The Consequence of Intelligence

As you navigate your way through the minefield of diagnosis and assessments you begin to find available services , and how your child can qualify. Early Intervention is a new marketplace which has recently exploded with providers giving the illusion of plenty of choice, but never enough places. Every parent out there must at some point approach one very important learning environment: Primary School.

There are all the usual options available, Public, Private, Independent etc. but there's two options most parents don't need to consider, Special School and Special Development School. One can not simply decide to send their child to either of these schools; their child has to qualify to attend. Parents are told their child must undergo an IQ test and admission will be based on this score.

The current admission system goes like so: Children scoring below 55 are eligible for SDS entry, children between 50 and 70 qualify for SS entry, and any child scoring 71 and above is forced into mainstream. Many parents of children in the latter category are left with nothing but the piddly amount of $12,000 of FAHCSIA funding, or to privately fund an aide and special help so they don't get left behind. While no parent would wish it upon their child to have a score below 70, the cut and dry situation of help vs. fend for yourself puts you in an awkward position.

While the government is spruiking the benefits of Early Intervention, they are leaving any child who manages to just cross the line out in the cold. It's enough to make any parent who spent all their time and money running around getting their child help before primary school regret their 'investment'.