If you do end-up having your child go into self contained at least for the time being: Insist on visiting the classroom and meeting the teacher prior to the move. It must be a class with teachers trained AND experienced in High Functioning Autism – not just Autism., and not an Emotionally Disturbed Class. They must have a Transition Education Plan to enable him to return to the mainstream or inclusion classroom. Be very ware of ABA type Behavior Interventions. They generally are not successful for HFA children with higher cognitive ability and can backfire. Insist on immediate evaluations in all areas of his disability including Sensory Integration which is in many cases what makes it so difficult for children with otherwise good academic ability to function in a large numbered noisy classroom. Insist on detailed explanations of the test results and what they mean in parent terms. Without these comprehensive evaluations there is no way to tell if simply adding a one on one aide is sufficient support. He may need a Sensory Diet. He may need Visual Aides, use manipulatives instead of worksheets, assistive technology, modified assignments, etc.

And Yes, they probably are suspending him so that they can make their case to place him in Self Contained which they can do once he has been suspended 10 days. Spare your son by son the trauma and humiliation, by placing yourself in the control seat. Schools get more funding for ED classes than they do for Autism from the FED GOV. so unless parents refuse to give in, this is where they will send him, because it’s better for their budget.

Autism Speaks and other Awareness Programs need to do more to Advocate and Provide Awareness for the Higher Funtioning Population as well – Many Educators do not understand that a child can be verbal and do well academically or even excell and still have Autism.

Yes we’ve been there too!!!!

I just get so stinkin’ steamed when I read stories like this lady’s going through because unless you really know what you’re doing, the school will manage to do all kinds of wrong things to you and your children. Not all of us are able to advocate for ourselves well or work the system. I personally got to the point where I knew I would never win, and they were hurting my child in the process.

And I’m not alone!! Sigh.

Try to avoid having your child being expelled or arrested as much as you can, as both of these records will follow him throughout his educational career.

Other than that, I think you’ve gotten excellent advice above (go to wrightslaw.com, record meetings, get an advocate, get a lawyer if you need one/can afford one, write a good BIP-you write one and then approve their amendments, don’t let them shove an inadequate one down your throat, and never give up).

Joe