buffettgirl
Cathlete
My DH and I are going to court next Monday. Here's the story. (I'll try to be brief.)
My 21 year old son has Prader Willi Syndrome. When Tristan was evaluated, the neuropsycologist told us you couldn't average the scores from the different parts of the brain to get an IQ, because they are so different, the average doesn't reflect what is going on. Tristan scored high in the ability to learn facts, but very low in the ability to take outside stimuli and information, process it and react to it appropriatly. The doctor said Tristan's brain is like a wild horse without a rider, or a football team without a coach. When these scores are averaged, his IQ appears to be about 80. The county we live in won't provide mental retardation services to anyone whose IQ is over 70. The definition the state uses for retardation essentially says the same thing the doctor said - you can't use the test scores alone. You also have to consider the divergence of the scores and certain life skills. When all is considered, Tristan is considered "clinically mentally retarded."
We had to appeal the county's decision to the state department of welfare. They ruled in Tristan's favor and ordered the county to provide services. The county filed for a reconsideration of the ruling, which we also won. Now they are appealing to the Commonwealth Court, which is where we are going next Monday.
Meanwhile the county put Tristan on a "waiting list" for $$ to get into a residence specific for his syndrome and needs.
So, long story short, I would like you to pray, think, whatever your belief system calls for, for Tristan and our court date.
Thanks so much friends.
My 21 year old son has Prader Willi Syndrome. When Tristan was evaluated, the neuropsycologist told us you couldn't average the scores from the different parts of the brain to get an IQ, because they are so different, the average doesn't reflect what is going on. Tristan scored high in the ability to learn facts, but very low in the ability to take outside stimuli and information, process it and react to it appropriatly. The doctor said Tristan's brain is like a wild horse without a rider, or a football team without a coach. When these scores are averaged, his IQ appears to be about 80. The county we live in won't provide mental retardation services to anyone whose IQ is over 70. The definition the state uses for retardation essentially says the same thing the doctor said - you can't use the test scores alone. You also have to consider the divergence of the scores and certain life skills. When all is considered, Tristan is considered "clinically mentally retarded."
We had to appeal the county's decision to the state department of welfare. They ruled in Tristan's favor and ordered the county to provide services. The county filed for a reconsideration of the ruling, which we also won. Now they are appealing to the Commonwealth Court, which is where we are going next Monday.
Meanwhile the county put Tristan on a "waiting list" for $$ to get into a residence specific for his syndrome and needs.
So, long story short, I would like you to pray, think, whatever your belief system calls for, for Tristan and our court date.
Thanks so much friends.
