Advocate for Special Education
My current elementary age child has recently been diagnosed with high functions autism, anxiety with panic attacks, social anxiety, OCD and was in an IOP program earlier this year, eats lunch in the office because he cannot tolerate cafeteria. Receiving IIC therapy services through CMO and unfortunately even with many accommodations in 504 including breaks, preferred seating, reduced hw load, counseling, etc has struggled to attend school and tolerate the environment. He has only been able to attend school leas than 2 hours a day for the last month and spends that time doing work in CST office.These are counting as full day absences and at this point has 70+ absences and I have attended truancy court twice with another date next month.
A recent psychiatric eval noted a therapeutic environment may be needed. Recently had first IEP meeting and all offered was 40 mins of counseling a week and ICR less than 2 hrs/ day. I hired an advocate 2 weeks ago because I knew I needed to fight this and she suggested returning the form to I Do Not consent and request another meeting which ai did and now i have case manager and director of student services calling me to "discuss" my request. I notified them in my consent email I hired an advocate and was included on email but they did not reply to include her and now after 2 business days I cant reach my advocate. I do not trust the district at all, they are sneaky and lie and manipulate.
Anyone have a great experience with an advocate that is experienced, knowledgeable and responsive??? I am very desperate. TIA!
Located in Monmouth County