On Jun 09 21:59 96, Audra Mcmaster of 1:123/30 wrote to All:
AM> Can anyone tell me if the IEP still will cover David in school? This is 
AM> something I have been worried about since the doctors visit.
Our State law, which I believe reflects the Federal regulations, considers 
learning disabled and severely emotionally disturbed to be separate 
qualifiers for kids to be covered by the special ed programs.  The examples 
given in an article this morning were suicidal, psychotic, or autistic; but I 
would think that bipolar mood disorder would qualify.  (The article was about 
another, severe financial problem facing a lot of towns, but as a sidebar 
they mentioned that the State is reworking its criteria to eliminate special 
ed for those with "behavior problems" such as playing hooking, drug abuse, 
etc. - the self-inflicted problems.)
On the other hand, from what I know of adults with the problem proper 
medication can keep it totally submerged, in which case your son wouldn't 
benefit from special classes.  His IEP could involve monitoring his 
medication, weekly feedback from teachers, etc. in regular classes.  Special 
ed covers that kind of thing, too.
Good luck.  Bipolar mood disorder is a rough ride on a bumpy road, but for 
the lucky ones it is not an impediment to success in life.
Jerry Schwartz
--- MsgedSQB 3.30.01
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