Hi Alida,

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. What a blessing your testimony was.

I met with my son's teachers this morning in prep for the annual IEP meeting next week. The OT is declassifying him, (which is good news)---he's come a LONG way. He still has minor fine motor control problems, but not enough to receive additional therapy. He still receives resource math, and reading. His problems all of them tend to agree focus on the central auditory processing disorder. He was declassified from speech last year (his articulation was tested normal---again he's come a long way-he has been in speech since he was 18 mo. old......Now that he is officially diagnosed, the teachers are going to go to committee to see if a LANGUAGE therapy more conducive to his needs might be appropriate.
We will see what the committee says.

As far as homeschooling that's always on the back burner, right now my dh is facing some serious anger issues, and until that gets straightened out (we are both in counseling, now)...I don't think keeping my son home would be a good idea. I'd still like to dialogue with you though..it's not often I meet someone who understands. Blessings...

Hi LovelyLils,
Is your son your only child? I know how stressful having a child with issues can be.
I will pray that you find peace in this situation as you lay it before the Lord for His guidance. He will direct your path - whichever way is His will.
Blessings,
Christine

Hello, my name is Andrea and I am dealing with 2 boys with many special needs. My older one is 7 and has epilepsy, asthma, neurological impairment, dyslexia, ADHD, and borderline intelligence. My younger one is 4 and has asthma, chronic ear infections, learning disability, and oppositional defiant disorder. Both of my boys have recieved OT, PT, S&L services as well as a psychiatrist. This will be my first year homeschooling my 2 boys. There were actually 2 reasons I decided to homeschool 1. I felt this was what God wanted me to do and 2. the older son made about 6 months progress over 4 years in public school. One major question I have is should I utilize the extra services from the school or try to do some on my own?

You are a wonderful mom and I'm proud of you for taking the challenge, committing yourself to your sons! In spite of the difficulties you and your sons face, if your older boy "learned about 6 months' worth of school in 4 years," I think you already have an answer. I could also add that the public school system will not instill your values in the children, but rather the morals of an ungodly culture and humanistic. So....that's my opinion, for what it's worth! Dig out all the info you can online and ask homeschooling friends, pray for the right people to come into your life to guide you. God bless!

Hi Andrea,
Welcome to the board. Rhonda, thanks for joining in welcoming Andrea.
Andrea you have your hands full and are taking a courageous step. God will bless your courage.
People have lots of different opinions about accepting special services from schools. Some say to steer clear. Other say, "Why not?" In our family, my LD daughter received tutoring 1/2 hour a day, 4 days a week and made tremendous progress. Her teacher was a believer and was supportive of homeschooling, so we had a fabulous experience.
With your sons needing so much, it might not hurt to take advantage of some services, like OT, PT and S&L. You can accept those services and still homeschool, which could be a nice balance and help meet all your needs. Ultimately, it's a decision each family must make.
How can I help you decide?
Blessings,
Christine

Thank Rhonda and Christine for your insight. At this point I have joined HSLDA and they feel that staying away from the public schools is best due to regulations. That is a major concern for me because I want to separate myself from PS as much as possible. I know that none of the teachers are christain and this really bothers me. Another question I have is what about their IEP's should I have PS write it or should I or should I talk to my sons Educational Consultant. Thanks again for welcoming me.

Hi Andrea,
Glad to hear you joined HSLDA.
A public school will only write an IEP if you are receiving services from them. How much help is the HSLDA Educational consultant willing to give you? I know there are some really sharp people consulting for them, but I don't know how much work they are willing to do for you, like writing IEPs. What have they told you?
Love to hear more!
Christine

Actually the educational consultant I have for my boys I got from my sons doctor. He's telling me that I should go with PS but I honestly feel that separating my boys is the best thing for them. At this point I am actually considering doing everything on my own. I have noticed looking at their goals for the specialists that much of what they are working on is things my boys do here at home. I'm trying to figure out if this will be more than I can handle. I'm putting all my trust in God and letting him guide me to do what he wants. I've asked and at this time I feel that this is what I should do. Thanks again for listening.

If God laid it on your heart, He will certainly equip you do do it. Don't let others, or yourself, talk you out of what He's asked you to do. DO try to find others with similar situations so you can gather info and strength from them. God bless!

Thanks Rhonda, I will definitely put it in God's hands and I will keep your family in my prayers.