My Experience

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Home : 2005 : October : 12

My Experience
By AD

The process I've been through is similar to LisaM. Last year I suspected a child in my class could possibly have been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (kept that to myself though).

This is what I had to do...
First
I discussed my concerns with her 3rd grade teacher who had the same concerns that year too. She tried to discuss it with this child's mom, but she immediately got defensive and nothing came out of it.

I didn't want that to happen again, because I felt strongly enough that there was a problem. BTW, throughout this time I had told her mother I was concerned (I was sensitive

to her feelings yet honest with her). At first she was very upset with me and wanted her daughter moved out of my class. After talking to her a few times (I also talked to the principal about the move out of my class-didn't happen) she was much calmer and willing to move ahead with the process.

I talked to the special ed. teacher and our school psychologist. I had quite a bit of paperwork to fill out based on my observations in the classroom (checklists, etc...). I had to describe the two main areas I thought were difficult for her. I then came up with a plan (2 goals for each area) of what I could do in the classroom to help her (called interventions). I had to document my observations for about a week.

Then I had to meet with the special ed. evaluator for our district, two special ed. teachers, and school psychologist (Child Study Team) to present my concerns and interventions. We discussed the fact that there were enough concerns to begin testing.

At this point it was out of my hands. The special ed. team and evaluators got in touch with her parents to discuss testing, scheduling, etc.

Awhile later a meeting was scheduled to discuss the testing results and what would be done to help this student. We set up an initial IEP and explained the entire special ed. process with her parents. I was relieved that I didn't have to tell her parents that she was diagnosed with Asperger's.

It can be a time consuming and difficult process, especially because it's difficult for the parents to go through. Eventually she came around and thanked me for going with my concerns and making sure her daughter was tested. I strongly suggest that if you feel a child may be LD, get the child tested. My student was at the end of 4th grade before she was finally diagnosed. She could have gotten the help much sooner in school.

If you aren't sure, talk to the special ed. teacher or school psychologist. I believe that typically it's not the teacher's responsibility to inform the parents of a diagnosis. I made the decision myself to have her tested, and thankfully had the parents' support.