Hello. I've joined this board about a month ago and have been reading but this is my first real post.
My name is Heide and I have an amazingly sweet boy named Josh that is 8 years old and has Asperger's. Josh has an older brother (10) and a younger brother ( and sister (2). Our life is pretty well adjusted. Home is good, church is good, sports are good. Of course, nothings perfect but everyone "understands" Josh and rolls with what we can.
Our BIG problem is school. I'm so frustrated I don't know what to do. He's in 3rd grade and we've started the RTI process but since I've heard nothing. When I ask how long it's going to take they say maybe 3-4 months. Is this normal? It seems like so long! I know there is a process but in 3-4 months Josh could start hating school? When the social worker interviewed him (part of the RTI process? ) she asked him "what's the problem in school?" and his response was "I am the problem". I cried when I read that. How sad!?!?
During our first RTI meeting the social worker told his teacher that she had some great reading material and would love to let the teacher borrow it. The teachers response was thank you but right now I have night school and a new baby and I just honestly don't have time. And THIS is the person my son is with all day!
I honestly think Josh would benefit from being in a different environment. Is there a good place for Asperger's children in elementary school? The ESE dept said there were no classes for ASD in grade school and that he'll be okay in a Gen Ed setting. Ummm, it's not working now!?!?!?
I'm just so lost. Sorry if I skipped around and this doesn't make sense. It breaks my heart. He's so happy over the weekend and then he comes home from school and he seems so down. He's only 8, he shouldn't have to deal with this.
Oh, and I don't think I mentioned but we live in Pinellas County. Largo/Seminole area.
Oooh, one more question, what is the "recommended", if there is such a thing, teacher/student ratio for a child with ASD?
Thanks for ANY advice.
Heide
My name is Heide and I have an amazingly sweet boy named Josh that is 8 years old and has Asperger's. Josh has an older brother (10) and a younger brother ( and sister (2). Our life is pretty well adjusted. Home is good, church is good, sports are good. Of course, nothings perfect but everyone "understands" Josh and rolls with what we can.
Our BIG problem is school. I'm so frustrated I don't know what to do. He's in 3rd grade and we've started the RTI process but since I've heard nothing. When I ask how long it's going to take they say maybe 3-4 months. Is this normal? It seems like so long! I know there is a process but in 3-4 months Josh could start hating school? When the social worker interviewed him (part of the RTI process? ) she asked him "what's the problem in school?" and his response was "I am the problem". I cried when I read that. How sad!?!?
During our first RTI meeting the social worker told his teacher that she had some great reading material and would love to let the teacher borrow it. The teachers response was thank you but right now I have night school and a new baby and I just honestly don't have time. And THIS is the person my son is with all day!
I honestly think Josh would benefit from being in a different environment. Is there a good place for Asperger's children in elementary school? The ESE dept said there were no classes for ASD in grade school and that he'll be okay in a Gen Ed setting. Ummm, it's not working now!?!?!?
I'm just so lost. Sorry if I skipped around and this doesn't make sense. It breaks my heart. He's so happy over the weekend and then he comes home from school and he seems so down. He's only 8, he shouldn't have to deal with this.
Oh, and I don't think I mentioned but we live in Pinellas County. Largo/Seminole area.
Oooh, one more question, what is the "recommended", if there is such a thing, teacher/student ratio for a child with ASD?
Thanks for ANY advice.
Heide