UPDATE!!  HB2599 introduces anti-bullying legislation (2009).  For more information, click here...

OFSN families appreciate the tremendous value and importance of education.  Education begins in the home and generally continues in public or private school settings.  Education and role modeling are important for laying the foundation of values and principles for good moral behavior, wise choices, positive attitudes, a healthy outlook on life, lifelong learning and survival.  Adding knowledge and skills for speech, body language, music, art, reading, writing, math and other communication skills can open many doors, as well.  Self-discipline, responsibility, civility, kindness, and critical thinking are important developments for the social fabric of our nation, too.  Promoting mental wellbeing while reducing stigma for mental illness is imperitive. 

Unfortunately, so many famillies have encountered significant challenges trying to navigate the school system, advocate for their child's needs, develop workable IEPs (Individual Education Plans) and/or address alternative methods.  We find a huge variety not only in challenges, but in solutions, opportunities, resources, capacity and strategies as well.  With each new child comes a new opportunity to improve the education systems.  Many families have first-hand knowledge gained from years of experience, trial and error.  Fortunately, with OFSN, Oregon families have additional opportunites to connect and share and learn together.  Over time, we anticipate that the net result will be improved interventions, teaching practices, administrative responses, public policies, and school systems.  We also anticipate increased efficiencies with shorter response times and more inclusive family-centered, family-driven, family-involved decisionmaking. 

 TIP #1  Always take someone with you to take notes.

 TIP #2  Remember that you can take a break if you need one.

Identifying workable solutions and accomodations for creating a safe, positive learning environment and education opportunities for children with special needs and/or challenges can require time, research, creativity, and problem-solving. Fortunately, we can learn from each other and share what works via the Internet and World Wide Web, rather than starting from scratch and re-inventing the wheel, as they say. 

We found a wealth of ideas, solutions, strategies and information for parents, caregivers, educators, teachers, and students, featured on the Tourette Syndrome "PLUS" website (www.tourettesyndrome.net/education.htm)**  You can find articles, checklists, handouts, guidelines and more to help get your team started.  The "PLUS" in the title means that they have added information for conditions beyond Tourette Syndrome, such as Attention Deficit (ADD), Attention Deficity Hyperactivity (ADHD), Anxiety (GAD, Panic Attack Disorder, etc.), Aspergers, Autism, Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Mood Disorders (Bipolar, Depression, etc.), OCD, Trauma (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)), Sleeping Disorders, Tics, Tourette's and more.  They also have several articles on working with talented and gifted children sometimes referred to as twice-exceptional children. 

** UPDATE:  Leslie E. Packer, Ph.D. who compiled much of the information featured on the Tourette Syndrome website now offers consulting services and republishes many of these articles online via her new School Behavior: Awareness, Empathy & Skills website (www.schoolbehavior.com).