I will try to tell my story briefly…My son just turned 11 and has been in special ed since 1st grade. On his IEP he is labeled mutiply disabled…what does that mean? They dont know? He has never been properly diagnosed. I have tried to get the right direction and I never do. He has been evaluated at school. He gets speech and counseling. His IQ that was tested a few years again came in extremely low. i have asked if I should continue with the testing to see what the problem is and I have been told that he is in the best program for him and that even with a diagnoses it really wouldnt make a difference. I am now sure how true this is. He is currently on medication for ADD and it does help the focusing part, but as for the learning he has improved but he is still at least more than 2 years behind where he should be. What is it that I should do? I want more for my son, but I dont have the finances to do so. Please help….
Proper diagnosis....HOW????
You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (at public expense). This is a right all parents in the States have under IDEA law. It is possible that he is not getting some specific needs met because of the “fuzzy” diagnosis. Getting a complete Neuropsych evaluation done by someone outside the school district could give you a much clearer picture of what to expect with your son and what his roadblocks are. This information could also give you more information to target specific needs rather than having him in a “cookie cutter” setting.
My dd has multiple disabilities and it was VERY important to have clear information on what those issues were in order to provide her with the appropriate programs for each area.
Proper diagnosis....HOW????
Hi Lisa,
You need to submit a written request for an evaluation, and importantly, put the date on it.
Also make a copy of it to keep for yourself.
Lisa,
Some states have a special education eligibility category called “Multiple Disabilities (MD)”. Students under this category have been found eligible for special education services in two areas and typically require intervention that can’t be delivered primarily in the regular education setting. If your state distinguishes the individual areas of eligibility, your school should be able to give you that information. I think the most important thing is that your son is receiving the appropriate services. With the MD eligibility, speech/language services, and periodic counseling, it sounds like he is getting plenty of support.