New to group and could use some advice/help...

[momofsix1966]

Hi, my name is Rhonda and I have received 3 diagnosed in the past 5 months! I don't have enough time to research and look up all the things listed.  So I will provide as much info as possible and see what you say . I have enjoyed you site and very thankful for it!!  I will tell  my support group about it .

Ok.  my 9 year old has asperger's and an anxiety disorder along with a learning disability.  He is in school for the first time.  Placed in an inclusion class but has not been ruled special ed!!! 

My 6 year old has Asperger's , apraxia, dyslexia and staring seizures and of course learning disorders.  He is in school and has NOT been ruled special ed.  !!!!!!

My 4year old is in a Dev. Delayed preschool and has an IEP.  Autistic , speech delay    
All have processing issues and Sensory issues .  To top it off we live in MISSISSIPPI  !!!!!!!!!!!!

I have them on a waiting list for Sensory Integration therapy and hope to get them riding hoarses.  I get what vitamins i can and what books I can afford.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!
Thanks,
Rhonda

[KearasVoice]

Rhonda,

I just wanted to stop by and welcome you to the group.  You've come to the right place!!  There are many great women here and we all seem to have different levels of knowledge in the world of Autism.

I'm really not quite sure what your question is.  What is it that you need help with?  The one thing I did notice is the fact that your two older children do not have an IEP.  Do you realize that the school only has 30 or 60 days (can't remember which one) to do an IEP meeting if they notice a problem or are presented with documentation of special needs?  Your children are protected by laws and I would say that the first thing you need to do is address this issue with the school.  You can find great information at www.wrightslaw.com  and also by looking up IDEA.

There is no doubt that you have your hands full but education is the key to success, especially when it comes to advocating for our children.

If you have any specific questions please feel free to email me any time.

Wishing you the best

[momofsix1966]

Thanks for the reply and the info.  I just wonder if I am doing everthing i need to be doing.  WHEN I CAN I research the net and search for answers.  But usually I am the one that is told "you didn't know such and such" or "why didn't you do such and such?" Iam not familiar with all the laws and quite honestly between trying to learn about Autism and treatment and diets, I am now faced with trying tolearn LAWS.. (did i mention I'm a mom of six - one being 2years old).   I gues I just need and advocate to explain things.

Thanks for all the info.
Bless ya
Rhonda

[hakelasmom]

Welcome to this group.  That is a lot on your plate.  Did you homeschool?  So the kids have to get used to going to school too?  Well, I found there are a lot of terrific people working in the public school and it helps to listen tand work with them.  I also recommend learning all you can - especially about what approach the school is using.  Consistency and following up at home will help you all in the long run.  

[momofsix1966]

Thanks. Yes I home-schooled , or tried to, for 3 years .  I couldn't understand why it was such a struggle- then the dx's came one after the other.  I knew I needed to get them more help, so I put them in public school.       We also lived in a FEMA trailer for a year!!  (not New Orleans - Mississippi) that was interesting with a 3mo old and 3 un dxed Children. 
I just wish there was one place to "get you started"  I'm in a support group that is wonderful but info is "scattered" and unorganized.  I feel very overwhelmed.   I have been "overly polite and trusting of the school - I even go to church with some of the people, but they won't give me straight answers and my 1st grader is failing. He has a teacher that "says" all the right things but doesn't really do them.  She is more concerned with Him completing work than learning.  It's really hard on him. 
Thanks
Rhonda