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Real members of MyAutismTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Special needs school

A MyAutismTeam Member asked a question 💭
Lusby, MD

Ok parents very important question they are trying to close our special needs school claims it's against our children's civil rights, my children being severely autistic I feel they need this also everyone in the school is trained all the way from the top to the janitors please I'm getting ready to fight the board of education I need everyone's opinion.

March 11, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a parent fighting to keep a specialized autism school open after the school board claimed placing severely autistic... Read more

Members rallied around a parent fighting to keep a specialized autism school open after the school board claimed placing severely autistic children in dedicated facilities violates civil rights, with many expressing that budget concerns were being disguised as advocacy. Several members shared practical legal guidance, including consulting special education attorneys who often provide free consultations, understanding FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education) rights which protect a child's access to appropriate settings rather than just any setting, and reviewing IEP documents that legally bind districts to agreed-upon placements without parental consent for changes. A recurring theme was fierce advocacy for specialized environments where all staff are trained to support these children's unique sensory and learning needs, with members sharing their own difficult experiences in mainstream classrooms and encouraging the parent to fight hard, gather petition signatures, document violations, and remind the board that parents know their children's needs better than budget-driven administrators.

A MyAutismTeam Member

I recommend contacting a lawyer that specializes in special education. You can find one online. Call them and get their advice. Most offer a free consultation so it shouldn’t cost you anything. Also, find your most recent IEP. That should identify what type of educational setting has been agreed to by you and the school district. If your current school is shown in the IEP the school district cannot change it without your agreement (which would be documented on an IEP signed by both you and the district). If IEP documents your child will be instructed in your current school and district attempts to change without your permission- they are in violation of Federal Law and the attorney should be able to force them to comply. The school district will also be required to pay your attorney fees. Let me know if you need further assistance.

March 12, 2018
A MyAutismTeam Member

For your children, it would be a violation of FAPE, free appropriate education. Putting your kids in a regular classroom would not be appropriate because they have sensory issues (too loud, need quiet, need small class size, etc). I had the opposite issue where my district was putting everyone in special needs even if that wasn’t the most appropriate place for them.

March 12, 2018
A MyAutismTeam Member

Make sure to brush up on your Wright's law (wrightslaw.com) and remind them of every error they commit in a friendly way...

March 13, 2018
A MyAutismTeam Member

FAPE is for a free and APPROPRIATE education whether it be at a public school or not. This depends on the students' needs! The question is, can the public schools in your area handle it?

March 12, 2018
A MyAutismTeam Member

Hi Sis! I've said a million times: these people are insane! I have never heard anything as idiotic as what these "professionals" are stating. They are pathetic! My children were placed into the "population" of "regular" students, and it was a disaster! Even the "special needs teachers" have trouble understanding and teaching our children! How in the world will anyone else know what to do????? I've been through that "h -ll before! Fight like h-ll Sis! If you can get an online petition; I'll sign! Love you and Blessings!

March 12, 2018

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