WELCOME AUBURN, MASSACHUSETTS FAMILIES!

Welcome to our blog - the place for sharing, support and information for parents of children with special needs in the Auburn, MA community. More and more parents are signing up to join our online community, and that is very exciting! It also means that our community recognizes the need to be supportive to each other and to our schools. Raising a child with any special need is at best, difficult, and at worst it is heartbreaking, frustrating, and exhausting. Emotions can run the gamut, from elation to anger. We need to support each other through all of it.

As the manager of several online support communities since 2003, I have seen people vent their frustrations in a seemingly secure environment, only to find out that their words and print have been shared and caused significant problems for them. Please remain cautious about negative comments toward any particular persons, districts or situations that could be hurtful or harmful to your family or anyone else's family. This blog is not being moderated, but there are members here who work in the school systems, who have been invited as part of our efforts to create a cohesive, transparent, supportive community.

If you are having trouble with your school district, team, administrator or teachers, the most appropriate place to discuss those concerns are with your child's team. Thank you!

Disability Scoop

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Sunday, May 2, 2010

Introduction

Hi everyone,

I have wanted to join a meeting this year, and just haven't been able to. I am glad I saw a flier at Bryn Mawr with info about this blog. My name is Bonnie, and I have two boys ages 4&6. My 6yrold is dx w/ Aspergers, and is undergoing a full neuro eval this week. He also just completed his three year re-eval at Bryn Mawr in Auburn, and has his IEP in a few weeks. I have been recommended to get an advocate, but I'm wondering if there's any downsides to this.

I look forward to meeting all of you, if not this year, then in the fall.

Best,
Bonnie
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1 comment:

  1. Cheryl ChanMay 4, 2010 at 5:28 PM

    Bonnie, deciding to get an advocate is a serious decision. In my opinion there are pros and cons, but the most important thing I think, if you do choose to hire an advocate, is that you find one who is not going to go in and start trouble where there may only be misunderstanding or a need for a firm discussion. I have been and have known many, many advocates over the years, and the best ones have not been the ones who always get what the parents want, but those who go in with you with the attitude that this is a team process and he/she is there to help you understand that process and advise you when you need it. There are, unfortunately, many inexperienced advocates who think it's their job to go in and start a screaming match to prove themselves. This is very damaging to your relationship with the school. On the other hand, I think schools often don't realize how frightening it is to walk into a meeting when it's 2 parents facing 6,8,10 people who are all required to think of the bottom line before the needs of the individual. Frankly, I have never found that to be the case in Auburn, but I know there are people who would disagree with me. I recommend that if you feel an advocate is important to you, make sure you shop for one who is experienced and not negative about everything; listens to you without taking over; and let the school know that you are bringing the person because you feel most comfortable. A good school team will be professional about your decision. Take care, and hang in there!

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