It’s time for VPK!

In the beginning of the year, we apply for the August start of the new school year.  We are planning eight months out!  So, as a mom of two this is actually my first time going through this process because my oldest had an IEP.  Because we were already in the preschool system with an…

Marriage and Autism

The topic of marriage is always a discussion that leads to statistic rates and normally includes a discussion of divorce.  I have written about divorce, autism and denial before and understand the reality that divorce is far too common among couples who have a child with autism or special needs child. I recently read in…

504 and High School

This post is different from most because it relates to high school.  Ruthfulness has a primary focus on early intervention for parents and students but as a high school teacher, I get to see how teens and their parents handle or fail to handle their/(child’s) special needs. Teachers, students, parents, and the community: A 504…

Ultimate Guide to Advocating

At my last IEP meeting I received a compliment from the compliance specialist in the district.   She has been in every IEP meeting this school year!  We had four meetings this year and she told me,   “I just want to thank you for being so thorough, detail oriented and prepared for each and…

Why do you get help…

…and my more medically complicated child gets none?! Over the last week or so, the questions and concerns have been made regarding assistance for children with autism that have complex medical needs.  Why are some families qualifying and others not?  What is the missing piece? The information that started the discussion was about Medicaid.  Our…

holy behavior plan, batman

Yesterday, I amended my son’s IEP and behavior plan.  It was another 2 hour meeting.  My last meeting was 2.5 hours and was to determine eligibility (the longest IEP…) At our last meeting, the behavior plan was so terrible that we had to agree to meet again to change it. A draft copy of the…