Comments on: IEP Prep and More on Disclosure

By: Needed: Good Communication Between Parents and Schools

Needed: Good Communication Between Parents and Schools — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:01:02 +0000

[...] and I know the reverse has occurred. Charlie’s teachers and I have worked hard this year at letting each other know what is happening; email and regular visits by Jim and me to the classroom, and of Charlie’s [...]

By: JRC Records Seized by State Police

JRC Records Seized by State Police — Sat, 17 May 2008 05:34:28 +0000

[...] was a few schools and households ago and Charlie’s had his best school year ever. His teachers and therapists are trained in crisis management procedures and it always seems that [...]

By: Back to the Old Neighborhood

Back to the Old Neighborhood — Sat, 10 May 2008 04:21:13 +0000

[...] had his best school year ever this past year and we’ve gradually been trying to dine out more. It’s the end of the [...]

By: Daisy

Daisy — Sun, 04 May 2008 12:43:26 +0000

Raising a disabled child has helped remind me to communicate well with parents of my students, disabled or not.
In general, my husband does the school communication because sometimes teachers don’t like having another teacher appear critical of their work.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sat, 03 May 2008 02:54:34 +0000

Not off comment at all! We had terrible communication issues in our previous school district and the staff did not seem adequately trained; I guess I just feel better as far as our relationship with the teachers about being able to communicate better we with them. The bad communication spilled over into nobody trusting each other.

And, we often suspected that some aides got their jobs because they “knew” the right person, rather than based on their qualifications. It was clear that everyone was trying, but without training and supervision, they could not help Charlie deal with his behaviors and be able to learn.

It’s the case that our current district is in a position to fund a lot of programs (for kids who are not disabled, too) and (it seems, but more could always be done) to support staff. I always worry about instructors getting burned out.

By: Marla

Marla — Sat, 03 May 2008 01:45:59 +0000

Okay. Some comment off the subject here??

I am so happy that Charlie’s school is such a good match. I wish it was so for most children with special needs. It has certainly not been the case for us or for many children we know. Sometimes open and honest communication is not enough. Many of the schools are not given the funding or the training to help many of their students.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Fri, 02 May 2008 16:21:57 +0000

@Landru,

Glad the meeting went well! “Universally adored”—-I think I know what you mean!

@odile,

I have heard of people taking their children to “chicken pox” parties to expose them to that disease. I am puzzled about your request.

By: Landru

Landru — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:58:48 +0000

odile, I doubt that anyone who reads and comments here wants to risk killing your child.

Kristina, we’re lucky; we had our IEP meeting for my stepson the other day, and the staff were great–the staff are motivated and professional and communicative. The only serious issue we had to discuss a bit is that the boy is so universally adored that we’re all (parents and providers) total suckers for his charm.

By: odile

odile — Fri, 02 May 2008 15:04:56 +0000

hi,
I live in Tucson, I would like to have my daughter exposed (30 months) to measles. Can someone contact me at odile_wolf@hotmail.com if they have (or know someone with) measles cases and are willing to have a playdate.
thanks
Odile

By: resilientmom

resilientmom — Fri, 02 May 2008 14:03:51 +0000

Hi Kristina,
I am shaking my head as I read your words, as I recognize that some things simply never change. I know of the Wilton, Ct. issue. Is it just human nature, that staff doesn’t want to be told what to do by parents? They often resent outside professional input as it threatens their position.I used to beg the question, do you think we want to be here? Was autism part of our design when dreaming of bringing a child into the world? Nevertheless we all play the hand that is dealt and our children come first, autism and all.
That is why even infintessimal strides are valued as gold. It is wonderful that your system has supported your efforts. Home visits are key and the fact that you are welcomed into the classroom is impressive.
Keeping communication open is a fragile dance.
Best wishes and much success at your PPT,
Robin