Educational Advocate

[artistmomMe]

Hi!

Our daughter is having a very difficult time getting the education that she deserves. Her IEP is basically ignored by all her teachers. She suffers from ADHD (inattentive presentation) and autism. Her failing grades have fed into her depression and she finds relief in self-harm. It was suggested to me that we should consider finding an educational advocate. Has anyone here used one and how did you go about finding one? Thank you!

[PhillyPhan]

Hi- my son was just diagnosed with ADHD combined, high functioning autism and separation anxiety disorder. I waited months for appointments and the diagnosis so was just able to call his school district last week and when the person looked at his good grades she basically brushed me off saying let's give the new teacher some time to get to know him, then we can meet. It hasn't sat well with me. I called his insurance company, which assigned a care coordinator to help us. (So check with your daughters insurance) She said kids are entitled to either an IEP or 504 plan when they have these diagnoses, like your daughter. She advised me to put everything in writing/email to the school district. I also have been looking into the local autism society chapter, I'd advise you to do the same. We are going to have to be persistent and advocate for our kids to get the services they're entitled to. I wish you and your daughter the best of luck!

[Mamamichl]

I work as a sped teacher. You need to formally request an iep evaluation in writing. Then they have a number of days to get that done. Since you have an IEP already, write what the IEP accommodation is and ask how it is being implemented to each of the teachers. I learned that my daughter has a 504 accommodation that says she can write anything more than a paragraph using text to speech. I will be checking in with the teacher to make sure it is implemented regularly in writing. If your child is old enough and capable enough, teach her to stand up for her own accommodations as well. She needs to know the details of her IEP enough to say she is entitled to those accommodations. Also, write down every instance you can that it is not being followed, and report it to the DOE or your state agency for education disability rights.

I know that if you think they are not following the legalities they are required to do, you can call your state agency. In michigan, it is called Michigan alliance for families, but im not sure about other states. Google special needs education rights (then your state). You can also try your state’s department of education office. They may have the advocate you need. PM me if you need any more help.

[insideoutbutterfly]

Hello I’m so sorry to hear that you are having this experience with your school district. Our experience with the public school system was very much the same and as resulted in our daughter trying to self soothe by punching pencils holes in her legs. For our daughters well being we pulled her out of school and homeschooled her with the support of an online school. This was 10 years ago and now there are many options of online support. One of the best options we found for our daughter who needs support with adhd(executive function) social anxiety is Winston. Our daughter is currently in college and has a Winston college tutor who she meets with online twice a week. Good Luck.

[Sabrousal]

parentcenterhub.org/find-yo... Contact your state's parent training center for IEP help