It isn’t always easy to see (or accept) when our children are exhibiting a developmental delay, but even the slightest veers in behavior could indicate a bigger problem. If not addressed, the social gap between these children and their peers will likely widen down the road, causing further behavioral problems as they reach puberty and beyond. It doesn’t have to happen this way, not in this day and age. When it comes to the quality of our children’s education, we have the strongest voice and it’s never too late to raise it. If you are the parent or guardian of a child ages 5-21 who struggles in school due to what might be an undiagnosed developmental disorder, please follow these guidelines in order to gain the resources he or she needs to succeed in their classrooms…
1. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about his or her behavioral problems. How are they affecting his performance in school? Ask the pediatrician to sign a letter requesting your child be referred for an independent educational evaluation.
2. Educate yourself on your rights as a parent by learning more about IDEA 2004, the federal law which secures special education services for children with disabilities. For more information, visit http://idea.ed.gov
