New Member

[BUDDA]

Hello My Name Is Rosemary And I Am A New Member, I Have A Son That Will Be 3 On The 22nd And He Is Autistic. It Has Been A Hard And Long Almost 3 Years And Would Like It If Anyone Could Give Me Some Helpful Hints Regarding Transitioning My Son To A School, Or Maybe Some Pointers Of What I Need To Do. I Live In Lake Co. Indiana. I Feel So Lost Of What I Need To Do Since There Is No Actual Procedure Or Guideline To Follow When You Have A Child That Is Autistic And Developmentally Delayed.

[lucysmom]

Hi Rosemary,

Did you have Early Intervention for your son? They or your child's Pediatrician should have been able to give you the information that you needed when he was diagnosed. It is usually an ongoing process. They know what is out there and can help you access programs that might work for him. If you are not satisfied with the options you were given, that's another story.

If this hasn't worked for you, go to your states website and research services for children/people with Autism. A long, confusing job but programs for folks with disabilities are required by Federal, State and Local laws.

I was a preschool teacher for many years. I am also a parent. My advice would be to visit sites with an open mind, bring a list of questions and concerns and try to get a sense of the way his classroom would operate. A "quality program" is of no worth if the staff is not well trained, well informed, well equipped and willing and able to provide a loving and supportive environment. Some children with Autism can work well in a regular classroom. Some children (and/or their parents) prefer a more specialized program. In either case, I believe, the criteria above applies.

Consider his strengths and needs and consider them as you consider a school for him. A good fit can make all the difference in the world.

Good Luck.

[melsmommy]

[QUOTE=BUDDA]Hello My Name Is Rosemary And I Am A New Member, I Have A Son That Will Be 3 On The 22nd And He Is Autistic. It Has Been A Hard And Long Almost 3 Years And Would Like It If Anyone Could Give Me Some Helpful Hints Regarding Transitioning My Son To A School, Or Maybe Some Pointers Of What I Need To Do. I Live In Lake Co. Indiana. I Feel So Lost Of What I Need To Do Since There Is No Actual Procedure Or Guideline To Follow When You Have A Child That Is Autistic And Developmentally Delayed.[/QUOTE]

Contact your local school board, if you haven't already done so. They should have a pre-K/early intervention program available. My daughter started at our local elemetary school at age 3 1/2, and received services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, adaptive physical education and behavior modification from our school system, all for free. Educate yourself on what schools are required to provide - see Wrightslaw website or Reed Martin's website. Read IDEA, the Americans with Disabilities act, No Child Left Behind and the Civil Rights act - yes, they are long, and can be boring, but all are available online, and all provide specific rights that will pertain to your child. You are your child's best advocate. Best Wishes.