Thursday, September 4, 2014

Early Stages Part II -- The Review

After preparing myself mentally for this day. It's finally here. It seemed so long ago when we went for the evaluation and we received the appointment for the review. Dad and I had countless conversations about this and we pre-decided what we felt would be best for our boy. I had also been conversing with our Dedicated Service Worker from Early Interventions and the Director of Therapy at Easter Seals about the decision. And for the oddest reason I arrive there and guess who has the jitters--ME!! 

Landon wasn't needed for the review and Dad couldn't make it, thankfully it was already planned that our DSW & Director of Therapy would be attending. As we walked into the review room with all the staff who evaluated Landon, there became the jitters even more. The round table discussion started with a review of each report; Speech & Language, Physical Therapy, Occupational, Educational Assessment and last Physiological. I was forwarded the reports the Friday before so I had already read them to be ahead.  After discussing each of the reports here comes the documents that required a signature--as I received the first document to sign off, I looked to my left and right where I was in the middle of DSW and DOT and whispered "I feel like you guys are my lawyers and I'm awaiting your recommendation", we all laughed. By this time I'm feeling quite comfortable and my impatient thoughts are festering, thinking....just get to what I want to hear, what does my baby qualify for.

In short, each of the evaluators qualified Landon to continue receiving his same services--OT, PT and S & L. Next, I was forwarded a drafted IEP (Individualized Educational Program). I had only a few add-ons in addition to what they had drafted, which was actually written well. I voiced a few of my concerns which were controlling Landon's behavioral habits of throwing and hitting. And we discussed some ways to redirect him when these habits occurs. 

The Finale--well according to the category they placed him in according to his disability is OHI (Other Health Impairment), he will benefit from being placed into a "specialized instruction with an outside general education setting-Autism class" meaning he will be in a detained class with fewer students (it was said he makes the 6th student). While it's clear he HAS NOT been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, but because Kleefstra underlines so many ASD traits, this is a suitable match for him. And the school he was matched with that can accommodate these services for him is Seaton Elementary. Although I was having some hope that he could've been placed at Langley, where I work so we could have a one stop shop during the day--wishful thinking right? Moving back to reality--where is this? What are my options if this school doesn't work for him? Blah, blah, blah!  And the most imperative question I forgot to ask was, will this require him to graduate on a track certificate and not with a diploma?? Deep Sigh!! I'm hoping this is something that can be changed according to his future progress. I have so many ill feelings to that situation; but according to my research with graduation requirements this is something to be determined and decided best upon the child's ability to complete requirements for graduation.

While it was much concrete that we would take the Extended Option and allow Landon another year to progress, especially considering if he were a normal toddler he wouldn't start school until next year anyway. But now with taking into consideration the structure he can receive from a smaller class setting, and more specialized instruction, this might not be such a bad choice to consider. We have officially 28 days (with weekends included) to make a decision. The down side to this is, if we choose to transition with Early Stages we can't go back if we're dissatisfied; but if we opt out the transition with Early Stages we can choose to opt-in at any time if we wanted. 

Decisions. Decisions. 
#ThisIsTheStruggledTimesWithSpecialNeeds

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