school and taking his GED. On his ACT test, he scored a 32 in Math, 31 in Reading, 31 in Science and a 29 overall. I hate to see him not graduate from school. I always thought people with GED's were not as smart(don't ask me why). Do you think letting him quit and just go ahead and take his GED and then begin college classes in Jan 2011 would be wise? His doctor told me that she thought he would do better in college because the classes were not 6 hours straight and he wasn't confined. He states that he feels like he is in prison when he is at school. You also mentioned to retain an advocate. I need an advocate or someone to help me. The advocacy program I called last year failed to call me back every time but once. Can you also advise me on where and how to find an advocate and exactly what kind of advocate I need? I have talked to so many people and been told so many different things and then told something different again...just a crazy trip that no one should have to encounter and I still am no further to solutions than before. I am thinking of hiring an attorney, but as a single parent on disability, I do have limited resources. Thank you again. It is good to talk to someone that understands. When you say you practice in most states, can you give me more information on what you could possibly do to help us and the fees involved? Thanks again.

Answer
Trina,

As I told you, I am an advocate that practices in all 50 states. Visit my website and email me so that I can send you information about my services. I suggest that you have your son's doctor order home hospital teaching while you and your son sort out what is best to do from here. This way he does not have to go to school and suffer. While he is getting the home/hospital teaching, you should keep him home on advice of the doctor beginning immediately.

Once your son goes to college and does well, it will not matter whether he received a diploma from high school or a GED. A number of the Aspergers students I represent ended up getting their GED's and going to college where they are doing well. Your son will have to select his classes carefully to avoid taking classes that require oral presentations. Many college have programs for special needs kids. You and your son should explore this because it could really help him.

He does need social skills training either through his doctor or the school. This can really help Aspergers kids to function better in society.

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