Ask:
Yea! Our son was assessed for learning disabilities. He qualifies! Yea. His iq is in the superior range. The difference between his performance and intelligence was great enough that we can now move forward with an IEP!
We are so happy to move past this hurdle!
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Yea!! We wish we didn't need the IEPs, but they are so valuable and do help, with the right goals and people involved. I have a meeting on the 28th for my son's and haven't had time to think about it. One thing I've noticed is they put other kids with issues in the same class as my son because the teacher is absolutely wonderful, patient and wise. However, two of the kids have anger issues, and tend to bully. One girl is a prima donna and is very rude to the point of cruel. That doesn't gel well for my son, who, as Aspergers are, is very sensitive on the inside. He internalizes everything, and then obsesses about it.
It is so important to have these resources. Study up on what is out there on your state's website, your district's website, etc. Use the term Special Needs. I had no idea what was out there (no one offers!) until I was messing around with the district website and came across some forms an evaluator needed to use.
Be a buddy to the resource teacher and psychologist - they should be trained to know what is out there, but often don't. However, they can explore for you and can do many recommendations - they have a lot of pull.
Good luck! Get ready for a wild ride! Isn't it such a relief to know that help is coming? My quest started because I knew my son couldn't control his impulses, such as touching others (he outgrew and worked hard on that), talked all the time (still does) and got crazy in loud situations. I didn't want him sitting in the principal's office because I knew what he did was not knowingly, willingly bad behavior, where punishment would work. That simple goal developed into all this. Wow.
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Yay! It's such a great feeling when things start to move in the right direction.
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Desertmom is correct. Do your research and know your rights.
Always keep in mind your child and their best interests.
I always take my dh with me to IEP meetings as I'm the "emotional" parent and he is the "analytical" parent. Between the two of us, we usually end up with a decent number of minutes from each therapist and attainable yearly goals.
Feel free to post any questions you may have on the boards before your meeting and I'm sure one of us will be able to offer you any advice!
I take a small picture of my ds with me and if things get off course, I look at it and remember that I'm here for him.
Congrats on the diagnosis and Best Wishes for a productive meeting and IEP!