Expert: James Michael Roan - 5/4/2006

Question
Hello James,
Our 11 year old son was diagnosed with Aspergers and Mood disorder almost a year ago by a child psychiatrist. During that time we have started him on two medications for depression, anxiety, OCD's, and frustration intolerance.  He has also been attending a social skills group.  He is very bright and has managed to maintain a B+/A average at school.
My question is this-because his grades are so good the school is refusing to do more than offer him counseling 1 time a week. We feel that he needs to have accomodations added to address his emotional issues (he lets it all out when he gets home), frustration intolerance, disorganization, concrete thinking, etc.  I feel like the diagnosis of "Aspergers" is not helpful in the educational setting as it is seen as a social disorder.  We are willing to have him reevaluated, possibly by someone who could summerize his stregnths and weaknesses but don't know where to turn.  We know that he is emotionally fragile and we are afraid if we cannot get the school to support him he will either have a melt down or not want to go to school.  I should also mention he transitions to the Middle school in September.  I would appreciate any advice or suggestions you have.
Thank you,
Alli Buck
Washingtonville, NY

Answer
Hi Alli;

Your problem is a common one and I agree completely with everything you have said. Although I am not familiar with the nuances of New York's special education laws, I am pretty sure you have the right to request and to receive an "independent evaluation" from your school district. You can recommend the psychologist and specifically what you want assessed. You can do this at any time and you DO NOT have to wait for his three-year reevaluation date to come.

If your district is unwilling to provide the services and accommodations your child needs I strongly urge you to first file a complaint with the state's superintendent of public instruction, and ultimately seek legal representation.

With respect to selecting a psychologist(s), I suggest you look around at either a Children's Hospital or an autism unit at a nearby university to do a "multidisciplinary" assessment. You must select a group that is very experienced with Asperger's. The anxiety, depression, and OCD are all part of Asperger's. The more intelligent the child, the greater their emotional turmoil. Depression, as you know, is very serious business. Remember, special education also refers to "any condition that affects academic, social, or physical development," not just limited to academic.

Let me know how I can help you further.

Kindest Regards,
James