Helpful Hints Sabine Parish School District www.sabine.k12.la.us  Communicate regularly with your Special Education Resources on the child’s teacher about any academic or Internet (SERI) behavior concerns. Information -www.hood.edu/seri/serihome.html  If needed, schedule a meeting to The Council for Exceptional Children discuss any concerns and develop a for Parents -www.cec.sped.org plan. National Information Center for Children  Make arrangements for child care regarding and Youth with Disabilities so you can participate fully. www.nichcy.org  Bring a trusted friend, support Agencies - Contact these agencies for person, adult family member or assistance and additional information. professional who knows your child. Autism Sabine Parish Pupil Appraisal Services  Ask questions. P. O. Box 1079  Put all the paperwork you receive Many, Louisiana 71449 in one folder. (318) 256-9228 www.sabine.k12.la.us/sped » • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • «  Communicate with other parents ChildSearch - Sabine Parish and professionals. (318) 256-9228, ext. 242

 Become knowledgeable about Families Helping Families of Northwest your child’s rights, the evaluation Louisiana, Inc. Provided courtesy of the process and various exceptionalities. 2620 Centenary Blvd. Bldg. 2, Suite 231 Sabine Parish School Board, Pupil Appraisal Services » • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • « Shreveport, LA 71104 1-888-989-0315 www.fhfla.org P.O. Box 1079 Many, Louisiana 71449 (318) 256-9228 Resources Louisiana State Department of Education P.O. Box 94064 Internet - Search under “autism” or Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70804 “pervasive developmental disorder” or (877) 453-2721 October 2005 find information and links through the www.doe.state.la.us following addresses: Determining the special help associated with autism are engagement in Autism or other pervasive developmental repetitive activities and stereotyped disorders are complex conditions. Two your child will need to do his movements, resistance to environmental movies that attempt to portray these are very best change or change in daily routines, and Rainman and Mercury Rising. Generally, a unusual responses to sensory experiences. person with autism has some difficulty with » • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • « The term does not apply if a student’s communication and social skills. The effect is educational performance is adversely affected usually significant and interferes with the The purpose of this pamphlet is to provide primarily because the student has an person’s day to day living and learning. basic information to help you participate and emotional disturbance.” In order to determine eligibility, the following become a valuable member of the evaluation The Pupil Appraisal Handbook lists three must be done: a comprehensive evaluation team. areas in which disturbances must occur: conducted by a certified school psychologist, Communication; Relating to people, events, licensed psychologist or physician; behavioral The Law and/or objects; and Restricted, repetitive observation of the student in interaction with and/or stereotyped patterns of behaviors, others such as parents, teachers and peers; a There are parish, state and federal; guide- interest, and/or activities. There are from physical examination by a licensed physician; lines, bulletins and laws that shape special five to nine items listed under these broad an assessment of the student’s hearing by an education practice. categories and a child must show a audiologist; a speech and language disturbance in a minimum of two or four of evaluation; a family interview; an educational In Louisiana, Bulletin 1706, and the Pupil the items (depending on the category). assessment; and any other evaluation as Appraisal Handbook include procedures, determined appropriate and necessary. standards and criteria for identifying children It is suggested that a parent request a copy eligible for special education and/or related of the Pupil Appraisal Handbook from the Within sixty school days from the time you services. A general description of pupil Department of Education if interested in signed the permission form all the above will appraisal services, personnel, responsibilities, knowing more about this particular be completed and you will be invited to rights of students and parents, and timelines exceptionality. participate in the decision as to whether is also included. Parents may obtain a free your child has this disability. copy of these from the Louisiana State Department of Education (1-877-453-2721). Autism

In Louisiana’s special education law, autism means “…a developmental disability significantly affecting verbal and non-verbal communication and social interaction, generally evident before age three, that adversely affects a student’s educational performance. Other characteristics often