You and Me and IEPs

Today I had a nearly two hour meeting with Sean's teacher, speech therapist, district psychologist and the principal. It's his tri-annual IEP (independent educational plan - or something like that) and every three years he is re-evaluated to determine if he continues to qualify for placement in the special education program, specifically the autism class (he does.) Sean was also being tested for bi-polar disorder and dyslexia.

Sean is not dyslexic. This is a mixed blessing. At least if he had dyslexia, we would have a definitive reason for his not being able to read or write, writing his numbers and letters backwards and a clear course of action. Dyslexia is something we can work with. Unfortunately, Sean has a problem with memory, retention and comprehension. He can recognize individual letters, but if you put them together into a word, he no longer knows what to do with them. They change into something unrecognizable. His brain can't compute them. We have a long, hard road ahead. Reading and writing are going to be hard work for him. For always.

The bipolar disorder is the better news. He shows no signs whatsoever. In fact, the psychologist said that it's quite possible Sean will never develop it. He has a very laid back, easy going personality with a good sense of humor. He shows no latent anger or violence. This is GOOD. Very good.

Everyone went on and on about how much they love Sean, they love working with him. He's got a very advanced sense of humor and they all said they are amazed by some of the things he comes up with. He's a funny, smart, quiet, sensitive kid.

Well, I could of told them THAT!