Expert: Tim Runner - 4/25/2011

Question
My name is Elizabeth Paz, my son is has autism. He is in 7th grade this year. My son have been physically hit varies times bullied. Now has anxiety, he has become reserved and now soils himself when he has a bad day. Obviously, it has impacted him severally. The school psychologist (who is also the district representative) and myself have our differences. As a result he had mistreated my at the IEP meetings. I have asked for his superiors to be present at the next meeting, however, he has "dragged his feet to schedule such" we need last December we are now in April still to meeting. He cannot distinguish between professionalism and personal feelings. I do admit I indicated that staff was incompetent due to an incident wherein my son was hit repeatedly in the groin area,  however, I did not name names he took it personal (it was directed to him). Now he cannot think with a clear head to do his job.  At the IEP Meetings he continuously bring up this letter where I called the staff incompetent.  Furthermore, he indicated that I am the rude and aggressive one (I get along fine with everyone eles but him)  I asked at the last IEP Meeting if anyone else took offense to the letter everyone else answered "No" except him, he tried to intimidate me, raises his voice and challenges each one of my suggestions or when I try to exercise one of my son's rights.  I have tried to go to the principal, it seems that everyone follow this school psychologist (he is very dominate) and nothing this done with respect to his behaviors.At the end my son is losing because I cannot change his placement until this meeting takes place. Next year this same school psychologist is going to oversee my son. What can I do to get him out of the picture.

Answer
Elizabeth Paz,

You should write a letter to the superintendent of your school district and copy the head of special education telling about what you stated in your question to me. I hope that your request for the IEP meetings were in writing? It is critical that everything be put in writing. If it is in writing, then you have the ammunition to file a complaint with the California Department of Education. They have a form on line that you can download and complete, then send to them. You should complain about the psychologist violating the law and the bullying that is going on with your son. You can complain about the bullying and physical abuse with a letter to the Superintendent of the California Department of Education.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates for Kids
Email: timrunner@gmail.com
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com