We haven't gotten a difinitive diagnosis. Out of four specialists, two think it is PDD-NOS; the others don't know. My son is five, but can't talk, is social, but has cognitive delays. He just doesn't fit neatly into one category for a diagnosis, but I feel pretty confident that his developmental issues are here to stay, so I want to make sure I am preparing him for the future.
In addition to private ABA-based speech therapy, we also take him to special needs gymnastics and swim lessons.
In the fall, he will attend kindergarten, with most of his day in the special ed classroom in a program for mostly autistic kids. What do parents do for after school care for their special needs kids? Also, looking forward, I am hopeful that my son can attend some sort of college or skills training program. Are there waiting lists for this type of thing? What do most kids with autism do after they graduate from high school? Do they have programs beyond the high school level where autistic kids can socialize with other special needs kids or volunteer in the community? How long do they generally continue with speech therapy? (Again, this is forward-looking since my son is only five.)
What about summer camps or vacation programs for families with special needs kids? I heard about one program in Aspen where the kids go during the day with a helper, and the parents come back and sleep with them in the cabins at night. Does anyone know about this camp?
Lots of questions here, I know. Just looking for some direction.
Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated!!
:)Parents of children with PDD-NOS or AUTISM: What kinds of things should I be doing for my 5 year old son?
If you reside in the US, he should have an IEP in place. Every 3 years it is required for them to be re-evaluated by the school to see if he stills meets the requirements set forth by IDEA, the re-evaluation can be done sooner per parents or teachers request. Once a year they must also review his IEP to see how he is doing with short/long term goals, therpies etc and adjust as needed to suit him, this review can be done sooner also as per parent or teachers request. During these reviews his therapist should be there going over previos goals, how he did, new goals and so on. They will let you know when they feel he no longer needs it, same with the ABA therapist, it depends on each individual has to how much, what type of therpay and how long they'll need it for. One of the things they always must consider is the least restrictive enviroment whioch means to the fully extent they must be eduacted with their peers without disabilities, so when he gets older, yes he may still have an IEP but he may be in mainstream classes rather than special ed classes or have a combination of both.
If he does have an IEP when he gets older they have what is called
Transition Services. Transition refers to activities meant to prepare students with disabilities for adult life. This can include developing postsecondary education and career goals, getting work experience while still in school, setting up linkages with adult service providers such as the vocational rehabilitation agency--whatever is appropriate for the student, given his or her interests, preferences, skills, and needs. Statements about the student鈥檚 transition needs must be included in the IEP after the student reaches a certain age:
Transition planning, for students beginning at age 14 (and sometimes younger)--involves helping the student plan his or her courses of study (such as advanced placement or vocational education) so that the classes the student takes will lead to his or her post-school goals.
Transition services, for students beginning at age 16 (and sometimes younger)--involves providing the student with a coordinated set of services to help the student move from school to adult life. Services focus upon the student鈥檚 needs or interest in such areas as: higher education or training, employment, adult services, independent living, or taking part in the community.
I don't know about the camp you mentioned but you may want to check into Hole in the Wall Camps, http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org
They have a variety of special needs camps throughout the US and worldwide. You may also want to check with your local/state park districtor even look into national parks.Parents of children with PDD-NOS or AUTISM: What kinds of things should I be doing for my 5 year old son?
in the US-
you shoud be registered with your state DDD
Division of developmental diasbilities
tehy shoudl refer you to any available after school programs or summer camps--
in mya rea most ARCs run a summer camp---and there are a bunchof otehr privatelyt run camps..
DDD can assist with supported employment...if his skill level is high enough-he may benefit from services trhoguh VOCATIONAL REHAB
DDD will also work with you to make arrangements for group home/independent living--especially if you are no longer able to be a caretaker
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