Can you ask what degree the systems psychologist has? Many times the credentials of a school psychologist would not be enough to override the opinion of a private practice psychologist, certainty not a Psychiatrist who would have an MD. In your state it looks like school psychologists can't just go out into private practice- they would need to pass a board examination. Would certainly question whether the school psychologist is qualified enough to reject the professional independent assessment of a private-practicing psychologist- I doubt they can http://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certifi...

In Wisconsin, the schools look at the medical reports, however we also have the ability to place a child in special ed using the eligibility category of "Educational Autism" which has of course a list of eligibility requirements which are somewhat vague so easy to have a child receive services if they meet the criteria. In high school they look at the student's grades in regular education. How are his grades? :) I rarely check this site..so sorry!

Thank you Ms. Erickson for your responses. I have a Board Certified Child Psychiatrist who see's my grandson on a regular basis and she has given us an assessment addressed to the School system and spells out her assessment of his needs are as a IEP is concerned. His current IEP only addresses OHI which does not provide much in the way of help in High School. He received much more attention in Middle School and did better than he has in his Freshman year.

It is sad..some states the teachers refer and get kids tested rather quickly (1-2 months) and other states parents can go 12 years with many refusals to test and the child/teen gets nothing...so so sad. If you can show HOW the diagnosis affects his school functioning, they cannot deny services. At the very least he could get a 504 with accommodations.

Thank you for your insight. I am going to look into the state regulations for assessment and will heed your advice. Like you say this is not for me-it is for my grandson and any other child who's caregivers may not have be able to speak up. Thanks again for taking the time to comment!!!