OK all you SPED experts out there. I have a fifth grader who tested in the MR range on district tests and parents came to me for independent testing. I’m seeing a more complicated picture than MR- a student with multiple processing problems (motor coordination disorder, language disorder, perceptual issues, learning issues- and ADD) but an IQ and functional skills at about 80- and very good rote memory skills. In fact, she is relying primarily on her memory to learn. Abstract reasoning is very challenging. The district is pushing a self- contained classroom for MR. The parents want her to remain in parachial school with continued resource help until she can enter a vocational high school. It makes sense- she has been getting by with this type of support since 2nd grade and has friends etc at school. My concern is that if we explain she is not MR or LD, but really more of a slow learner with neurological issues- they will not provide services… Do we have a legal leg to stand on? Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Re: Can ADD slow learner get resource room?
Yes, their conclusion made sense based on the tests they gave (WISC and ABI)- both in the 60’s, slightly lower than in previous testing. Problem is- I gave the C-TONI and she earned an 84. The Vineland was 80. I simply can’t call her MR with these scores. Neuropsych testing indicates motor problems, language processing issues, integrative deficits, and ADD. I’m wondering if she can be considered multiply handicapped. Other health impaired is just one part of the picture…
Re: Can ADD slow learner get resource room?
Of course you can have multiple disabilities in the label. If her Vineland score is 80, she shouldn’t be classified as MR. If she were MR, she also could be LD, OHI and ADD. Right now, slow learners are the ones that slip through the crackes because they usually don’t have the necessary discrepancies to be labeled. This should change with the new regularions. It is up to the evaluation committee to label her. If you feel that the label is wrong, you need to reconvene that committee and plead your case.
Re: Can ADD slow learner get resource room?
I agree- she cannot be MR with these scores- but I am worried that as a “shady eighty” she will fall through the cracks. This is a tough district that resists other health impaired and multiply handicapped diagnoses. I haven’t heard of new changes regarding slow learners and SPED- what changes are on the horizon?
What are the child’s adaptive behavior scores? If they are below 70 then I can understand for their persistance for the intellectually disabled exceptionality. Does the child have a medical diagnosis of ADD? If so and if the adaptive behavior scores are not below 70 then you may want to look at the Other Health Impaired category. Hope this helps.
Laurie