We have an IEP meeting for my Kindergartener this Wednesday

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Well, the meeting coming up isn't exactly emergency. He hasn't had an IEP with this school system. And, we talked about the problems he was having over 2 weeks ago, but the note for the IEP stuff came within less than 10 days (which is why I had to say that was OK). I need to get him in a better environment sooner than later and right now, he's not getting the help he needs.

The teacher, she's old, and while her kindergarten room is the designated special ed something or other room, I don't think she has the skills to manage NT students AND difficult students.

We'll see what we can try. Henry has a thing about things going on his head (very protective), but headphones might be OK, but he just cannot follow this chaos in the classroom. Of course, I'm not there past 8:55 am, so maybe once things get rolling it's better, but from his not completing ANY work, something's still wrong.

I know they won't let him try first grade because they think he can't handle kindergarten curriculum (which is crazy), but more, he's at a 3 year old maturity. Doesn't that exacerbate the problem? We struggled with our older son being too immature (aug. 29 bday) but gifted. Henry can do everything that our gifted son can do = except communicate and follow directions when he doesn't want to follow directions.

There is no doubt that Henry is going to be a challenge for the school to accommodate appropriately. One of the things that an FBA might reveal, is that he won't cooperate if he feels inadequately challenged. Some children feel insulted if the work they are given is "beneath" them. That might not be what is going on, of course, but if it is, knowing about it is important. Bright, immature kids can be very hard for schools to handle, but that doesn't mean they get to "shove them in a corner." They still have to find a way to make things work for them, and the more they understand about what is going on, the better it will be for everyone.

I'll update tomorrow after the first meeting. Thank you all so much for helping me gear up for this.

I have to say, I'm really encouraged. More than any other start to testing. Our old system tested well, but didn't follow through, Kennedy Krieger is impossible to work with and their evals were hit and miss. But until now, I didn't get the feeling they were looking out for Henry, now I do.

Since his testing is over a year old from both places, they will be re-evaluating/testing in all areas as before - OT, Speech and psychological and I think this is good. In the meantime, they will provide him services he qualified before with his old IEP and we worked on strategies for helping him cope better in the classroom. And even with my worries about some assessments when he's not very verbal, they assured me it was a snapshot and only part of the equation of what they would recommend for services.

It helps that the teacher is beginning to see (a bit) some encouraging signs of Henry wanting to engage a bit in the class too. Fears might be subsiding a bit, but it's a slow process, but at least I feel these people have Henry's interests at heart.

I have a ton of researching to do with what tests they are planning, but it all has given me hope at least. they are going to work on finding ways to keep him guarded against the noise that is bothering him (making a center away from the other centers so that it's less noisy). They are going to make some visual markers to help him through the day so he knows what comes next and so on. Plus, I think they did listen to me and now have a better understanding of Henry.

They do say they are encouraged because he does have good skills already (and he does), so I'm going to stay guardedly optimistic. I got a list of good pediatricians too (not sure how I feel about mine) and I'm contacting the OT person for private OT people she feels would be good for me to contact.

Things are at least moving in the right direction - for now.

Sounds like things are moving in the right direction. That's great! If there is a parents' group (virtual or in-person) in your area, it could be a good source of recommendations for practitioners (like OT's) that you will need. They might also be able to guide you in dealing with the particular people you will be working with at your son's school district/school, so try to find out if any such groups exist.

Good luck - I hope things continue to improve!

So glad the meeting went well! As far as pediatricians, hopefully, you will find one that understands autism. Mine understands it, but as far as being able to help us, she doesn't have any answers. I think the school and the therapists are your best bet. Unless, your son has any medical problems.

Keep up the good work!

After a month at school, I think Henry is beginning to let down his guard and to adjust. First, he's not fighting going to school any more. He knows it's something he needs to do. Second, when I got to his school today, the teacher said he had a really good day yesterday and for the first time ever, he joined in on reading circle. Third, he started working on his stuff this morning without me prodding him (as he has to do something like that every morning) and lastly, the teacher asked the class, what needs to be colored in, and Henry said, "draw a horn". Now he forgot to raise his hand and wait to be called, but I think the teacher was thrilled to hear Henry participate as she called on him and said it again for him.

I know we can backslide again, but it's good to see some steps forward for the first time with school. Oh, plus, I'm noticing more and more of his lunch and snacks are getting eaten at school too. I guess he's adjusting to eating in the cafeteria too.

that is great to hear! There will probably be ups and downs, good days and bad days, but it is great to celebrate the good times when we can! Keep doing what you are doing, and things will be ok!