Submitted by Sally (not verified) on March 21, 2008 - 18:06.
I'm the mom of a 15-year-old with Aspergers, and also a school board member. Your article is right on the mark -- thank you for your careful reporting. What an accurate portrayal of the issues and concerns right now.
The best take-away point, in my opinion: That children benefit the most when parents and school staff work together as a team for the good of the child. Often, parents approach their first IEP meeting already on the defensive, already hostile, armed with advice from advocacy groups and ready to do battle. Meanwhile, the school staff arrives at the meeting full of trepidation, worrying that here comes another belligerent parent they will never be able to please, no matter how hard they try.
It's amazing how far you can get with common politeness, thoughtfulness, consideration. While there are exceptions, it is my experience that school special ed staffers are caring individuals who are performing a labor of love. (They sure aren't in it for the money!) That said, they have a frustrating go of it, most days. A parent who arrives at an IEP mtg saying "First of all, let me thank you for all you do for my child -- I'm glad for this chance to work together," will more often than not find a welcome response and the beginning of a positive relationship. Even if money is tight in the district, at least you have created allies, not adversaries, in the school system. SOmetimes that is worth a lot more than the lawsuit over the expensive new gadget.
Overcoming autism
Submitted by Sally (not verified) on March 21, 2008 - 18:06.
I'm the mom of a 15-year-old with Aspergers, and also a school board member. Your article is right on the mark -- thank you for your careful reporting. What an accurate portrayal of the issues and concerns right now.
The best take-away point, in my opinion: That children benefit the most when parents and school staff work together as a team for the good of the child. Often, parents approach their first IEP meeting already on the defensive, already hostile, armed with advice from advocacy groups and ready to do battle. Meanwhile, the school staff arrives at the meeting full of trepidation, worrying that here comes another belligerent parent they will never be able to please, no matter how hard they try.
It's amazing how far you can get with common politeness, thoughtfulness, consideration. While there are exceptions, it is my experience that school special ed staffers are caring individuals who are performing a labor of love. (They sure aren't in it for the money!) That said, they have a frustrating go of it, most days. A parent who arrives at an IEP mtg saying "First of all, let me thank you for all you do for my child -- I'm glad for this chance to work together," will more often than not find a welcome response and the beginning of a positive relationship. Even if money is tight in the district, at least you have created allies, not adversaries, in the school system. SOmetimes that is worth a lot more than the lawsuit over the expensive new gadget.