IEP - "Theory of Mind" question

[chaya]

As per my previous post, ds's IEP meeting is scheduled for today. ds is an affectionate and sociable child who doesn't always recognize social cues, such as body language. He also tends to get upset if other kids disagree with his opinions. (Guess what, his 'typically developing' twin brother also doesn't like to be disagreed with. I think it's a 10-year-old issue.).

In the draft IEP, the social skills therapist (speech therapist by training) stated that my son has "weak Theory of Mind". I don't want this language to be in the IEP because (1) it really isn't accurate; and (2) I don't feel it is her role to diagnose ds, and I think there could be consequences later on if this statement is included in a formal document such as an IEP. Do you think I am over-reacting?Thanks.

-C-

[amarie1]

No, I don't think you are over reacting

Politely ask them to remove the language and offer your own in it's place.

Anne

[NancyR]

I agree with Anne 100000%

Hugs Chaya!! N

[anniemc2000]

Not overreacting, I would ask that it not be included.

Ann

[danellsar]

My question would be, what assessment tool did they use to diagnose this, and what were the scores? Our IEP is full of numbers and charts and etc from all the assessments.

FWIW, theory of mind is perspective taking and the ability to understand others' emotions and body language, so it's possible that this does fit given what you said. My dd is very poor in theory of mind, and it's one of the things her speech teacher is addressing through pragmatic language.
Ellen

[trek]

Agree with Ellen-ask what testing yielded that statement. Especially pragmatic language testing.

[chaya]

Thanks.

As I discussed in my followup post on the IEP meeting, the Speech Therapist agreed to remove the language and goal. It was terminology that she learned about at recent seminars, and was not based on any formal diagnostic test. She understood my concerns about the wording. (The specific way the language was worded made my sweet son sound like a gangster. )