We are just waiting until we have the meeting to see if he qualifies for an IEP. It's just so hard trying to know what's the right thing to do. We do live in the US. But here the age for early is 0-3, then it goes to the school district. The school district we live in is horrible! difficult child 2 already goes to a different school district. If difficult child 3 goes to K he will go to the same school. Thanks everyone for their help.
The district can contract with a co-op etc for birth to three but they are still responsible for "child find" for every child who needs Special Education from birth on. That is Federal Law. So, just because it goes to the school district does not mean they can skip out and say they dont do it. There MUST be a program, or your child's rights are being violated and the district could lose a ton of money. If you can, call the state department of education and ask where parents can find free special education advocates. Someone THERE too can help you to get what you need. When you write a written request for evaluation and services, your request can NOT be ignored. You send it registered, return receipt mail and a time clock starts. They must state why they wont or how they will evaluate your child. If NO then you have rights (and with your diagnosis, if they deny you the assessment you have a case against them) and there is a way to get it done.
Since the mandate...the law! says they MUST serve all kids with special needs, it is individualized. They can't say "we dont have a preschool program". They then have to come up with a way to service your child. I had four and five year olds come to me at the school I worked in full time as if we were a therapy clinic. Some kids I drove to their houses. (this was when I worked in the elementary level) They can service in a district preschool program but if that is their only option then THEY pay for your preschool spot and usually special education has reserved several spots for kids who need to be mainstreamed in a preschool class and then they have their staff work with the regular preschool teachers.
If they are telling you they have money woes etc.... too bad, not legal to say that. (I have been in teacher workshops where the lawyers told us to never say that because it can bite the district in the butt) It may be the truth they have money issues, but that is not our concern. Our only job is to advocate and get services for our kids. with an autism diagnosis that means your child is likely going to need Special Education. teaching and related services well known to be needed for early identified kids with autism including Occupational Therapist (OT) and S/L therapy. I have a friend who lives in an area that sounds like what you are going through. She learned quickly they were speaking bologna. She attended some parent rights workshops and ended up getting her son everything. THey now place him in a private amazing special education school and it is because she was a squeaky wheel, LOL and she has become a HUGE pain in their butts but her kid gets a ton of services in this very depressed area.
Just offering encouragement if you are feeling he needs more. Believe me I know how daunting it is to go up against people when they say "we just dont have those services" etc. ugggg. It is NOT easy. Anything you need, let us know. Happy to share ideas.