Marcus Said:

My brother is autistic and I was wondering if anyone knows any good occupational and speech therapies.?

We Answered:

try to go to arism web sites they might be able to hook you up with an autism group in your area and they will be able to hook you up with help

Vera Said:

Will the Illinois Medical Card pay for Catholic School for my son?

We Answered:

I think you should ask this of the people already helping your child with his speech. If they can not answer it then they should be able to refer you to the right person who can answer it.

Linda Said:

ABA services from School District?

We Answered:

You can request ABA services, however, the school district is not required to provide ABA for your child. The law states that the school district must provide a free and appropriate education (FAPE) but it does not state exactly what appropriate means. You can find lots of research to support ABA, but you can also find lots of research against it. There are so many different approaches, therapies, and theories as to the best way to treat autism that it is difficult to make the argument that any one approach is the best or most effective. The experts and research contradicts each other, and unless the child has extreme behavior issues and an exceptionally low functioning level that prevents him from being educated in a district school, you won't get far with your request.

You might want to check with your insurance company to see if they will pay for therapy for your son. With the new changes and laws some insurance companies are paying for more and more for kids with ASD.

Good luck!

Ray Said:

summer maintenence.....?

We Answered:

ESY (extended school year) is determined by data collection of skill regression following a break in programming. The staff probably began collecting data after Christmas break. You can always ask them for speech services or at least to be a part of a speech group. The district is not required to provide all therapies that are present during the regular school year, but if you ask they might be able to oblige you in some way. You always have the right to pursue extra therapy then bill the district through due process. That is drastic. I think you really like your child's team. It's good to keep a great relationship.

The school district I work for does offer some speech therapy in the summer especially for kids with autism. It might not be the level of service your child is currently receiving, but remember ESY is for maintenance only. Not for teaching new skills (although that does typically happen in a good setting). So the level of service might be less (i.e., 1 x week during the summer as opposed to 2 or 3x a week during school year). Just enough therapy to keep the skills he has.

Keep track of your child's behavior at home. If you noticed he is losing communication skills at home after a break in programming, let the staff know. Most districts want to provide as much service as possible. Unfortunately, all schools are limited by funding.

Also, check your local autism chapter. More and more groups of people are hiring therapists to run groups. It is much more economical than hourly speech therapy. Another alternative could be to see if any college's in your area have a speech-language pathology program. If they do, the university may have a clinic that provides free speech therapy for their students to learn. Just some alternatives for you to think about.
Good luck to you and your son!

Dan Said:

WOULD ANYONE LIKE TO ADOPT MY FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS ?

We Answered:

I would contact a Salvation Army or your local Assistant office. I know the Salvation Army will help you if you don't make to much. They will give you several toys for each of your boys. For they tree why don't you and your three year old make one. Take a paper towel roll and attach newspaper in the shape of branches to the roll. You can buy some green paint for .44 cents at Walmart and paint it. Then make some ornaments out of scrap paper you have around the house and hang it. Your sons are still little so they won't know the difference and I am sure your 3year old would have fun making it. I don't have much money either so I wouldn't be able to help you out on anything new, but I may have some used books and clothing that is in good condition that I might be able to send to you depending on how much it would cost to mail it. Email and let me know and I will see what I have if anything.