Have you seen the latest issue of Autism Asperger's Digest?  If you did, you might have read Attorney Lillian Wong's feature article, "Hiring a Special Education Attorney."  Attorney Wong's article provides parents throughout the country with important and practical advice about choosing the right law firm to represent and advocate for their child in a special education dispute.

This issue of the magazine also includes a number of interesting articles, including Temple Grandin, PhD's thoughts on the autism label and James Ball, EdD, BCBA-D's explanation of positive behavior support.  Dr. Grandin, Dr. Ball and Attorney Lillian Wong all serve on the advisory board of AADigest.  In addition, Attorney Lillian Wong represents and advocates for parents and their children, many of whom are on the autism spectrum, in the Boston area and throughout Massachusetts. 

April is finally here.  After a long winter here in the Boston area, it's a welcomed change.

April is also Autism Acceptance month, a time to reflect on the inherent value of individuals with autism and to confront the ignorance and misconceptions about the disability.

Attorney Lillian Wong has had the privilege to represent many Massachusetts clients on the autism spectrum.  While each client has unique characteristics and strengths, it has been truly remarkable to witness how each of these students with autism has thrived once he or she received the appropriate educational supports and services.

If you are a parent of a child on the autism spectrum and our concerned about your child's education, contact the Law Office of Lillian E. Wong today.

Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) and Autism Speaks have partnered to promote an Autism Awareness Specialty License Plate in Massachusetts! A portion of the proceeds from each plate sold will benefit Autism Speaks and AFAM.

“The success of this joint license plate venture between AFAM and Autism Speaks will ensure advocacy at the Massachusetts State House for all individuals and families impacted by an autism spectrum disorder,” said Michael Borr, Chairman of AFAM’s Executive Committee. “The proceeds of the Autism Awareness License Plate will allow AFAM to continue to serve as the primary advocacy vehicle protecting the rights and needs of families throughout the state.”

If you are interested in getting a plate, simply fill out the form here.  Production of the plates will begin when 1,500 orders are received.  

The Law Office of Lillian E. Wong in no way benefits from the proceeds of these license plates, however, the firm has represented many families throughout Massachusetts who have children on the autism spectrum and Attorney Wong understands the the unique challenges of advocating for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). 

If you have a child with Asperger's, Autism, or PDD-NOS and are concerned that the child's IEP is not meeting your child's need, feel free to contact Boston area attorney Lillian Wong for an initial consultation.

Attorney Lillian Wong is pleased to announce that she has accepted seat on the advisory board of Autism Asperger's Digest.

AADigest debuted in 1999 as the first national magazine published for the autism community.  Its purpose is to provide practical, actionable information to help parents and professionals improve the quality of life and quality of care for individuals on the autism spectrum.  Temple Grandin, Ph.D is one of the magazine's regular contributors.

The AADigest Advisory Board is comprised of professionals, parent-professionals, parents and individuals with ASD.  Attorney Wong is honored to be the only special education attorney on the board.

If you have a child with Autism, Aspergers, or PDD-NOS or any other Autism Spectrum Disorder and have questions about special education law and IEP rights, contact the North Shore Law Office of Lillian E. Wong today.

A recent survey by Autism Speaks named Boston one of the best places to live if you have Autism.  The survey included questions about educational services, employer support,  access to recreational activities, medical care, and respite care, and proximity of services and resources

Still, even some of those individuals who were generally satisfied with their child's educational services emphasized that it was a "fight" to get their child the appropriate supports and services. 

If you need help advocating for your child's special education rights, contact attorney Lillian E. Wong today.

Look for Attorney Wong's latest article, True Potential: Your Child's Rights to Testing Accommodations, in the September/October 2011 edition of Autism Asperger's Digest.

Read the entire article here.

If you have a child with an autism spectrum disorder or having any questions about testing accommodations, contact the Boston area Law Office of Lillian E. Wong to schedule an initial consultation.

This question was originally posted on www.avvo.com.

The Question:
My son who is 8 has autism he is in special needs class on a military base. We just moved to a new place and he has gone to school for several years now. However this new school only has him going 2 hours a day. At first I agreed to do this for a few weeks to get him used to the school but its been a few months now and I think they are doing it to convenience themselves. I think he needs to go all day like the other kids. Is this even legal? Only keeping him for 2 hours?

My Response:

The law requires public schools to provide your son a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Going to school for only two hours per day is not appropriate for most children and might  not address your son's educational needs. Does your son's current IEP say that he requires a shorter school day? If not, the school is not implementing the IEP. If the IEP does provide for a shorter day and you think this is not what your son needs, you need to request an IEP Amendment.

I would strongly recommend that you speak with an attorney at a special education law firm. You can find one at www.copaa.org.

This question was originally posted on www.avvo.com

Question:

How do I get my Autistic son into an out of district school when the public school continues to ignore a doctor's recommendation?  My son is autistic and I have filed due process last year because of an incident that should not have occurred if he had not been moved to a school that did not have an adequate autism program in place. My son cannot ask questions, still points and moans when he is frustrated. He uses echolalia when talking, which is never in a full sentence. He is 8 years old and still has to wear a overnight pamper because he still doesn't fully understand the concept of going to the bathroom. My son needs one on one therapy, with ABA one on one, a behavioralist needs to be seen at school and at home because of his violent tantrums which are dangerous to himself and others. My son gets none of these services and the school continues to try and convince me otherwise. What do I do now? I'm will file again.

My Answer:

This sounds like a very frustrating situation.  Navigating the special education system can be difficult.  I applaud your determination.

As you certainly now realize, just because your doctor recommends an out-of-district placement for your son doesn't mean the school is required to provide it. 

In order to secure this placement you must establish (1) that the current placement is inappropriate AND (2) that the proposed placement is appropriate.   

The law defines "appropriate" as a place where your child can make "effective educational progress" in the "least restrictive environment."  Each state defines "effective educational progress" differently, so consult your state regulations and case law.  Because an out-of-district placement is less inclusive than your son's current placement, you must also prove that the out-of district placement is the least restrictive environment in which your son can make effective educational progress.

How do you prove your case?  With evidence - evaluations, classroom observations, and testing over time, for example.  I would strongly urge you to consult with a special education attorney before filing a due process request.  Good luck!  If you are in the Boston area, contact The Law Office of Lillian E. Wong today.