What should we expect?
What should you expect from our school district when one has a Special Needs child? Especially when your child is in need of specialized instruction and social skill building?
When we were asked what we felt our son needed 3 years ago, I immediately mentioned time with his peers. He learns by example as does everyone else. So why not put him with more typical students now so he can learn some of their behavior- good or bad. It was hinted that some parents might not want their typical child in a classroom with non typical children- what a joke huh? I was basically ignored by the school district and so called experts.
Today my son is serves as a role model in his classroom, with other Special Needs children- all of which are so dear and lovable. He is doing great and making strides but at the age of 6 he still has yet to have any significant time with more typical students. Instead he has been enrolled in a BOCES program largely because our school district is completely understaffed and has yet to realize that the growing need for specialized education, is not going away any time soon. This year, they added another classroom for Special Education, but still rely on the talents of one teacher for the district with dozens of new ASD cases last year alone.
So my son, who is smart, and considered, passive and high functioning is in a classroom, with other special needs children who have a similar lack of social skills, are non-verbal, have downs syndrome or cerebral palsey- again- these kids are awesome, but where is the role model for these kids?
The main issue with my son is the fact that he is non-verbal, so why is he in a classroom with 9 others, 7 of which talk on a very limited basis or not at all? How is it that my son, serves as the role model in his class, when he needs help himself?
It’s a horrible situation to be in, and one I am addressing, once again- this week with the school system. My son deserves better than what the school system is providing.
And although I understand their needs to be a process to this madness, the process should not take precedent over the education and opportunity’s for my son. At least , make the attempt to find parents who understand how their typical child can be a role model for those who are less than fortunate and or just need a little more time to bloom.
In fact, I think I will start an integrated playgroup myself- asap. It’s funny, with Autism, parents seeks help from professionals, but more often than not, the professionals really are the one’s getting the education. Come on professionals, be innovative and lets unlock this terrible condition.
