Q bout how to classify my child

Good grief! You could be talking about my child–

Speech 2x a week, resource room 5x for writing and OT once or 2x in starting March.

Only he’s in 4th grade.

I’m hoping someone else answers your question. My son’s file list him as having all three issues. His primary classification is speech impaired with the other two as secondary but I was told this was only because the speech thing was diagnosed first. At first I was concerned about this as he receives more help with the LD but it hasn’t been an issue. In fact, I get along well with the speech clinician so it is nice that she is my first contact if I have general questions or concerns. I’m also free to contact the LD teacher or anyone on his “team.” So, for us, it’s been a none issue as to what he is classifiled. Your school may handle this very, very different.

Barb

My child was classified as speech impaired in K. At the end, he was declassified. His speech had improved a lot that year, although he still (age 9) receives speech services. Without a LD classification,he would not have qualified for academic help in first grade (which everyone agreed he needed).

An LD classification may be more permanent—able to get him the help he needs until the academic problems are resolved. Speech impaired may last only until the speech issues are resolved enough to exit from that classification (which does not necessarily eliminate speech services just the academic services).

At least that is how it has worked in my experience.

Beth

Barb,

Thanks for responding! Its nice to know that Im not alone in this.

My SD is not very cooperative and its usually a battle to get
any services or accamadations.

WOuld you be kind enough to share some of the accomodations
that are part of your IEP?

Currently i have preferential seating and extended time on tests.
From reading this site , Id like to add work to be graded on content
not spelling and handwritng. I r ealize more accom. will be necessary
in later years as writing expectations become more complex.

Have u researched Alpha Smart ?

Any and all help would be so greatly appreciated @
Thanks !

I agree that you want it on the record that he qualifies for services base on each of his areas of need. That way if his test scores suddenly make him ineligible for services in one area, he still qualifies based on another. I hope your son is learning to use a computer. Computers saved my education.

My child is also currently labeled speech/language impaired. She was recently tested and now qualifies for LD in reading comprehension. Because the SLP is willing to work on reading comprehension (since it is actually written language comprehension), I am currently leaving her SL impaired rather than changing to LD. I prefer for her to be pulled by one person rather than two. We also have all the accommodations we want on the SL IEP. So at the moment, there is no reason to change her. I may change her later if other academic needs become apparent.

Janis

It really would depend on how your state views the classifications,and there individual criteria for placement.

Basicly this is a child that would be defined in IDEA as a child with a disability.

The disabling condition is educationally relevant and goals to address each area of need should be developed.