Special Needs
- Special Needs Had NP eval for DS8, and finally got the written report. Written dx was ASD, but doctor told us he is on spectrum, either Aspergers or NLD. He said DS has elements of both....(more)
- Seems to me that you should have had this conversation before the report was written .. I could imagine a scenario where someone doesn't need it for IEP purposes... Our NP report...(more)
- NLD is not spectrum. Just sayin
- I know. My DS has characteristics of both
- Isn't NLD just a milder version of Aspergian traits? Features, but not full blown Asperger's?
- OP - most of the characteristics are the same, there are some differences, but there are also differences between one Aspie and another.
- Isn't NLD just a milder version of Aspergian traits? Features, but not full blown Asperger's?
- I know. My DS has characteristics of both
- Special Needs My DS is very sensory seeking. We don't have much at home for him in terms of equipment, and was thinking of adding some....(more)
- I answerrd you before about getting aproper sensory profile done and appropriate equipment
- thanks for the answer. I could ask the OT to give me suggestions I suppose.
- I answerrd you before about getting aproper sensory profile done and appropriate equipment
- Special Needs IKEA website said that the item I wanted was in stock at the store, so I drove all the way out there. It was not there and the IKEA guy said the computer was wrong. Does this...(more)
- I always call first to make sure they have the item there. Sorry you went through that - what a hassle.
- I felt like I was being really responsible looking it up. The guy was sympathetic and said I should call the furniture self serve area directly before I drive out again.
- Total PITA! Sorry - I can completely see myself doing this.
- Were you looking for the swings? I saw they were only in store, and happened to be in the store recently but didnt see them
- I always call first to make sure they have the item there. Sorry you went through that - what a hassle.
- Special Needs Has anyone been interviewed for K at Gateway yet? Everyone I know is still waiting to hear (or not)
- No.
- Special Needs Any advice for trying to get 12mo services approved with cpse? any advice?
- Are you already in CPSE?
- yes - started in september, only got 10mo approved but now we are asking for 12mo. SEIT submitted all the paperwork and we have a DOE meeting coming up
- what are the issues? does 2 more months make that big of a difference
- my main concern is that he won't be ready for kindergarten (fall bday). he has made a lot of progress since we started getting services but is still behind from a social and...(more)
- Okay, good, it is very doable if you have the documentation to back it up. In addition to SEIT justification for summer session, get something from classroom teacher as well,...(more)
- ^Also - bring SEIT to the meeting. Let her advocate for you.
- you would need to make a big stink about regression; we were able to do this a few years ago to get 12 month added for summer before K
- thanks - that is what seit advised as well. I am already skeptical that my ds will be ok in K, i think summer services are a neccessity if he is really going to k next year
- Are you interested in trying for pendency?
- right now the plan is to keep both options open (K and another year of pre-K) and see how things are in another few months. i would not sue for pendancy though - i think ds would...(more)
- Got it, then you could get other services through RSA - does he get other services?
- yes- everything! speech and counseling are at school so he'd at least have someone else in the classroom with him for a few hours
- If you could swing it, it would buy you a year without the legal hassle!
- i think so - he is very borderline. seit, counselling and st all think he would actually do really well in ict k, but i am nervous.
- If you get a neuropsych next year, it will really give you very good direction and then you won't be nervous wondering which step to take. I highly recommend that.
- ^Just make sure the current providers TAKE RSAs. Not everyone in CPSE does.
- i think so - he is very borderline. seit, counselling and st all think he would actually do really well in ict k, but i am nervous.
- If he is getting all those other services, have THOSE therapists ALSO write justifications for 12mo IEP! The more, the better.
- they did :) in fact, this whole process has made me really appreciate my SEIT. she arranged it with all of them, and made the play therapist re-write her eval :)
- She sounds like a real keeper! I would not worry, sounds like you really have everything in hand. Regression regression regression, let it be your mantra!
- ^And also - CPSE admins are kind when they know K is around the corner. Lean on that fact, say that you are really concerned about your ds being ready for K.
- thank you!
- ^And also - CPSE admins are kind when they know K is around the corner. Lean on that fact, say that you are really concerned about your ds being ready for K.
- She sounds like a real keeper! I would not worry, sounds like you really have everything in hand. Regression regression regression, let it be your mantra!
- they did :) in fact, this whole process has made me really appreciate my SEIT. she arranged it with all of them, and made the play therapist re-write her eval :)
- If you could swing it, it would buy you a year without the legal hassle!
- yes- everything! speech and counseling are at school so he'd at least have someone else in the classroom with him for a few hours
- Got it, then you could get other services through RSA - does he get other services?
- right now the plan is to keep both options open (K and another year of pre-K) and see how things are in another few months. i would not sue for pendancy though - i think ds would...(more)
- Are you interested in trying for pendency?
- I know many people who go back to CPSE asking for 12mo mandate and with the backup of the therapy team it is not horribly difficult. Especially if the classroom teacher can also...(more)
- thanks - so i should ask teacher for a written eval too?
- Yes, not an eval, just a one-pager talking about his in-class presentation and why the SEIT is so necessary and why it would be bad for him to lose the SEIT hours in June. It will...(more)
- ok, thanks. i will ask her (although she and the SEIT don't see eye to eye, i think they would agree with this)
- She doesn't have to agree with the SEIT herself, just that the additional support is necessary. :)
- ok, thanks. i will ask her (although she and the SEIT don't see eye to eye, i think they would agree with this)
- Yes, not an eval, just a one-pager talking about his in-class presentation and why the SEIT is so necessary and why it would be bad for him to lose the SEIT hours in June. It will...(more)
- thanks - so i should ask teacher for a written eval too?
- ITA, I used the regression argument, which helped ds get 12mo services all through CPSE
- thanks - that is what seit advised as well. I am already skeptical that my ds will be ok in K, i think summer services are a neccessity if he is really going to k next year
- you would need to make a big stink about regression; we were able to do this a few years ago to get 12 month added for summer before K
- ^Also - bring SEIT to the meeting. Let her advocate for you.
- what are the issues? does 2 more months make that big of a difference
- yes - started in september, only got 10mo approved but now we are asking for 12mo. SEIT submitted all the paperwork and we have a DOE meeting coming up
- Isn't it usually EI at that age?
- i mean summer services, rather then ending in june. for a 4.5yo
- ITA with poster above. Is SEIT attending meeting? Have him/her do most of the speaking.
- i think so - its actually during her usual time with ds, so i don't see why she can't. thanks!
- ITA with poster above. Is SEIT attending meeting? Have him/her do most of the speaking.
- it's confusing, she's looking for a year's worth of services instead of 10mos for a preschool aged kid -np
- got it. was confused!
- She means a 12mo IEP, not a 12mo baby. :)
- i mean summer services, rather then ending in june. for a 4.5yo
- Are you already in CPSE?
- Special Needs EI confusion...(more)
- Steppingstone doesn't do EI evals anymore, do they? They shut their EI branch down last spring, I thought. Can you do it at Cornell? They do good center evals there and Dr. Cross...(more)
- ^I don't think Bank Street does EI evals either. Are those both on the list she gave you?
- OP here: Holy crap. She just gave me a xeroxed list from 2008. Not very inspiring. Slightly pissed.
- Yeah, it sounded out of date! Call the Early Childhood Direction Center instead. They'll give you more up-to-date advice!
- ^But in the meantime...see if you can get service coordination through YAI if they have any availability...it's worth a try.
- Yeah, it sounded out of date! Call the Early Childhood Direction Center instead. They'll give you more up-to-date advice!
- Steppingstone doesn't do EI evals anymore, do they? They shut their EI branch down last spring, I thought. Can you do it at Cornell? They do good center evals there and Dr. Cross...(more)
- Special Needs Not really a SN question but away with DH and SN ds. Want to stay a few extra days. Terrible to keep ds out of school? He missed a lot before we left because he was sick but...(more)
- i don't think it's terrible but I don't know your school's attendance requirements.
- It's public so I'm sure I'm going to get a letter again this year but it's first grade.
- is he okay in academics?
- Yes. Are problems are more behavior.
- ^^^our
- I don't see a big deal
- ^^^our
- Yes. Are problems are more behavior.
- Are you worried about him missing the classroom academics or therapy sessions?
- I guess the routine, but we're somewhere warm and hate to have to go back when DH has off etc.
- we are in first grade burb public and took whole week. My dc's issues are social so being in new situations is a really great thing for him to practice stuff.
- i don't think it's terrible but I don't know your school's attendance requirements.
- Special Needs Do I tell my 7 yo that he has Aspergers? If so, how? He's meeting therapists and I have no idea how to explain it to him. He is bad with strangers.
- I have a ds with ADHD and never used the term with him until a teacher did in 5th grade. We talked about the symptoms and how the meds helped him focus and his dr wanted to know...(more)
- ditto with my 4th grade ds.
- i have the same issue with my ds that age. I've been laying the groundwork by talking abt ADHD and how ppl's brains are differently wired (we've got some ADHD in our fam so just...(more)
- Great question, my DS was dx recently and I wasn't sure whether to tell DS or not. Spoke with phych and NP, and both agreed not to tell now.
- I would not necessarily tell him the name. If he is unhappy and struggling, you can talk in terms of his daily life. "We're seeing a bunch of people to help find out more about...(more)
- yes, before another dc does
- Why would another dc know?
- op: At this age, I'm not really concerned about that.
- Kids know. My ds is 8 and he's even asked me if another dd has aspergers
- Is he in SN school? My 1st grader in a CTT class doesn't know about those differences yet. They notice if a child has a physical disability but he doesn't know what Aspergers,...(more)
- op: Mine is in a MS school and I don't think any of the kids would be talking about Aspergers
- Its's a very specific thing to be talking about! I would not have this be the reason you broached the subject with your ds. I would stick to symptoms. "You know how it's hard...(more)
- op: Thahks.
- Its's a very specific thing to be talking about! I would not have this be the reason you broached the subject with your ds. I would stick to symptoms. "You know how it's hard...(more)
- op: Mine is in a MS school and I don't think any of the kids would be talking about Aspergers
- Is he in SN school? My 1st grader in a CTT class doesn't know about those differences yet. They notice if a child has a physical disability but he doesn't know what Aspergers,...(more)
- Why would another dc know?
- are you in nyc - there is a list-serve for nyc parents of kids with aspergers and this questions just came up -...(more)
- it's not necessary .. my 10 1/2 yr old was dx'd at 8 and he saw the literature but still doesn't want to talk about it ... at school they encourage kids to realize that everyone...(more)
- Not yet! Just say, you're going to see Dr. So and So, who helps kids who need a little more help learning x.
- I have a ds with ADHD and never used the term with him until a teacher did in 5th grade. We talked about the symptoms and how the meds helped him focus and his dr wanted to know...(more)
- Special Needs Which professionals would you recommend to evaluate my ds for a possible ADHD/inattentive diagnosis and tx? He is 9 yo and no LD's. In NYC area. Thx!
- we had a child psychiatrist evaluate, and see a developmental ped for the meds
- why didn't the psych med
- he did prescribe, but it is easier for ds's ped to stay on top of meds (also cheaper co-pay for ped than for shrink)
- Would you recommend your child psychiatrist?
- why didn't the psych med
- nelson dorta
- is he a psychiatrist?
- neuropsych
- this is his np specialty
- ok thanks. I hear that name a lot here.
- is he a psychiatrist?
- neuropsychologist
- OP: does he really need a full neuropsych eval? Full story is we had him evaluated when he had just turned six b/c he was resisting academics, acting silly, etc. Evaluation...(more)
- Can you talk to a better neuropsych about not a full set of evals but an abbreviated one PLUS a school observation? That last will be key.
- go to psychiatridt
- i would redo.3 yrs is a long time, you weren't really satisfied with first report and expressive Lang disorder is an ld. Even if st has grad him. I'd want to see the updated...(more)
- ITA
- ITA because if you see a psych and there are indeed learning issues going on, they may not be addressed. Your ds may need classroom accomodations.
- op: what LD's might be uncovered at this point? He reads and comprehends well and no issues in math. He hates to write, though. Just curious what a new full neuropsych is going...(more)
- What about writing does he hate?
- Well, his handwriting has never been good, although he has improved immensely. In the past he seemed to have a really bad case of "writers block". When faced with a blank sheet...(more)
- So that could point to anxiety, or it could mean that he could really benefit from some help like thinking maps and other accommodations that could help him get his thoughts on...(more)
- Thanks. I see what you're saying. When he did speech therapy they worked on stuff like that, which I think did help him a lot. All of these "issues" seem to be intertwined.
- It really is, and especially the older they get and the more intense the academic demands become, the more important it is to make sure 1. You have a good grasp on the whole...(more)
- Thanks. I see what you're saying. When he did speech therapy they worked on stuff like that, which I think did help him a lot. All of these "issues" seem to be intertwined.
- So that could point to anxiety, or it could mean that he could really benefit from some help like thinking maps and other accommodations that could help him get his thoughts on...(more)
- Well, his handwriting has never been good, although he has improved immensely. In the past he seemed to have a really bad case of "writers block". When faced with a blank sheet...(more)
- my ds tests way above gl in reading, comp and math but still has wild inconsistencies in iq testing, and clinically sig gaps in language and processing speeds. Because he's...(more)
- That makes sense. In another post below I mentioned that the np testing showed weaknesses in executive functioning such as working memory and processing speed. But he's also...(more)
- my guy is def out to lunch a lot. Teachers prompt him to respond in class. He also writes the minimum req. for things. Theydo uses lot of graphic organizers for him. We're trying...(more)
- Thanks. I looked into Fast Forward at one point but never followed up. It was a big time commitment, as I recall? I've heard of executive function coaching, but I've never...(more)
- it is a big time commitment. We start Saturday. 5 days a week min 1/2 hr day for up to 12 weeks.
- Good luck!
- it is a big time commitment. We start Saturday. 5 days a week min 1/2 hr day for up to 12 weeks.
- Thanks. I looked into Fast Forward at one point but never followed up. It was a big time commitment, as I recall? I've heard of executive function coaching, but I've never...(more)
- my guy is def out to lunch a lot. Teachers prompt him to respond in class. He also writes the minimum req. for things. Theydo uses lot of graphic organizers for him. We're trying...(more)
- That makes sense. In another post below I mentioned that the np testing showed weaknesses in executive functioning such as working memory and processing speed. But he's also...(more)
- What about writing does he hate?
- op: what LD's might be uncovered at this point? He reads and comprehends well and no issues in math. He hates to write, though. Just curious what a new full neuropsych is going...(more)
- OP: does he really need a full neuropsych eval? Full story is we had him evaluated when he had just turned six b/c he was resisting academics, acting silly, etc. Evaluation...(more)
- nueropsych eval. I have used Antoinette Lynn and David salsberg. Salsberg is a hot shot. Good report but hard to reach and schedule with. Lynn was good and available right away....(more)
- np to evaluate for ADHD, then psychiatrist if dc needs meds
- Regan Stanger Md
- just go right to a psychiatrist, they will do both
- therre is no need to see a Neuro if dc doesn't have lds
- Right but how do you KNOW that is the case unless you get that thorough eval?
- I would not go straight to a psychiatrist, they will not assess the learning issues with nearly the comprehensiveness.
- op said no ld
- OP, can you tell more about who has evaluated your ds so far and what the evals consisted of?
- See above. He was seen by a np 3 years ago. He did not have any LD's. Speech issue was identified and addressed. No auditory processing disorder. He scored low in the...(more)
- Got it. I do see why it would make sense to go straight to psychiatrist...but I do think an in-class observation of your ds would be very important data. Is there someone else, a...(more)
- Yes, I've used a psychologist in the past to help devise a plan for ds in his old school (they were not ultimately interested in doing anything to help). but the psychologist was...(more)
- Got it. I do see why it would make sense to go straight to psychiatrist...but I do think an in-class observation of your ds would be very important data. Is there someone else, a...(more)
- See above. He was seen by a np 3 years ago. He did not have any LD's. Speech issue was identified and addressed. No auditory processing disorder. He scored low in the...(more)
- OP, can you tell more about who has evaluated your ds so far and what the evals consisted of?
- op said no ld
- therre is no need to see a Neuro if dc doesn't have lds
- we had a child psychiatrist evaluate, and see a developmental ped for the meds
- Special Needs Poll: If you DC has/had PDD-NOS dx, how old at dx? How old now, and does he/she still have the dx? If not, is there another dx?
- 2.5yo at dx (but these days it would have come earlier - this was a long time ago before awareness was as high), now 9yo, still has dx.
- dx'd at just before 3. now 6. have not had him re-evaluated but I think prob still applies
- Special Needs K applicants -- how're you coping? Any happy news to share?
- I'm a mess and I've been so consumed w privates, I have no ideas about publics. I guess I should be looking to show good faith. On paper my child doesn't seem so bad, so I'm...(more)
- Talk to your lawyer about how to look at publics, that is what they are there for!
- I will, just gave retainer. Do you know when your turning 5 meeting is? I have no clue.
- My dc is older, the turning 5 process is behind us. But I vividly remember how stressful it was. Hang in there!
- Np: no word about turning 5 here either, though I did get a letter from doe about it, so I know ds is in the system
- I will, just gave retainer. Do you know when your turning 5 meeting is? I have no clue.
- Talk to your lawyer about how to look at publics, that is what they are there for!
- I'm a mess and I've been so consumed w privates, I have no ideas about publics. I guess I should be looking to show good faith. On paper my child doesn't seem so bad, so I'm...(more)
- Special Needs How many kids in most NYC public kindergarten ICT classes?
- 20-22.
- no
- Depends on the grade, K-1 is probably 25 and under.
- 24-27
- Varies, ds has 21 in his class.
- In Manhattan, usually the same as MS classes: 25. In outerboros, you might find some 18-22 sized classes.
- 20-22.
- Special Needs If sn school only take 6, 8, 10 kids, how does anyone get a spot? Aren't there hundreds or thousands of applications? And it seems like kids REALLY need this so do any move to...(more)
- svhools grow and there aren't thousands of applicants
- There are definitely not thousands! Sometimes not even hundreds. It just seems that way on this board.
- so there are like 100 kids or multiples of 10 applying? Everyone else in NYC getting services fits into public?
- A lot of people are applying to multiple schools. So there is a trickle-down effect. The same hundred people may be applying to all the schools you read about here and as people...(more)
- well to be honest if these schools only exist for 100 or so kids I can see why they would be a huge pain in the but to the DOE.
- Our kids cost them serious bucks to educate appropriately. They consistently don't do it in public, so parents who are in a position to educate themselves about the law and their...(more)
- If I were the DOE and had to worry about tens of thousands of kids I would be REALLY pissed about 100 kids and dealing with all of this.
- It's not just 100 kids, you're thinking about K only.
- how many kindergartners are there inNYC schools? And 100 or less applying to these privates and like 6 per school getting a spot?
- You would really have to talk to one of the lawyers to get a better sense of the numbers. Churchill's K class is 12, ditto MMFS, Aaron can take up to 20 kids or more if they have...(more)
- I meant as a percentage of kids in public schools. Still sounds incredibly small.
- It is. Which is why last year when the city sent out an unprecedented number of Nickerson letters the kids had nowhere to go.
- It's much more than 100 per grade. It's more like many hundreds per grade, Remember, lots of kids end up in 12:1:1s in public schools.
- ^^^ or 6:1:1s
- She was asking about the number of kids in SN schools as a percentage of the total number of SN kids.
- Yes, but she's saying that if she were the DOE she'd be pissed about 100 kids and dealing with all of this. The solution is not to get rid of the sn schools but to get more so...(more)
- Oh yes, of course! But that would cost money the DOE is NOT interested in spending.
- Also, this board focuses on a very small list of schools. There are many others out there - look at the Vesid site and you'll see dozens that you've never heard of.
- Yes, that is also referred to in another post, and there are also unfunded schools that work with a more involved population too that are not mentioned here either.
- Also, this board focuses on a very small list of schools. There are many others out there - look at the Vesid site and you'll see dozens that you've never heard of.
- Oh yes, of course! But that would cost money the DOE is NOT interested in spending.
- Yes, but she's saying that if she were the DOE she'd be pissed about 100 kids and dealing with all of this. The solution is not to get rid of the sn schools but to get more so...(more)
- I meant as a percentage of kids in public schools. Still sounds incredibly small.
- You would really have to talk to one of the lawyers to get a better sense of the numbers. Churchill's K class is 12, ditto MMFS, Aaron can take up to 20 kids or more if they have...(more)
- how many kindergartners are there inNYC schools? And 100 or less applying to these privates and like 6 per school getting a spot?
- It's not just 100 kids, you're thinking about K only.
- If I were the DOE and had to worry about tens of thousands of kids I would be REALLY pissed about 100 kids and dealing with all of this.
- Our kids cost them serious bucks to educate appropriately. They consistently don't do it in public, so parents who are in a position to educate themselves about the law and their...(more)
- well to be honest if these schools only exist for 100 or so kids I can see why they would be a huge pain in the but to the DOE.
- or ms private
- If you can afford an unfunded, that drastically increases your chances.
- A lot of people are applying to multiple schools. So there is a trickle-down effect. The same hundred people may be applying to all the schools you read about here and as people...(more)
- so there are like 100 kids or multiples of 10 applying? Everyone else in NYC getting services fits into public?
- There are only about 100 applicants if that
- ok, we are applying and not sure if this makes me feel better or worse! As in more chance, but my dc is one of only a hundred or so severe enough for an sn school?
- There are SO MANY PARENTS in NYC who don't know about the SN schools!
- ita
- or maybe it's that the kids are really not severe enough or the parents would never accept sending their child to a "special" school (which suggest quite serious impairment).
- No, honest to God, there are thousands upon thousands of parents who have no idea this tiny subculture exists.
- np: This is very true. For many parents, they go to their "Turning 5 Meeting," the psychologist recommends a 12:1:1 or a 6:1:1 and they take it - no questions asked.
- sadly, it has to do with socio economic status
- np: This is very true. For many parents, they go to their "Turning 5 Meeting," the psychologist recommends a 12:1:1 or a 6:1:1 and they take it - no questions asked.
- this too
- No, honest to God, there are thousands upon thousands of parents who have no idea this tiny subculture exists.
- np: if I did not stumble upon this board, I would never have found out about SN preschools. I thank this board every day!
- There are SO MANY PARENTS in NYC who don't know about the SN schools!
- ok, we are applying and not sure if this makes me feel better or worse! As in more chance, but my dc is one of only a hundred or so severe enough for an sn school?
- Extremely small schools. If you don't get in, moving is probably a good option. People apply widely, which is best and considering an unfunded helps. Hundreds apply, not...(more)
- vast majority of kids still attend publics
- Special Needs We had a provisional diagnosis for dc pending on the results of some tests. now it's been confirmed. it's like i have to go through the grief all over again.
- what is it
- op: Aspergers
- aw, I know lots of aspies- how old?
- op: he's 7.
- to be honest, dont be scared of aspergers itself- these guys are bright and capable and with supports can accomplish what they want (of course it is what they want...). Watch out...(more)
- op: he does have anxiety. i'm working on finding a good therapist.
- to be honest, dont be scared of aspergers itself- these guys are bright and capable and with supports can accomplish what they want (of course it is what they want...). Watch out...(more)
- op: he's 7.
- aw, I know lots of aspies- how old?
- op: Aspergers
- He's still your awesome ds. You just know more about him now, and understand him better, and have better ways to help him.
- agreed; mom of an aspie here
- op: i know more about him and understand him better, no question. but i still need better ways to help him.
- We can help with that! What therapies do you have in place?
- op: only OT and speech. he needs a behaviorist.
- Yes, that is key. Do you have any potentials?
- op: one so far. i have three other people to call. my problem is finding the time with two other dcs to take him to meet people and find a good fit.
- Can you hire a sitter?
- op: yes, I have to do that. it's overwhelming.
- Yes and it's so hard to get started because it feels so enormous. I would make lists of smaller tasks and tackle them one by one.
- op: thank you. I will.
- new poster - I am with you on the new diagnosis, and understand your feeling the grief. It is hard, but as others have said AS has a lot of positives. Tell me more about the...(more)
- op: thank you. I will.
- Yes and it's so hard to get started because it feels so enormous. I would make lists of smaller tasks and tackle them one by one.
- op: yes, I have to do that. it's overwhelming.
- Can you hire a sitter?
- op: one so far. i have three other people to call. my problem is finding the time with two other dcs to take him to meet people and find a good fit.
- Yes, that is key. Do you have any potentials?
- op: only OT and speech. he needs a behaviorist.
- We can help with that! What therapies do you have in place?
- op: i know more about him and understand him better, no question. but i still need better ways to help him.
- agreed; mom of an aspie here
- what is it
- Special Needs Vision therapy in NYC. Anyone btdt? How was it? Did it help? Worth the $$$?
- did not help
- our experience too.
- ditto ditto ditto. It sounds so promising they make your heart soar, ah FINALLY something....but it's a crock for kids with real problems. Maybe if a child truly has a vision...(more)
- yessss
- Please elaborate. Very curious. Would this type of therapy be appropriate for a child is hand seem to handle visual stimuli?
- ?
- Sorry, meant to say " can't seem to handle".
- np: do you mean gets headaches, tunes out? can you explain a little more? I think it helps work eye muscles and that may be all. If there is weakness, it should be helpful.
- Please elaborate. Very curious. Would this type of therapy be appropriate for a child is hand seem to handle visual stimuli?
- yessss
- ditto ditto ditto. It sounds so promising they make your heart soar, ah FINALLY something....but it's a crock for kids with real problems. Maybe if a child truly has a vision...(more)
- our experience too.
- We went to Kaplan in Tarrytown. It definitely helped with sensory seeking and motor planning. We saw definite gains. Kaplan will tell you that it will change your dc's life, dc...(more)
- I know people who have done it with Andrea Thau in NYC. I think they were kind of on the fence, unsure if it was helping or not. She told me what DC had could nto be helped with...(more)
- she told me vision therapy would not help with ASD type features such as eye contact. We did vision therapy for "convergence insufficiency"; finished a few months ago, saw zero...(more)
- Hmm, we may just skip it, though she thinks DC should do it. I am sorry you wasted time and money, that is frustrating. I am surprised she missed that my DC needs eyeglasses,...(more)
- she told me vision therapy would not help with ASD type features such as eye contact. We did vision therapy for "convergence insufficiency"; finished a few months ago, saw zero...(more)
- did not help
- Special Needs Tutor...(more)
- Ouch. If I cancel on my BCBA for illness I don't pay. Same for private SLP. I think that the tutor should be more understanding. My private people like this WANT me to cancel so...(more)
- ...So yes I think a makeup session is in order. What if the tutor herself cancels? What's the policy there?
- i say they should offer a time if they have one at a later time ( they might be booked). If less than 24 or 48 hrs depending on their policy you pay.
- a therapist or psych would charge if you cancelled last minute
- Psych yes, but no therapist I have ever worked with has ever charged me for cancelling for illness the same day.
- Psychologists and ots have charged if we cancelled less than 48 before appointment
- psych here... I have a 48 hr cx policy but if someone gets sick I try to reschedule or don't charge. Assuming its not something that happens often. I would ask the tutor if she...(more)
- Ouch. If I cancel on my BCBA for illness I don't pay. Same for private SLP. I think that the tutor should be more understanding. My private people like this WANT me to cancel so...(more)
- Special Needs I keep hearing from other Parents that Learningspring is a "low functioning" school, some kids in K are non verbal. My child has interview next week. He was observed at hisnschool...(more)
- have you toured? Yes, there are nonverbal kids there. They cater to asd.
- I know kid in my neighborhood that goes there, typical aspie. Verbal, but self directed.
- Truly nonverbal? Every kid I know at LS has language.
- yes
- Be direct and ask what type of class they are building for this Sept. Perhaps their classes vary.
- Hijack: are the kids in learning spring more comparable to ASD nest or ASD horizon?
- np: It's interesting that their website reads a schools for the "HF ASD" but I think that isn't true for all.
- I'm going to be devils advocate and ask how you know this? Do you have a child that goes there?
- I think that goes back to the knotty problem of: what is high functioning? Who defines what that is? We argue about that here all the time.
- ALL these schools say they take "HF" kids. Personally I feel this is a way to WEED OUT the low functioning kids. They really don't want them. They don't want to market...(more)
- Rebecca, McCarton, MCC, Manhattan Star Academy, Blue Feather, Birch, HASC, Imagine, Reach for the Stars...there are a LOT of schools for kids who are more impaired. They tend not...(more)
- Ok, but so maybe the other schools (LS, Parkside, GB, Lowell, Summit, Aaron) are positioning themselves as schools who do NOT take "those" kinds of kids. Anyway just based on the...(more)
- I don't know what to tell you, because my dc got into both LS and Aaron. So at least for us, there was overlap.
- Right. I bet your dc is "HF". So of course they would accept him/her. That's my point, if they have a choice they will choose the HF kid over LF kids and thus all these schools...(more)
- Did you take Aaron?
- Yes. It was a really hard decision to make but it has worked out very well. I have more than one friend at Aaron who made the same choice.
- I'm sure you made a good choice. If your dc were at LS I'm sure you would not think it was enough for them.
- I know multiple dc at LS and their parents are very happy. I think once you're at a school for a couple of years you make a psychological shift and it comes to seem like the right...(more)
- I know 2 dc who left because parents said they came to outpace their classmates and the work was ridiculously low
- Yeah, I have friends at Aaron who left saying pretty much the same thing. So there's no perfect school for every kid or even any kid, and the best thing you can do is re-assess...(more)
- are you happy at Aaron after several years (not sure when you turned down LS for Aaron)? Or is this your first year?
- Yes, and we've been there for several years. I have never regretted making the decision I did, although sometimes the idea of a funded school is overpoweringly attractive.
- yes but if you can afford it I'm sure your dc is probably much much better off at Aaron. And they probably have friends and all if you've been there a few years.
- It's always a struggle and a huge source of stress. It helps to see how far my dc has come, that makes it worthwhile to go through this every year.
- does aaron have a middle/high school? In a way I am so jealous of Churchill parents--not having to worry for 12 years except to reassess if dc no longer needs!
- Aaron lower now goes K-8 and there is a 9-12 program called Aaron Academy, but they are going to be combined into a single K-12.
- does aaron have a middle/high school? In a way I am so jealous of Churchill parents--not having to worry for 12 years except to reassess if dc no longer needs!
- It's always a struggle and a huge source of stress. It helps to see how far my dc has come, that makes it worthwhile to go through this every year.
- yes but if you can afford it I'm sure your dc is probably much much better off at Aaron. And they probably have friends and all if you've been there a few years.
- Yes, and we've been there for several years. I have never regretted making the decision I did, although sometimes the idea of a funded school is overpoweringly attractive.
- are you happy at Aaron after several years (not sure when you turned down LS for Aaron)? Or is this your first year?
- Yeah, I have friends at Aaron who left saying pretty much the same thing. So there's no perfect school for every kid or even any kid, and the best thing you can do is re-assess...(more)
- I know 2 dc who left because parents said they came to outpace their classmates and the work was ridiculously low
- I know multiple dc at LS and their parents are very happy. I think once you're at a school for a couple of years you make a psychological shift and it comes to seem like the right...(more)
- I'm sure you made a good choice. If your dc were at LS I'm sure you would not think it was enough for them.
- Yes. It was a really hard decision to make but it has worked out very well. I have more than one friend at Aaron who made the same choice.
- I don't know what to tell you, because my dc got into both LS and Aaron. So at least for us, there was overlap.
- Ok, but so maybe the other schools (LS, Parkside, GB, Lowell, Summit, Aaron) are positioning themselves as schools who do NOT take "those" kinds of kids. Anyway just based on the...(more)
- Rebecca, McCarton, MCC, Manhattan Star Academy, Blue Feather, Birch, HASC, Imagine, Reach for the Stars...there are a LOT of schools for kids who are more impaired. They tend not...(more)
- np: It's interesting that their website reads a schools for the "HF ASD" but I think that isn't true for all.
- Hijack: are the kids in learning spring more comparable to ASD nest or ASD horizon?
- they might want your kid. Obviously if your kid was basically appropriate but higher functioning they would very much want him. Why wouldn't they? They are not marketing...(more)
- np: I don't agree, you have to match their profile to get approved for funding, no? they won't accept children who won't get the funding approved, which has to really be...(more)
- I think have a Dx and it being an autism program would help with funding.
- yes but amongst children who are appropriate, they woudl of course want the higher functioning kids, not the lower functioning kids. If the kid is not ASD they won't be...(more)
- True. I feel like learning spring has become more popular now. Last year I knew a girl who didn't get in LS. Everyone told her
- I know 3+ kids who didn't get into LS because their kids were not high functioning enough. One mom was brokenhearted and called them and asked for feedback and they told her they...(more)
- The schools are ALL trying to get more HF kids and weed out the lower ones. I don't know if it's because of more HF kids applying to sn schools as compared to going public....(more)
- It will NOT last long, you'll see a downward trend in the next few years because the city is not approving funding and appealing and it's becoming increasingly harder to get $...(more)
- Who knows. In 20 years things will probably look totally different, but I feel like this is the first generation of such high functioning smart kids going to sn privates. It fits...(more)
- It's NYC specific though and with people now losing their appeals for unfundeds and the growing ICT and SN's classes in every public initiative (albeit BS), who knows what will...(more)
- Ok but then there are cases like my friend. Dc was flipping out and refusing to write in high pressure public. They were about to put her in sn private (unfunded), met with...(more)
- It is always a good idea to try introducing more supports rather than jumping straight to SN private! That's how it works if you're in public - you bump down the levels one by...(more)
- So not true. Most people do not try public at all. This is true.
- If you are IN PUBLIC to start with.
- ironic right? So if you never try public you can get funding but if you were willing to try public you have to try the supports first?
- You have to think about the profile of the child. Kids who are going straight from SN preschool to SN private school cannot possibly go to gen ed public certainly not high...(more)
- ironic right? So if you never try public you can get funding but if you were willing to try public you have to try the supports first?
- If you know for sure that public has no place for your child then you don't try it. If you are there already then of course you go get an IEP first. I don't know anyone who moved...(more)
- If you are IN PUBLIC to start with.
- So not true. Most people do not try public at all. This is true.
- It is always a good idea to try introducing more supports rather than jumping straight to SN private! That's how it works if you're in public - you bump down the levels one by...(more)
- Ok but then there are cases like my friend. Dc was flipping out and refusing to write in high pressure public. They were about to put her in sn private (unfunded), met with...(more)
- It's NYC specific though and with people now losing their appeals for unfundeds and the growing ICT and SN's classes in every public initiative (albeit BS), who knows what will...(more)
- I don't know, when you tour LS they say that people are doing very well for funding.
- because of their profile
- Which is...what? Higher functioning than it should be? Lower functioning than they claim?
- because of their profile
- Who knows. In 20 years things will probably look totally different, but I feel like this is the first generation of such high functioning smart kids going to sn privates. It fits...(more)
- It will NOT last long, you'll see a downward trend in the next few years because the city is not approving funding and appealing and it's becoming increasingly harder to get $...(more)
- The schools are ALL trying to get more HF kids and weed out the lower ones. I don't know if it's because of more HF kids applying to sn schools as compared to going public....(more)
- Parents she was a "shoe in " at LS. She ended up at a sn school that on this board is considered "HF"., but hey what do I know, we ended up in ICT ( so far so good).
- aaron?
- I know 3+ kids who didn't get into LS because their kids were not high functioning enough. One mom was brokenhearted and called them and asked for feedback and they told her they...(more)
- True. I feel like learning spring has become more popular now. Last year I knew a girl who didn't get in LS. Everyone told her
- np: I don't agree, you have to match their profile to get approved for funding, no? they won't accept children who won't get the funding approved, which has to really be...(more)
- What is the student teacher ratio?
- 8 kids, not sure if it's 8:1:1 or 8:1:2
- my son sat in on a class a couple of years ago - he was older and was rejected for being to far ahead academically .. they said if we didn't get a placement to try again the next...(more)
- have you toured? Yes, there are nonverbal kids there. They cater to asd.
- Special Needs Preparing for IEP mtg (NYC). Anyone noticing any trends/differences or same old, same old? thx!
- probably depends on age and what school ... And if you're looking for more services
- Are they trying to cut services?
- probably depends on age and what school ... And if you're looking for more services
- Special Needs What kind of kids are in classes of 12 for public school k?
- Big variety. In NYC's way of doing things, any kid who cannot handle ICT and is too high functioning for D75. No other criteria.
- Np: what schools have this?
- insideschools.org is your best resource, you can search by school
- Np: what schools have this?
- Big variety. In NYC's way of doing things, any kid who cannot handle ICT and is too high functioning for D75. No other criteria.
- Special Needs Just when I think things are going well, a day at the palyground. My dc even sticks out amongst the sn kids, because he won't climb ect.. Just hung out under the equiptment making...(more)
- aw...hugs.
- try not to overthink this. Neuro typical kids do this as well. Sometimes things are just too overwhelming and they need time to themselves
- ^^^think about when you might have been at a party and just wanted to retreat into a corner
- ^^^oh and really trying NOT to think about what is normal. I think of Toqueville who said Americans are the most conformist society ever. And I agree
- Ita. OP, not to minimize whatever issues your DC faces, but I used to think the kid playing his own made-up game under the monkey bars was the far more imaginative, creative,...(more)
- ^^^oh and really trying NOT to think about what is normal. I think of Toqueville who said Americans are the most conformist society ever. And I agree
- ^^^think about when you might have been at a party and just wanted to retreat into a corner
- my dc did this for the longest time and i worried it'd never changed. it did. turns out that while he was off in the corner, he was observing the other kids and it just had to...(more)
- Thanks by the way Dc is 4.5. Bye the way. Im just having one of those days. I'm happy that some of dc's peers seems pretty NT, but I just feel like how did this happen? My dc...(more)
- i am having the same issue, this break has been rough because it's warm and we are spending lots of time at the park. dc just doesn't fit in, even with his friends. :(
- Looking forward to monday.
- this is very much like my 4.5yo too. Ms preschool with a seit and supposedly getting better. He does have one friend he really connects with - unfortunately not one from school
- Special Needs If your dc was dx with pddnos around age 3, how old are they now and can you describe them (strengths/challenges)?
- 12, classic autism now. somewhat verbal--language is major challenge
- nearly 6; aspergers; sweetest, friendliest, social (but not appropriately so) kid. major challenges are comprehension (reading w/o meaning) and social skills
- DX at 3yo at 5yo DP said he did not meet the criteria any more. However the NP still felt he was on the spectrum. Back to DP at 7yo and 2 more NP. NP still thought high...(more)
- Age 2 "at risk for pddnos" age 5 hf ASD.
- dx at 3yo hf classic autism, low-average intelligence, now 5, borderline PDD-NOS, "very superior" IQ, friendly, happy kid with mild pragmatic speech delay and sensory issues.
- np: what kind of school?
- Special Needs Have you made any special arrangements to ensure DC are cared for properly in case something happens to you and your DH?
- Special? You mean above and beyond a will and having discussions with family members?
- yes above and beyond a will. I also don't have confidence that family members would care for ds the right way.
- I am not sure what choice you have beyond trusting your family. Hard to enforce your rules and values beyond the grave.
- yes above and beyond a will. I also don't have confidence that family members would care for ds the right way.
- Do you mean a Special Needs Trust or discussing who would care for dc specifically?
- what is a special needs trust?
- Info linked here:...(more)
- (and I'm sure there is more updated info out there - sometimes SN lawyers hold seminars about Sn Trusts)
- Info linked here:...(more)
- what is a special needs trust?
- huge life insurance. (we have 4 kids).. but the guardians are my parents and thats not a long teerm solution
- Special? You mean above and beyond a will and having discussions with family members?
- Special Needs What brand of fish oil does your picky eater take?
- nordic naturals arctic cod liver oil lemon flavor
- My dd loves this stuff! Has since she was 2!
- ditto
- I just got one at Target that he loves a little too much. He stands in the kitchen and screams, "I want pills!". L'il Critters is the brand.
- nordic naturals, but I give it in a spoonful of jam
- none
- barleans -the omega smoothies. My kids love it!
- I give my dc the Sea Gummies Omega-3's from Trader Joe's.
- ^^the Coromega one that's flavored like orange and comes in the little pouches is also great, kids love it. it's very $$ though.
- nordic naturals arctic cod liver oil lemon flavor
- Special Needs FINALLY, at age 7, we found something actually physically wrong with him to work on. He has something called convergene where the eyes don't work together which profoundly affects...(more)
- are you in NYC?
- NJ
- np: whereabouts in NJ? did you take him to an ophthalmologist? where?
- Here:it is in Fairlawn...(more)
- ^^^state of the art equipment. Impressive office
- Thanks! Did he have any other eye diagnosis before?
- Just the normal kind and everything was fine- because they just check acuity (seeing straight on) This op checks all aspects of vision...(more)
- thanks. dd diagnosed with fourth nerve palsy; now trying to look up convergence and see how it's related, if at all....(more)
- It is definitely worth checking out. GL! If you...(more)
- thanks...i have this stickied. I appreciate the info!
- Here you go...(more)
- $$$?
- Here you go...(more)
- thanks...i have this stickied. I appreciate the info!
- It is definitely worth checking out. GL! If you...(more)
- thanks. dd diagnosed with fourth nerve palsy; now trying to look up convergence and see how it's related, if at all....(more)
- Just the normal kind and everything was fine- because they just check acuity (seeing straight on) This op checks all aspects of vision...(more)
- Thanks! Did he have any other eye diagnosis before?
- ^^^state of the art equipment. Impressive office
- Here:it is in Fairlawn...(more)
- np: whereabouts in NJ? did you take him to an ophthalmologist? where?
- NJ
- ^^^^convergence
- is that crossed eyes?
- No, it basically means his depth perception and vision at close range is really jumbled: words might ghost out, blur or go double, because one eye is not working with the other....(more)
- oh.
- No, it basically means his depth perception and vision at close range is really jumbled: words might ghost out, blur or go double, because one eye is not working with the other....(more)
- ask for prism lenses instead of PT if its possible
- He's going to do the full whack of therapy for six months with constant evaluations. I think they are going to work with prisms
- GL
- thanks!
- GL
- He's going to do the full whack of therapy for six months with constant evaluations. I think they are going to work with prisms
- my colleague's ds has this. He is going for PT for the eyes 2x a week. The school had suspected the dc had dyslexia, but now they are thinking it may be more about this vision...(more)
- Yup- I can see that
- I think the OT may have been talking about convergence insufficiency (all eyes must use convergence for focusing) and vision therapy. The diagnosis and vision OT are a little...(more)
- I have been reading around a little and have heard that there is controversy. Thing is in his office is that he showed *objectively* that the eyes are not working together. And it...(more)
- ^^^oh and I will explore glasses too. Signed him up for six months of therapy.
- My DC did this also (tilted head, complained of headaches when reading too much). One office suggested vision therapy and said glasses wouldn't help, another suggested glasses...(more)
- I don't doubt glasses are in his future, but I don't think the therapy can hurt :-)
- My DC did this also (tilted head, complained of headaches when reading too much). One office suggested vision therapy and said glasses wouldn't help, another suggested glasses...(more)
- ^^^oh and I will explore glasses too. Signed him up for six months of therapy.
- I have been reading around a little and have heard that there is controversy. Thing is in his office is that he showed *objectively* that the eyes are not working together. And it...(more)
- they all have that
- is he on stimulatn meds? My ds had this as a side effect of aderrall
- my ds also 7 has this too. we saw a dr in nyc. we are doing at home vision therapy program monitored by his office, also covering 1 eye a day with patch for 1 hr and got pair of...(more)
- are you in NYC?
- Special Needs This post has been disliked 3 times. Toddlers, deselect SN Board please
- you can be on both
- not if you cannot read the board stamps
- double negative
- yes: you can be on both, if you CAN read the board stamps.
- It really surprises me how many strays simply don't notice that they're on SN.
- i know.
- it is because they are IDIOTS
- i know.
- double negative
- not if you cannot read the board stamps
- eyeroll. If you want a private board, start one yourself.
- ITA and make yourself the Moderator
- Eyerolls right back atcha, gals - you are as annoying as the ignorant strays when you defend them
- "ignorant strays"? LOL.
- If you cannot or will not read the board stamp, you are ignorant; if you do not mean to venture somewhere, you are a stray
- np: I've mistaken board stamps, I find this really offensive.
- have you chewed out and acted snarky to someone on SN board thinking you were on toddler? Ruined their day by acting like an ass?
- no, but I have been jumped on right away with such nastiness to check the board stamp
- because if you really want to have both checked, you have to take that split second to read the stamps. It's not that hard. Stop defending the bullies.
- no, but I have been jumped on right away with such nastiness to check the board stamp
- have you chewed out and acted snarky to someone on SN board thinking you were on toddler? Ruined their day by acting like an ass?
- np: I've mistaken board stamps, I find this really offensive.
- If you cannot or will not read the board stamp, you are ignorant; if you do not mean to venture somewhere, you are a stray
- "ignorant strays"? LOL.
- Eyerolls right back atcha, gals - you are as annoying as the ignorant strays when you defend them
- creating a private board is not the point. it would be nice and cordial if parents that did not actually have sn issues stay off the sn board. that's it.
- I don't care if they read the SN board as long as they LOOK AT THE DAMN BOARD STAMP.
- Or if YBM could COLOR CODE the boards. It would be so simple. Or if they removed the "Select All Boards" option. It really is a huge PITA because ignorant strays respond in...(more)
- I will suggest this in the contact us form and I encourage you to do that too!
- Oh I have, and it just get Toddler stray snarky responses, no PG
- No, no, not on the feedback board. YBM's owners have a "contact us" form page. I told them about a site error oncr recently and they fixed it and sent me a nice TY response. So I...(more)
- It's http://www.youbemom.com/contact...(more)
- thank you. done.
- I sent one too!
- thank you. done.
- It's http://www.youbemom.com/contact...(more)
- No, no, not on the feedback board. YBM's owners have a "contact us" form page. I told them about a site error oncr recently and they fixed it and sent me a nice TY response. So I...(more)
- Oh I have, and it just get Toddler stray snarky responses, no PG
- I will suggest this in the contact us form and I encourage you to do that too!
- ITA and make yourself the Moderator
- i'm only 4, i can't
- you need patience.
- Listen, teach, patience goes so far. This is a technical/design problem. PG needs to fix it.
- I am on my phone but as soon as I get back to computer will send them an email via the contact form. The more people who do that, the more they may listen.
- Listen, teach, patience goes so far. This is a technical/design problem. PG needs to fix it.
- ITA. The other day I posted about feeling a little jealous that a young pretty TA could get my son to speak and I was told I'd be a terrible MIL someday
- The nicer ones apologize, but even so, it is a bruising experience for people who are already under stress.
- It is brusing and annoying and I hope that PG will address it.
- The nicer ones apologize, but even so, it is a bruising experience for people who are already under stress.
- Get over it. You really turn me off when you should be wanting to help me.
- I do help you all the time. I just do not want to trip over a frigging toddler on the way to lift you up!!
- you seriously sound incredibly bitter. And I am sn mom.
- yawn
- some of us post on toddler too
- no one cares if you go to toddler; it's the idiots who don't realize that they have SN selected and respond like assholes to SN posts - THEY are the problem
- you seriously sound incredibly bitter. And I am sn mom.
- I do help you all the time. I just do not want to trip over a frigging toddler on the way to lift you up!!
- you can be on both