Well DS6's IEP meeting was today and we got the results of the autism evaluation. We're in Missouri and he doesn't meet the criteria for an actual "autism" diagnosis though he scored in the autism spectrum. The OT also noted that on the "social IQ" his scores were well below his IQ and normally they're more on the same level. We had to go with "emotional disturbance" as the official reason he qualifies for special school district services but the principal & gifted director were quick to remind me the label is just for the IEP and can change if we feel it needs to. Its more important that this will allow him to have the support in place he needs. He'll continue his social skills class which he really enjoys and we'll work on classroom strategies to help him manage his frustration with unstructured environments.
I addressed if his behavior issues would make him unsuitable for the gifted program he'll start for 1st grade. Its a full day program and I want to make sure its a good fit. His current principal was an assistant principal at the school the gifted program is housed in (the gifted program shares art, Gym & some music with age mates in standard classes). He was very familiar with the program and told me that my son wouldn't be the first student they'd dealt with that had similar challenges.
Now here comes my big thank you. To everyone who's responded and given me great advice on this forum! The gifted director pulled me aside and said the strategies I'd sent DS to school with when he was having issues were excellent. She asked where I found my ideas. I told her I had posted the problems on this forum and the responses (especially relating to Aspergers) led me to some resources. She knew about the forum and said she thought is was excellent too!
So thank you all for sharing your challenges, solutions and even your complaints. Its wonderful to be able to reach out to those who have an idea of the road you're walking.
