I still have not heard from Crosby’s principal. I feel like the Internet is not the best way to get concrete information about what schools can offer (at least the public ones). I feel like lists of services are great references but that dose give any information about how the children are grouped or what the classroom environment is like. These are important variable for children with autism. I know that when I am parent all of the information I will have obtained as a student in this program will be useful, but what is best for my child will be the only thing that will matter. I guess that is why the family centered approach is so important. Dealing with a specific school district, with specific people responsible for informing me as a parent would be a lot different than Internet research, and a lot more meaningful. On Friday when I meet with my friend who has a son who has been diagnosed with autism I will hear about how she first started finding information.
I found more information about the services that are provided at the Kelly O’Leary Center for Autism. An 10 page document titled “Resources for Families of Children Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder” This document is available to anyone who has the internet. I found it very accessible. It details the following categories of support.
Outreach/support services for families, School/community in-services and training, School/community consultation, Treatment, Sibshops, Conferences, Classes for Families and Professionals
There is also a list of classes listed in this document. There were ten classes, which range in topics from introduction to the Autism Center to a Behavior Management class for professionals. I was also happy to see the following series of classes:
Next Steps: For Families with Children with ASD This is a series for families who want strategies for working with their child with ASD, including a focus on behavior management.
- Advanced series for more experienced families or families who have completed the Getting Started series
- Requires a commitment to attend all sessions
- Limited amount of homework
- Series is offered several times a year. There is a fee to cover the cost of materials.
I checked out that “Resources for Families of Children Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder" on their website. It would definitely be very useful to any parent looking for information.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was nice how they had a section for "Books for Siblings and Family Members". Though it may be difficult to obtain, there is one book called "Voices from the Spectrum: Parents, Grandparents, Siblings, People with Autism and Professionals Share their Wisdom," that may be of use in your question of "How do parents go about making the right decision for their child ?"
These all seem like awesome resources for families. I know reading information about difficult situations can often make the whole ordeal seem less abstract and more familiar. At the same time, hearing from others can color a parent's expectations.
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