Georgia Said:

physical therapy schools.?

We Answered:

No, I'm pretty sure you have to get a doctorate anywhere you go. That's what they mentioned in my orientation (I live in Ohio). If you start now though, it won't be as bad as you think. And you can always get married while you are still in school if you really want to. I'm just now starting my freshman year and I'm almost 28, so by the time I get my bachelors I will be about 31, which is just the perfect age to get married in my opinion lol. Good luck in whatever you decide!

Greg Said:

My autistic child is in an inclusion class and the staff are failing her as a whole!?

We Answered:

To prepare for the meeting I would look at this site: http://www.untangleautism.org/iep.htm

I would come prepared to TEACH the TEACHERS and so called "Specialists" about Autism. You should do a presentation along with sheets that inform them of the basic characteristics and needs of a child on the spectrum. They will probably be defensive and say "we know this already" we are 'certified', and you need to reply, "Well if you know it, than it is even more unexcusable that you are not attending to my daughters special needs."

So, I'm going to give a little review! ( It's also a little psych on them that you are using "teachers language and terms).

Be insistant that you be allowed to present the information you have as that is what and IEP is for: to exchange information.

After you have told them about autism in general (be informative but brief) you need to tell them about your daughters SPECIFIC needs, traits, and challenges.
As although autistic children have some similiar traits/characteristics your daughter is a unique individual, and I am sure you know her best. So be your daughters advocate and voice to them what she cannot.

You also have the right to have your daughter have a one on one aide. This is a person who will sit in the classroom with your daughter. This should be a person who 'oversees' your daughter and makes sure she is getting the attention and special input that she needs.
For example: They say your daughter 'misbehaves'. (grrrr.) The one on one should have a PLAN so that if your daughter is getting FRUSTRATED which is different from misbehaving, than the aide can take your daughter aside and do things that BENEFIT your daughter to lessen her frustration level, and integrate her back into the group. Not send your daughter out as a punishment!

The one on one aide should be in close communication with the teacher, the specialist both speech and therapy. The aide should go with your daughter to the sessions so that she can take what your daughter is (supposed to be learning) there, and incorporate it into her classroom life. There should be a back and forth book which the aide writes a blurb about your daughters day with challenges and accomplishments of your daughter. (although I am sure this will have to be overseen as they don't want legal repurcussions for anything they put in writing). There should be room for you to comment back to the aide if you have anything to say. This should be put in your daughters backpack at the end of each day to be sent home by the aide, and you send it back in her backpack to school.

The aide should have different forms of communicating with your daughter according to your daughters needs. Yes, a various communication tactics should be used, and given time and patience to see which forms of communicating is best for your child. The aide should have cards that show visuals, so your daughter understands rather than just expecting her to react to communication. She should have various means of SENSORY INPUT (touch, feel, sound, sight, etc) to help your daughter grasp the material.

It is not to say that the aide is your daughters teacher. The aide is to support your daughter in understanding the teacher, and the ways of the teachers classroom. They are to support the teachers curriculum and communicate with the teacher the progress and lack of regarding your daughter. The aide must be considerate of the teacher for this to be effective/progressive for your daughter.

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this, and more sorry that your daughter's needs are not being paid attention to as they ethically, and legally should provide.

Go to the IEP meeting in a calm, firm and confident manner as you KNOW what your child needs better than anyone. You do this by being 'prepared' and knowing your rights as your childs advocate. You seem like a very concerned, involved mother and you can express for your daughter, what your daughter cannot express herself. KNOWLEGE IS POWER.

Let us know how it turns out.

(If your child still isn't getting the care she is entitled to and it's not WRITTEN INTO THE IEP immediately.....than come back here, and we will give you some LEGAL advice/resources!)

All the very best to you!

Shelly Said:

UMBC vs. UMD for Pre- PT?

We Answered:

Any accredited PT school is fine. Here are the links to all of the schools an their pre reqs

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?sect…

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…

http://www.apta.org/AM/Template.cfm?Sect…

Morris Said:

Is my College Essay okay?

We Answered:

Wow! Excellent!

Agnes Said:

Physical Therapy?

We Answered:

You will not have to go through more schooling, but you will need to apply for reciprocity (transferring of licensure). I would call the local federation of state boards of PT.

Not all states license PTAs, so you might even be exempt.

But here is the contact info for the FSBPT
http://www.fsbpt.org/licensing/index.asp

Peter Said:

University of Maryland College Park (UMDCP)

We Answered:

Ill be attending Maryland in the fall and if your going on a guided tour while your there they will take you to the most important places. You should see McKeldin Library, Byrd Stadium and Comcast Center if your into sports or just want to visit those places. I would recommend visiting the Eppley Recreation Center which is a pretty impressive facility. You will walk throughout the Stamp Student Union on the tour and that is certainly an important part of campus. And definitely make sure to stop at The Dairy for some Ice Cream. The dairy is located in Turner Hall which is the visitors center.

Enjoy your visit.