[Cristi727]

My ten year old adopted son has sensory integration disorder and lately has been having problems in social situations at school. I have requested an emergency IEP meeting based on this, and the fact he is failing most of his subjects. I don't feel like the school system is taking his disorder as a true special need. He is pulled from his class for only two hours a day, and was placed in a 4th/5th combo!
How do I address my dissapointment in the school while getting my sons needs met? I have read that they should be supplying him with tools, such as a special cushion or bean bag, to help him focus in class...instead they seem to be sending to the principles office every other day for violations that are due to his disorder. They don't see this however and they are calling him "immature" and "silly".
Please help me navigate through the school system. I have even entertained the idea of an inter-district transfer...because now that he has been labeled he seems to constantly be the scapegoat.

[zebramom]

The person you need to contact is Julie Beem. julieb@radzebra.org

She just took her daughter's school system to court, over issues like this.

I know the first thing she will tell you to do is to check out wrightslaw.com It contains information on the national laws, and what schools have to do.

We have been blessed to not have these issues, but I know that many people have struggled as you have. Hope you find the answers you need.

[Tudu]

Cristi, I have no advice only support. I am just getting backall my kids evals and turns out several have moderate to severe sensory issues. I hope I have an easier time getting them to take this seriously. Please update us on your situation.

[Barksum]

Some states have IEP Partners, people who will attend IEP meetings with you to help you negotiate through the maze. I think that Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy may be able to help you find that information, too.

Our (independent, paid for by us) occupational therapist was able to help us come up with ideas and tools to help our Ds work with his strengths and strengthen his weak areas. An OT might be a resource you could draw on for help with your IEP, too.

I wish you strength, patience and stamina in working to get your son's needs met. I'm a bit put out with the school staff not being able to comprehend the SID, and calling your Ds "silly" and "immature". The staff sound a bit silly and immature to me.

[qs mom]

My son has severe delays in sensory areas. I've found that SID/SPD is very misunderstood in schools, and most other places.

My son's OT recommended the weight vest, the seat cushion, a chewy, etc were great. He uses all of these things. BUT, she doesn't do any SI things with him during his 3 sessions a week.

Be knowledgeable. Be a pain in the butt to the school board. Get an advocate. NYS has advocates to go with you to IEP meetings if you request.

I've heard about my son's 'behaviours' and his ADHD, etc.

And yes, I am not willing to admit that he does have ADHD, but he does also have SID, and PTSD along with some other things.

Gather as much info as you can and shove it in their faces to that they cannot ignore you. They need to learn that SI kids aren't just rotten little kids trying to make people crazy!

[suburbanmomgw]

I have had problems with getting help from the school too. They actually laughed at me in an IEP mtg last year about it. They have taken away OT services-- and are not addressing SID at all! "We are not seeing the behaviors you are talking about while he's in school. And we cannot treat what we do not see" !!!! So, I am waiting for the next meeting--and am trying to get services changed for next yr when he hits Kindergarten...

Keep us posted on your progress.

[mjsmom]

My daughter has some fairly significant SI issues also. I am fortunate enough to work in the district where she attends school. I agree with q's mom...be knowledgeable. The better prepared you can be, the better response you will eventually get. I finally offered to do a workshop for the staff where my daughter attends school. I also purchased several books about SI for the faculty. It was time and money well spent. I still occasionally have to be a pain in the butt to get what I know my daughter needs. But the end result is worth it.