Expert: Tim Runner - 5/9/2011

Question
My son is in 1st grade and has been given a medical diagnosis for Autism Spectrum Disorder.  Our district has a Structured Autism Class.  I took the diagnosis and asked for him to be moved into this program as he is very unsuccessful in his current program requiring a 1:1 aide and his behaviors have greatly increased.  They responded that he will need to pass an educational assessment to be able to attend that program.  Is that true?

Answer
Casey S.

In order for the school to serve your child with the special education services he needs, he needs to be assessed in all areas of suspected disability. A medical diagnosis only has to be "considered" by the school. In the case of Autistic students the assessment often includes determining needs in the areas of Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy (OT), Applied Physical Education (APE), and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). The assessments will determine your son's needs, if any, in all of these areas. It is important that Autistic students receive all the services they need beginning at an early age. Once they determine his areas of need, they will qualify him for special education, prepare goals for him, and set up his program with the various services he needs as well as place him in the least restrictive environment meeting his unique needs.

You indicated you live in California making your son eligible for in-home services from your local Regional Center. I encourage you to have your son qualified for in-home ABA services. This will help with the behavior challenges. They can also provide you with respite services.

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