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Borderline mental retardation

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

My daugther has been recieving IEP for 2 years and half. Yesterday we had her triennial…the outcome was she was borderline…overall psychological testing is 79. So, she will be placed into a more structure classroom environment…I am a bit worried. I don’t know yet what will be the situtation in that classroom, either it will be for her level or with severe cases of LD. Has anyone out there have this experience?
Anyway, I will bring this question up for our IEP discussion next month. Personal experiences is much more believable. Thanks.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 04/25/2001 - 11:23 PM

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The first question that comes to mind is what was her IQ before? Did it drop? If so there is a symptom called the Matthew effect I believe. It is called so because of a saying in the gospel according to Matthew “The rich get richer, the poor get poorer.” Basically, it means that a child who has difficulty reading will not be exposed to as much knowledge from reading if she is not receiving appropriate remediation. She will get “poorer” in knowledge and therefore her IQ can go down. See what her IQ was before. Check to see if it has changed downwards since the first testing.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/26/2001 - 2:26 AM

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You might consider going and visiting the classroom they are suggesting for her. You are entirely within your rights in doing that and it may help you at IEP time.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 04/26/2001 - 8:47 PM

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My daughter has a similar profile. She’s now finishing up 3rd grade. She’s been in special day classes since 1st grade. I think that’s probably what you mean by “more structured” classes.
There’s a few things I’d suggest you look for in a SDC (special day class). One, there should be mainstreaming opportunities daily. My daughter, while in the SDC for the academic subjects, is assigned to a regular ed 3rd grade class for PE, art, music and some science and social studies projects. While she prefers being in the SDC, I think the mainstreaming opportunity is a good experience for her.
Secondly, the SDC teacher should be up on the most effective programs - in reading, handwriting, math. Check out what they’re using, and then ask on this bulletin board for opinions on the programs.
Thirdly, and very importantly in my view - some SDC classes accept kids who are much more severely handicapped than your daughter may be. This in itself is not a problem, but I find that some disabilities result in some serious behavioral issues. While my daughter has zillions of learning issues, she is very sweet and cooperative. I worry a lot about some of the more severe behavioral challenges in the class. Some SDCs, however, do not include the kids with these issues and, instead, place the kids with behavioral problems in a different program.
Just a few things you might want to check out at your IEP. Hope this helped!Rosafay wrote:
>
> My daugther has been recieving IEP for 2 years and half.
> Yesterday we had her triennial…the outcome was she was
> borderline…overall psychological testing is 79. So, she
> will be placed into a more structure classroom
> environment…I am a bit worried. I don’t know yet what will
> be the situtation in that classroom, either it will be for
> her level or with severe cases of LD. Has anyone out there
> have this experience?
> Anyway, I will bring this question up for our IEP discussion
> next month. Personal experiences is much more believable.
> Thanks.

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 04/27/2001 - 9:27 PM

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Thank you for taking your time to answer my questions. Behavioral issues is my main concern…my child can be very mouthy sometimes, but sweet and cooperative 98% …specially in the classroom.

Her IQ 3 years ago was 78%. I will absolutely go in her classroom and observe. If it will not be on her benefit…I will consider homeschooling.

Again thank you. Your responses gave me more insight on what questions should I ask.

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