8 Important Items to Help You Advocate For Your Child With Aspergers Syndrome

Has your child recently been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, and you are struggling to get your school district to recognize the diagnosis? Would you like to learn some important information to help you in your special education advocacy efforts, for your child? This article will specifically address things that you need to know to help you fight for special education services for your child.

Things that you need to know.

1. Aspergers Syndrome has its own category in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM IV) that is used for diagnosis. It is under the umbrella of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD).

2. The American Psychiatric Association is proposing changing Aspergers Syndrome from its own category to within the autism category for the DSM V. The intent is to try and make the diagnosis of autism clearer. The decision will be made within several months (middle to end of 2010).

3. From an educational standpoint this is a wonderful decision, in my opinion, that will benefit thousands of children throughout the United States. Why? Many school districts have denied children with this disorder special education services because they state that the child does not have autism, and so therefore is not eligible. But in reality the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act state that a child must have one of 13 covered disabilities and have educational need. Aspergers is a part of the autism spectrum and should be a covered disability; though you may need to advocate for this.

4. Many children with this disorder will require help learning appropriate social interactions and social skills. This should be provided as a special education services for your child if they need it. It could be working directly with a school social worker or participating in a small group social skills class.

5. Small groups may help your child with their education and also to develop appropriate social skills.

6. Modifications and adaptations in the regular classroom may help your child keep up with their peers.

7. Sensory integration disorder is common in many children with this disorder, and shows itself in difficulty with lights, sounds, different foods and different fabrics. If your child shows this difficulty, ask your school district for testing by an Occupational Therapist who is SIPT qualified (has received specialized training in the area of sensory integration/processing disorder).

8. Many children with Aspergers may need Occupational Therapy also for motor clumsiness. Ask for specific testing in this area if your child shows need.

Keep these 8 items in mind when you attend Individual Educational Plan Meetings (IEP) for your child. They will assist you in trying to help your child receive a Free Appropriate Public Education!

JoAnn Collins is the mother of two adults with disabilities, and has helped families navigate the special education system, as an advocate, for over 15 years. She is a presenter and author of the book "Disability Deception; Lies Disability Educators Tell and How Parents Can Beat Them at Their Own Game." The book has a lot of resources and information to help parents fight for an appropriate education for their child. For a free E newsletter entitled "The Special Education Spotlight" send an E mail to: JoAnn@disabilitydeception.com. For more information on the book, testimonials about the book, and a link to more articles go to: http://www.disabilitydeception.com.

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Swings Are An Important Factor For Kids And Vestibular Input

From toddlers and babies, boys and girls, young children to teenagers, swings are an important factor for fun! Kids love to swing for them to experience this type of play is important along with the vestibular input with no fear so they can develop properly.

Swings are used in play therapy for children who have sensory limitations. Almost all center use this as part of there plan for sensory integration therapy. This strategy is also recommended for home use or in a school setting if applicable. The calming effect it has on the children should not be overlooked because it gives them the movement that they thrive on. The technical term is vestibular and there bodies really need this for the calming effect it has. Vestibular input is directly related to the balance system and the middle ear. The vestibular system is activated through movement activities such as swinging.

Soothing and calming the baby swing which is a portable unit made for indoor home use works wonderful for the little ones. Many of older styles have built-in hand cranks for winding up the swing or the newer models feature have AC plug-in or battery operation for added flexibility with different speed vibrations for baby's relaxation. Models can be found with hammock type seats that offer reclining positions. Several models offer 6 swing speeds and play music to soothe the baby. The movement is critical to having the child relaxed and for most is a necessary investment. The baby swing is a tremendous asset to mom and dad because instead you having to rock your infant for hours the swing can give you a break. As with any swing supervision is a must because your baby should never be left unattended.

As the kids get older there are many designs on the market that offer the same effect as the baby swing does. Quite often in the therapy rooms you will see the platform swing which the kids love. Another one is the rocket rider commonly referred to as a glider swing. These swings offer the same vestibular input that they need. If you venture to the park most of them have the full bucket swings which have an envelope design keeping them safety inside the bucket.

For teenagers who still crave this movement the products available include belt swings or molded swings. These are made for the teenagers and adults so they can swing comfortably and the seat easily supports their weight. Spending time outside on a swing is very therapeutic for teenagers. Handcrafted tire swings not only are good for the environment they are fun for older kids and the animal shaped ones can handle their size. Stand-N-Swing offers another solution as far as styling and fun goes.

Furthermore, if you can afford it you should consider building a swing set in your backyard. The prices range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. There are many residential play sets to select from including the a-frame metal ones to large wooden playsets. By having a play set in your backyard you can offer the vestibular input to your kid's everyday play and not just when they have a meeting at the therapist's office.

Dianna, is also the Founder of Best Price Toys, a leading children's store offering educational toys were the focus is on creative play. She is always offering safety and education tips to parents and caregivers. She focused on parents, and wants them to properly teach children to play safe on equipment. Kids love outdoor play on Swing Sets and you can visit her store to learn more about Swing Sets for Kids.

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