Speek Softly and Carry a Big Stick

Speek Softly and Carry a Big Stick. Or in our case, say as little as necessary and let the team do their thing. IEP meeting time, you see. November 30. Gonna move Thanksgiving back a week in fact. Just kidding.

We have a lawyer this time, a recording device, an updated evaluation from an MD with a recommendation for increased therapy plus a 1:1, an updated evaluation relative to Zach's verbal ability which shows regression as compared to this summer, and a verbal agreement by the director of the ABA program at Zach's school to concur with the recommendation/request for Zach to receive additional hours at home. The director will be present at the meeting, and has indicated that she will speak to the data we will present, and has discussed her recommendation to the director of the school who said she will also be present at the meeting. According to the ABA director, both her and the school director are on board for the request. Also to be used, as needed, is the case that a fellow student of Zach's has just received approval for both the school program and home based services simultaneously, showing precedent of "double stacking" or providing a school program and itinerant services simultaneously.

The data we will present shows a regression. Actually, a huge regression. If you were wondering the reason for my silence a few weeks ago - that has a lot to do with it. Since putting Zach into the school, he has been less verbal. However, when I reviewed the recent report our in home therapist wrote up, and in particular the graph of his skills, I was nothing short of overwhelmed with how deep a regression this is. My sails deflated, I moved nowhere.

Do I still think the school program is the right option? Yes - if we get home services provided as well. Zach cannot be in the home all day receiving services - it doesn't work for him. He gets edgy and wants to leave, cries and tantrums. He can handle some home based services, but not 40 hours a week worth. 15 hours I believe would be OK. Plus, lets not forget trying to get the right cast of characters for a home based program. Yikes.

This is hard stuff. I pray that things go smoothly. I know I have right on my side. I know they have financial restrictions and a bad economy on theirs. The more now, the less later. I do believe. Good may prevail. I just have to keep my big trap shut.