After a long summer most parents are usually glad when their children return to school ? but this is the time of growing concern and apprehension for parents of Autistic Spectrum Disability (ASD) students. The uneasiness starts building because understanding in areas of ASD is completely non-existent or minimal at best.

Although Oxford Schools are equipped with wonderful, caring Special Education teachers, the department lacks qualified teachers certified in ASD to help these students be successful in school.

Because of this, there is never-ending frustration not knowing where to turn or the lack of finances when you do. To make matters worse, parents are bombarded with the stress of continuously having to defend themselves against accusations of bad parenting and other demeaning statements.

Too often school professionals are looking for signs of classic autism and fail to see those students with Aspergers or those falling elsewhere on the spectrum. The characteristics are always there but the obvious signs are sadly misread by those not trained to observe and interpret them as applied to ASD.

It has been proven that positive behavioral support programs greatly improve learning for not just ASD students but all students. Unfortunately, Oxford Schools have not adopted a positive behavioral policy although suggested by school professionals.

After my last letter in the paper, I have had numerous phone calls from as far away as Florida (who I hope will call again). It was the consensus that we need to change the status quo and support Oxford Schools into enhancing their Special Education program to provide a more positive approach to help students and parents.

Most importantly, this is not an issue of finances but rather an issue of rearranging priorities and utilizing support and material already available to help all students achieve success.

Anyone with an ASD student in Oxford schools or an otherwise concerned parent of a special education student who would like to be part of a grass roots support program in helping the school to help our children ? please call 248-628-5148.

Sue Bellairs
Oxford Township