Autism-first placement-please help

You want to see if there is any records from preschool special education services for either girl, especially speech, if any evaluations or notes in the minutes from an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting, Individual Education Plan(s) IEP's are not used till elementary school. Any concerns noted by the Dr. or counselor if they go to one. It will be easier to answer questions once you have read their file. You may want to search the boards for questions to ask when adopting older children, one place to search or post would be the foster to adopt board. Good luck :fish:

First off, congratulations, I know this is a very exciting time for you. "If" the sw "thinks" it "may" be autism, why won't they pay for an evaluation? I would insist upon one. Our dd had not been diagnosed, was just labeled "strange". She had been with us a few weeks and dh (a special ed teacher) knew what the problem was. DFCS was hesitant at first to spend the $750+ for the eval, but finally gave in. Go with your first instinct.

Since it seems they are often trying to downplay issues then I would take seriously the possible autism. They may be afraid to just say it because they may be afraid you would not take them. I would for sure get them evaluated and if you do get them then make sure they are in seperate classes for K next year. If part of the problem is the dominant one doing all the talking then, that will a little.