Expert: Tim Runner - 11/20/2007

Question
My son is eight-years old and was diagnosed with pdd-nos.  He is extremely articulate, no LD's, but has trouble with misperceiving intentions of others.  It seems as if this is getting wrse rather than better.  Last month, he had some problems when they took away support from Aide in classroom.  He had an unresolved issue with classmate and the classmate was able to  let it go, but he continued pursuing her.  He became fixated on it.  Now, at my request, I have him in Learning Center for most of day with minimal integration in mainstream class because I don't want any problems to occur (suspension etc).  He wasn't getting it (let's put it that way).  His programming is being considered at the next PPT and I've been pushing for acknowledgement of his ASD and social issues.  His behavior is drawing attention but there is a lack of understanding concerning his issues.  

I am taking him to a psychologist I selected outside of school and team would like me to sign a 3rd party release form.  Yet, I'm not sure that I want full disclosure and would rather information be filtered through me to school.  Is this wise?  I'm very mistrustful.  The district psychiatrist, a couple years back, helped to push my son's label to ED by reporting that he was manipulative and needed some firm discipline.  Meanwhile, my five-year old was spinning and running from room and displaying autistic traits since preschool (I didn't realize it at the time).   Just recently, his label was changed from ED to Autism after consideration of his diagnosis and IEE.  I feel like I'm in a precarious position here and I don't want to make the wrong move. I want my son to receive the appropriate services and to be understood properly. What are my rights concerning full/partial disclosure?  Do you know anything about the 3rd party release form?  I am seeking a nonbiased observation of my son.   Any advice you can send my way will be appreciated!

elizabeth

Answer
Elizabeth,

You can seek an assessment and justification for stopping the one-to-one aid. This aid seems critical to your son being able to work in the classroom, which is the least restrictive environment -- a requirement of the law. It also sounds like he needs to be assessed for Social Skills and Pragmatics (ability to read body language and facial expressions in others). He probably should be receiving services in both areas. You can request assessments in these areas by writing a letter to the school. They have 15 days to respond with an assessment plan or an explanation why they do not want to do the assessments. Most districts respond with an assessment plan.

Now to answer your question about releases. It is up to you whether you sign a release. The alternative is to offer to have the psychologist submit periodic written reports to you and the school district. You can explain that there may be family information in the psychologist's records that you do not want released to the school district. Many of my clients do this.

I wish you the best,
Tim Runner, Education Advocate
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com