LisaS

Hello! I am seeking an attorney or advocate in Pennsylvania to help us address discipline issues. I’m looking for advice in dealing with a school and possibly representation in dealing with the school. I’m not looking for free advice but someone who I can pay to consult on our options in this situation. thank you Lisa Scheid

Does anyone know what Pa law is or where I can research it?

We are in Pennsylvania and our school said they would ask the district to come to a transitional IEP meeting. I don’t know what they will say and that is in May. so it sounds like - worst case scenario they will reevaluate and he is back at square one. He has an FBA, too.

My son is graduating fron8th grade at a charter and will go to 9th grade in home district. is the new school obligated to follow his IEP? What are its legal obligations? What usually happens? we have a number of accommodations to help him self regulate and support him with executive function i know this switch will be overwhelming and am worried it will lead to behavior problems

I think there may be a change in level but also he’s masking. I don’t think the concept of masking is understood by his teachers.

I think the school is outsourcing the evaluation. I will ask. It was on a list of tests in the notice they are asking me to sign

As part of my son’s three-year evaluation (and just before high school next year) his school is proposing reevaluating autism using GARS. I asked them to use ADOS because that was what was used to initially diagnose. I was told the point of reevaluating autism is to see how he “changed over time.” My underlying concern is that his homeroom teacher really does not understand autism and thinks my son is not “really autistic.” This results in harsher treatment for behavior and not enough support for behavior. I’m also concerned about further discussion of levels of autism because our understanding of autism spectrum is not linear, which is what mainstream educators see it as. Any insight on reevaluating autism in 8th grade would be appreciated

I just wanted to share that for the last year or so my son has attended his IEP meetings. yesterday my son (14, 8th grade) had an encounter with a new para who watched him take out his cell phone (essentially a iPod because it is my old phone and no cell number).We have it spelled out in the IEP that he uses music to self regulate. At one point when the school decided to ban phones they offered that he could use a school laptop to listen to music - which was cumbersome and not useful in all situations. With some push back from us He was able to keep the device. He knew the para was watching him, which is something that makes him uncomfortable and frustrated because he rightly worries that he is getting singled out for being in trouble. The para confronted him about not putting it in the “ cell phone box” as kids are supposed to. As if he was sneakily breaking rules. He said,” Have you read my IEP?” by his account, the para looked surprised and walked away. so much is wrong with what happened by my son did the right thing and I’m proud of him

Thank you. He doesn’t want to be in this situation and tries his best.

Hi, My son was being interrogated by the school Dean (disciplinarian) and he repeatedly asked for me to be called. He refused to talk at first but the man told my autistic (and demand avoidant) “you aren’t in control here.” First, the school official and a recess teacher didn’t follow my son’s behavior plan IEP. But can they deny him contact with me in a stressful situation. That is not in the IEP. Thank you for any help. I find the forums really helpful.

my son is autistic and adhd. He has become dysregulated in stressful situations. What is stressful for him is not for other students. He makes noises or comments not related to the class when he experiences stress or anxiety. In his IEP, we have steps to help him regulate and to express himself.

Thank you! I am doing what you suggested

In my son’s charter school a revised parent guide lists emotional dysregulation as a behavior as level 1 offense. It’s just crazy. It is becoming clear to me they are trying to use a new school wide discipline system in lieu of special education and behavior interventions. I have begun advocating against this because that is just wrong. He has one more year there before high school. It may be revised yet before school starts. this maybe the wrong place to post but if you have supporting sources or further reading I’d appreciate.

The school said An Armstrong student is just a category of students who have a disability such as autism, and we have to determine ESY eligibility by February 28th. last year they determined he didn’t need extended school year and this year he’s doing even better academically. i feel there’s an ulterior motive

My son’s school (a charter) just asked to move his annual IEP meeting from the end of the year to later this month because he moved up to a more advanced ELA class and is “an Armstrong student” I will ask the school but would like to hear from experts here, too.