Wendy,

I found a pro bono lawyer to represent my son. We are awaiting an alternate placement. Making up for all of the years the school system failed him may not be possible, but I am hoping to turn things around with enough momentum to change the quality and direction of his life. Don't give up, keep advocating and demand support!

Lillyiris, wondering if you ever got a solution? We are in the East Bay and struggling in mainstream middle school. I think we need an alternative; fast. We do have an IEP and an ASD (high functioning) diagnosis. No way could I afford a lawyer to fight the district but Orion and Springstone are about 30K/year for private placement.

Nor money for a lawyer for that matter.

I don't even have an IEP for him... just an outdated 501. :(

Orinda Academy and Springstone in Lafayette both accept IEP-funded students. You would have to get the district to fund placement in a non-public school (which typically takes hiring a lawyer).