I was wondering if you have any information on how to address punitive responses for behaviors related to conditions that are listed on IEP’s.
My 13-year-old son is AuDHD with generalized anxiety. Some related behaviors to those diagnoses might include shutting down, task avoidance, impulsivity, questioning rules or assignments, or hiding under a table when he was younger as a fight or flight response when he was overwhelmed. All of these behaviors would result in suspensions or punitive actions with a justification that they were ultimately safety issues for the class that override any claims for IEP protections and punitive actions are taken because he violates school policy.
Suspensions have done nothing to help change his behavior or help him, and have only contributed to additional stress and anxieties. I understand the school is probably frustrated and reacts this way to seem fair to other students or because they have no other options made available to them, but it seems archaic and counterproductive to the ultimate goals to help him.
I’m wondering if they are technically allowed to do this or if there are other options available under the IEP rules to address how he is handled when he lacks the skills to cope in certain situations. It seems like, even when they are trying to maintain a façade of fairness, he is often treated more punitively than other students are for similar actions because he does it more frequently. I’m so tired of the double standards, and the school’s inability to address these issues more proactively, so I’d love to bring some suggestions to the table at our next IEP meeting. Thank you!
