ABA Or No ABA - That Is The Question

Yesterday Janine overlapped with Jennifer's session. Raquel had a great session on Tuesday - was so happy and playful - and she did pretty well yesterday, too. Lorraine came to observe the second half of the session, asked me and Janine questions, and filled out more paperwork.

When it was time for her to leave, I again, started asking questions - mostly because I wanted to see if I would be given the same answers that I got from Angela earlier this week, and I also wanted Janine to hear what the district was suggesting they do for Raquel.

Basically Lorraine said the same thing - that they don't feel that the ABA program is suitable for Raquel - that it is "too structured" - and that they want to put her in a class geared towards slow developing motor skills.

Again, I want whatever is best for Raquel. I have spent an enormous amount of time and energy this year dealing with not only her ABA therapy, but speech, occupational & physical therapies as well. My biggest concern is how the district is deciding that the ABA program is not suitable. They haven't discussed it with me - and they certainly haven't discussed it with our ABA Team, who has worked with Raquel on a daily basis for the past six months. They are basing this decision from their extremely brief observations made of Raquel, when she was confined to a small area and all out of sorts.

The class they are recommending is definitely the afternoon class. When I mentioned my concerns about it interfering with her nap and not being a good time for her to be in school, Lorraine said that she would probably sleep on the way home. I don't want Raquel to get a 15 minute power nap. I want her resting comfortably at home, so my entire household will rest comfortably through the night.

Fortunately, my ABA Team will be attending the IEP with me in January and will be able to help me address a bunch of my concerns. Right now, I am planning on observing both ABA and non-ABA classes before enrolling Raquel in either one of them.