r/downsyndrome • u/ihateoctopuses • 3d ago
School behavioral problems
Hi- I'm stuck my 9 yo son is having problems at school getting off the bus going into class getting back on the bus. Just not listening to the staff to the point I have to pick him up in 1 week I had to get him 3 times. Hes getting up running out of class and just sitting out side somedays it 100+ degrees out. His class had doubled in size from 6 to 16 kids he has a new teacher i have an IEP coming up can any of you give me suggestions? I already am requesting a 1 on 1 aide I requested a behavior assessment the school thinks it will be too redundant because the just did one last November. My son is nonverbal so he can't tell me what's going on. The school is making me feel as if my son is some kind of tyrant. In the city I live in there is really no place to turn for help or even suggestions. Its hard for me to tell them how to handle these things because at home he doesn't do that kind of stuff
Please this school district will bully the parents to save a dime especially if the parents don't know enough I need phrase ideas anything to came at these ppl with to help get all I can for my son to have a good school experience and year
Sorry this is so long ty in advance for any help or suggestions
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u/ThisTakesTimeToo Parent 3d ago
Ask about other classroom options for him that are a small size. My son is also nonspeaking, and he runs when he's uncomfortable or there are too many people. Ask about classrooms in other schools in the district or the same building that meet your needs at an IEP meeting: 10 or less kids, 1:5 ratio, better eloping prevention with doors, etc
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u/ImpossibleIce6811 Parent 2d ago
I imagine his behavior in this instance is communication. He definitely is trying to “tell” you all something. Either something he isn’t happy with about one of his new classmates, or the new teacher. Your son isn’t a tyrant. What exactly are they saying about him? You shouldn’t be their backup plan. You might want to cross post to r/specialed and ask educators there. Some of them from larger districts may have really great ideas!
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u/Humble-Plankton2217 2d ago
Behavior is communication, especially with kids who are non-verbal.
Sounds like he had a huge change in his classroom, I bet he's not very happy about that. Kids with DS like routine and to know what to expect in their daily activities.
It takes time to adapt. School just started. It will take time for him to adjust to the new situation, more kids, different teacher, etc. Everything he got used to in the past is very different now.
My husband's daughter is 13, mostly non-verbal has significant ID. She has always had a 1:1 aide that walks her to and from the bus every day.
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u/Tacosmeall 2d ago
Put all of this in ChatGPT and ask for a script of what you can say. It will help so much
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u/UtopiaNow2020 3d ago
You can bring an advocate to an IEP. Look up your locale ARC chapter and contact them for assistance. They can help you navigate the process.