Alabama and education for children with pdd-nos / Autism?

I assume you are asking about what education is available for children with the disorder in Alabama. I am not familiar with Alabama's resources but as a parent of a profoundly mentally challenged child, I will tell you what I do know.


The best place to start is ask your pediatrician about resources. The mental health facility is a very good place to start. Depending on the child's age, your area may have something available like First Steps, which is an early intervention service for children with developmental delays available for children up to 3 years old. First Steps was wonderful for my daughter.


After she turned 3, we were referred to a state-run facility that basically gave us a case manager and helped to identify the special needs for our child but after 3 years with them, we still have not been able to actually RECEIVE services because the waiting list is so long, then they go through freezes. I hope your state is not as backed up as ours is.


As far as education, public schools are required to provide an education to special needs children, per the Americans with Disabilities Act. The special needs child is given an IEP (individualed education plan) so that the child is taught what is appropriate for his/her abilities. The parent's involvement and input in the IEP is very important. If you do not agree with the IEP, you can change it.





Individuals with Disabilities Education Act:





The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (formerly called P.L. 94-142 or the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975) requires public schools to make available to all eligible children with disabilities a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment appropriate to their individual needs.





IDEA requires public school systems to develop appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEP's) for each child. The specific special education and related services outlined in each IEP reflect the individualized needs of each student.





IDEA also mandates that particular procedures be followed in the development of the IEP. Each student's IEP must be developed by a team of knowledgeable persons and must be at least reviewed annually. The team includes the child's teacher; the parents, subject to certain limited exceptions; the child, if determined appropriate; an agency representative who is qualified to provide or supervise the provision of special education; and other individuals at the parents' or agency's discretion.





If parents disagree with the proposed IEP, they can request a due process hearing and a review from the State educational agency if applicable in that state. They also can appeal the State agency's decision to State or Federal court. For more information, contact:





Office of Special Education Programs


Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services


U.S. Department of Education


400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.


Washington, D.C. 20202-7100








I hope this helps. I know how hard it is with a special needs child and I wish you the best. If you have any other questions, feel free to email me at jude31@yahoo.com.