So, we had the ARD meeting yesterday... and, as an aside, it turned out the Dr that assessed DS is the brother of his old soccer coach - we'd met him several times before! He's a very nice man, and we were very pleased with his report on DS.
Anyway, they determined he met the critera for IEP via his anxiety and PDD-NOS and ADHD (woo!). He'll be receiving 100 minutes a week (typically 20 min/day) with Sp Ed teacher in what they call "Content Mastery" which is basically teaching the kids organization and making sure they have all their homework and know what their homework is, and can keep track of it (sooo very needed for DS - he's got 50 zero's so far this year!). This time at the end of the day will also allow for him to talk with the Sp Ed teacher and do social stories periodically. He'll also have access to her room as an escape outlet if he's having a lot of anxiety or a full-on meltdown.
He's also going to receive 30mins of counseling every other week (through the same Dr's office that did the assessment) - this time will work with him on his coping skills, and his pragmatic language issues. Personally I think this might need to happen once a week, instead of once every other week, but we'll start here for now and maybe next year push for more sessions.
He'll also get extended time, if necessary on tests, preferential seating in close proximity to the teacher and verification that he's understood assignments from the teacher.
We discussed that he might require more accommodations next year when he moves to the other side of the building for 4th, as they expect the kids to start taking notes during class then, but we opted to visit that issue next year. (They seemed very open to allowing him access to a recording device or to have a keyboard, if that looks appropriate then.)
All in all it went really well! Everyone was in agreement on the things DS needed and the Sp Ed teacher and I have exchanged info so we can stay in touch on what's happening during his time with her.
Three Cheers for an Awesome ARD Meeting!
