Diagnosis Confirmed
Today we went to meet with the behavior therapist for results from the ADOS test and her individual analysis on Nikolas and the finding is that he is indeed Autistic, not PDD. Definitely ASD. So it's official, our son has two diagnosis which are independent of each other: Spina Bifida and Autism. Neither label defines him.
The positive in this is that we can now find him the help that he needs to thrive. In a way, this diagnosis will open many doors within healthcare (fingers crossed).
On a less positive note (I will not use the word negative) this means more work for me. I now have to research and find a school that will be a fit. The DOE has declined a placement in District 75 (and has not suggested an alternate placement). Reason: he is too academically advanced. This is a positive!
Next steps: exercise my parental rights.
Placement Timelines
Following a Referral for an IEP Review
If your child is already receiving services, the DOE must arrange for placement and services within 60 school days from referral for review.
What if a placement if not offered within 60 days?
If a placement is not offered within 60 days, the DOE must provide you with a P-1 letter (Nickerson letter). This letter allows you to place your child in a state- approved non-public school (NPS) at public expense if an NPS accepts your child.
Well guess what? The DOE did not provide a placement letter nor a Nickerson. So this means momma has to lawyer/advocate up, put on my gloves and put up a fight. Ok, not that dramatic but it does mean that I can file an impartial hearing. I have evaluations both private and from the school with his diagnosis and recommendation for a different placement.
Never in a million years would I have imagined myself learning so much about special education and rights and laws. I know I've always been feisty and I guess I can redirect that energy towards getting my boy the education he deserves.
I've got another long road ahead. All that comes to mind is the last two lines of a Robert Frost poem:
"And miles to go before I sleep.
And miles to go before I sleep."
The positive in this is that we can now find him the help that he needs to thrive. In a way, this diagnosis will open many doors within healthcare (fingers crossed).
On a less positive note (I will not use the word negative) this means more work for me. I now have to research and find a school that will be a fit. The DOE has declined a placement in District 75 (and has not suggested an alternate placement). Reason: he is too academically advanced. This is a positive!
Next steps: exercise my parental rights.
Placement Timelines
Following a Referral for an IEP Review
If your child is already receiving services, the DOE must arrange for placement and services within 60 school days from referral for review.
What if a placement if not offered within 60 days?
If a placement is not offered within 60 days, the DOE must provide you with a P-1 letter (Nickerson letter). This letter allows you to place your child in a state- approved non-public school (NPS) at public expense if an NPS accepts your child.
Well guess what? The DOE did not provide a placement letter nor a Nickerson. So this means momma has to lawyer/advocate up, put on my gloves and put up a fight. Ok, not that dramatic but it does mean that I can file an impartial hearing. I have evaluations both private and from the school with his diagnosis and recommendation for a different placement.
Never in a million years would I have imagined myself learning so much about special education and rights and laws. I know I've always been feisty and I guess I can redirect that energy towards getting my boy the education he deserves.
I've got another long road ahead. All that comes to mind is the last two lines of a Robert Frost poem:
"And miles to go before I sleep.
And miles to go before I sleep."
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