Rhea: I have a Autistic son who is a senior. 12th in his class given college book award & state scholarship for tuition (MCAS scores). His team however knows he has not been given FAPE on transition. School is in agreement he still is entitled to continued transitional services. Here lies the problem. I want to reject his diploma and keep him on IEP with dual enrollment (college) & life coach services. School wants to graduate him put him on 504 and have him enroll in part time college classes. I don’t want him to lose his opportunities for scholarships (due to districts lack of FAPE). Has anyone run into this before? I can’t find anything under Transitional issues.
Yes! My daughter graduated from high school with a 4.65 GPA. We did not push FAPE. She needed to build her independence, executive function, and emotional mgt skills. In the face of the denial, we provided her services so she could achieve and she would not be emotionally harmed. She received a full ride scholarship to an out of state college. Due to these same difficulties, she has now lost it. We now have another son in the same predicament. We are fearful for him.
What is his opinion on this topic? Does he want to graduate? is he a strong self advocate? Look carefully at his college choices. Some colleges have structured programs for students with disabilities — check them out. Those programs, depending on the college, are amazing!! Why keep him at the high school if he is able to attend a college with a structured program and wonderful services? He is well accomplished and another year of high school may or may not benefit him.