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Here are some suggested organisations that offer expert advice on special needs.

Original poster

Today's the day...

13 replies

BeeMom · 03/06/2013 12:45

We are finally getting a chance to sit down in Bee's new school and speak with the transition team.

Any hints and tips you can offer would be really appreciated. I am thinking I will ask if I can take some pictures of the facility (front office, hallways, library, playground... that sort of thing, of course, no children in the pics).

Bee struggles with transitions, so I figured I would take the time to put together a social story about the new school...

I'll let you all know how it went once she is in bed tonight, I figure I will have a bit to tell you (especially since I still haven't shared the follow-up from the neuropsych testing yet).

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TheNinjaGooseIsOnAMission · 03/06/2013 13:03

oooh good luck, hope all goes well Smile Photos work a treat for dd3, don't forget to ask for photos of staff who will work with her too. Hopefully the fact there's a transition team will help a lot!

Original poster
BeeMom · 03/06/2013 13:33

I heard from the mom of the girl who started transition there last year, and she said that while there were recommendations for pre-September visits, they never happened. I know those recommendations will definitely be put forward my the neuropsych, but I am hedging my bets and trying to make sure that we have some sort of prep in place.

I don't know about the staff who will be working with her, but I will try to get names and images, too.

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Ineedmorepatience · 03/06/2013 13:34

I would hope that they will have already put a book together for her or would at least offer to do it when you ask if you can take pics!

Photo books do work really well to familiarise Dc's with new settings.

I would also expect them to ask you what stresses her out, what calms her down. What food/drinks she likes/hates. Favourite acitivities/ hated activities. What behaviour strategies you use, its no good them saying/signing "No" if at home you use "stop."
I would be asking for a home link book too.

If I think of anything else I will let you know. Can you tell I am in the middle of doing my transitions at workGrin

Original poster
BeeMom · 03/06/2013 13:44

Because she is "stepping down" (ultra-specialised SS to part time MS) we have the benefit of the Ed Consultant from the SS there are our "advocates" too. I'd honestly be surprised if the SS doesn't do a social story for her, but maybe if I ask, they'll offer to take over.

Thanks for the other info, Ineed. I know you have a ton on your plate right now.

They are VERY anxious about Bee's medical issues, so I am trying to put together a "bullet point" sheet of the most pressing issues likely to be seen at school. That should be an easy task, but it is proving not to be at all...

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used2bthin · 03/06/2013 13:56

Hi beemom maybe too late hope it went well if so. I have a standard hospital sheet about my dd's condition but other stuff like seizures were dealt with by a community nurse( maybe the nurse at ss would do some sort of plan detailing all her needs?)

I am rubbish at being concise with dd's medical needs so sent info then later had a meeting with the senco about it all and went over what she had put down. It is a fine line between me being relaxed enough so as not to terrify people and at the same time clear about the danger of things going wrong!! Not easy!

used2bthin · 03/06/2013 13:59

I think scope have something which helps detail a child's needs in one booklet? May be worth a look.

For transitions I bet you are doing well if you are doing a social story, photos. My dd's school sent postcards with photos of the class out over the summer hol before reception which I thought was a lovely idea.

Ineedmorepatience · 03/06/2013 14:05

I know you are not in the Uk but somebody pointed me in the direction of the national childrens bureau and more specifically this page

www.ncb.org.uk/early-support/resources/developmental-journals/developmental-journal-for-children-and-young-people-with-multiple-needs

They have recently updated it apparently but I didnt see the old one so cant compare.
Parts of it might be useful though Smile

Original poster
BeeMom · 03/06/2013 14:23

used2be didn't miss me - still over an hour before I leave (the time difference is 5 hours, I think). I definitely need to make an "all about me" book and do one up for the new school. I think they want a "one page" thing that can be posted around the school with her picture on it so that those who are less familiar with her will still recognise her (because the slime green power wheelchair won't be a bit of a hint?)

In her current school, there are pages like that in the gymnasium, her classroom and the main office with signs to watch for regarding overheating and mastocytosis/anaphylaxis, and a seizure plan for her in the same places.

She has a 1:1 nurse who will be following her between schools, and will have a 1:1 aide in the MS school as well. I am not sure how many more sets of eyes they need on her, tbh...

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Original poster
BeeMom · 03/06/2013 14:24

Thanks ineed - I will take a good look at that once I get home.

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PolterGoose · 03/06/2013 14:25

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

used2bthin · 03/06/2013 14:36

Sounds like loads is in place that's brilliant. I hope it goes well and sounds like there is every chance it will!!

zzzzz · 03/06/2013 15:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
BeeMom · 03/06/2013 19:40

We're home. I am tired. Need Wine but will have to settle for cleaning the house because Bee's hospice volunteer is coming by this afternoon to play.

Lots to share - I feel cautiously positive about it all.

Since when did cleaning the house become a substitute for Wine? I need to reread my contract...

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