Posted by Fonda on August 01, 2005 at 10:59:05:
In Reply to: moving posted by Mary on August 01, 2005 at 05:12:42:
Hi Mary,
It is good to see you back on the board. I have thought about you often and wondered how things are going. Like Christine, I don't mean to be telling you what to do, but I think too that you need some breaks. The problem is where to get them and how to get them and who will pay for them! I remember you were having mixed feelings about Anna's class and whether or not she should be there...Even though it may not be the perfect placement, it may be your only option for now. It can give you the space and time you need to re-group yourself and thoughts. You must take care of yourself in order to be the best for Anna! (At least that is what I've always been told :)!)
I don't know all of the ins and outs, but at times, the schools with pay for a second opinion for evaluations if you make the request. Have you contacted the Sp. Ed. Dept. to inquire?
Some of the folks at Commonwealth Autism Services at autismva.org might know who to turn to for advice. As far as Social Services, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Social Services Dept. is located on Mason Street. Again, I don't know the "ins and outs" of SS and Medicaid for someone's Anna's age. It is based on income and disability. In other words, although your child may be disabled, if her parents make too much money, she isn't eligible for Medicaid--except if she qualifies for Medicaid Waiver. Waiver is NOT based on income, but disability. Have you contacted H/R Children's Services to see about Waiver Screening?
I know all of this is complicated and I don't know much because my son is an adult and there were not all of these services when he was little. But, we survived and you will too! :) Please know that we are here for you and care about you! Hope you can come to our next support group meeting. We hope to get going again soon!! Hang in, Fonda