Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional ARD Meeting tomorro! - So Nervous!

Thanks geo!

Best wishes. And add one person to the list of those who rolled their eyes at the exclusion of AS because your son had good eye contact. Been there, done that, still struggling to get proper services for DS8. Don't sign anything except the paper saying you were there. And don't accept the label until after seeing te outside specialist.

It's shocking how someone with a PhD can so easily throw out nonsense, isn't it?

A lot of school psychologists don't have PhDs. I know ours doesn't. Which doesn't excuse the nonsense...

Ours does, so he has zero excuse!

Back from the ARD meeting!

As expected the school Psychologist reported that DS made good eye contact and had friends, so he didn't meet the criteria for ASD. He suggested DS could meet the threshold for entry into SpEd via the ED label, or go the 504 route. The principal & v.principal were there, along with the Psychologist, the diagnostician, the SpEd coordinator and another 2nd grade teacher (DS's couldn't be there today.) We talked for quite a while and went over everything they are doing right now, and things that could be helpful for him (mostly things they are already doing right now, but also with the SpEd he'd get help from the SpEd coordinator) and in the end we tabled discussions pending our NeuroPsych eval.

The psychologist had to jet right after that, as did the other 2nd grade teacher, but everyone else sat and chatted for a while. I was glad to hear from them that they were also surprised that the psychologist reported DS had good eye contact - all of them reported he hardly ever made eye contact with them! Glad it's not just us who sees that. They were perfectly happy waiting for the neuropsych eval to move forward with things and they seemed super supportive. I will definitely miss the vice principal, in particular, when we move to the new school; she's been so great with DS when he has his meltdowns/tantrums.

Amy, I'm glad that most of the team seemed reasonable. I always find it reassuring when school staff see my child's weaknesses and strengths more or less as I do.

If you know when the neuropsych results will be available, will you schedule another meeting with them, and see if you can get the eligibility determined before he leaves this school?

If not, you could consider inviting one of these folks who knows him well to the eligibility meeting at the new school; use their knowledge to help you along...

DeeDee