Springfield Public Schools has about 3,000 special education students in the district who receive special services in accordance with their needs.

But, what about kids who may have special needs, but don't fit the criteria for special education services?

KSPR’s Natalie Swallow talked with a parent concerned her son isn't getting the special services he needs at Springfield public schools.

Jesse Hartsell's son Dayton looks like most 6 year olds.

But Hartsell says since birth, her son has not acted like most other kids his age.

"He has had problems his whole life with behavior, social interaction, impulse control. The teacher noticed it right away," said Hartsell.

Dayton’s grades are good. His problems are strictly social.

And while Hartsell says she thinks her son has Asperger's Syndrome. Doctors have not yet diagnosed Dayton.

And without a diagnosis, she says getting help for Dayton at school is hard.

"My fear is that the clock is ticking and we're in between diagnoses right now, and until we get a definite diagnosis of Aspergers, they can't help him."

Springfield Public Schools says there are several services, like behavioral therapists, available for kids who don't meet special education criteria.

"At the elementary level, this might be something the counselor might be able to work on and intervene in mind and have some resources there that are available," Ben Franklin of SPS Special and Compensatory Programs said.

Hartsell says while the school her son goes to has made small steps in helping him she thinks more help is needed.

“They're giving him stickers for good behavior, but they're not actually trying to focus on helping him with his problem."

"I think we provide some exceptional services to kids both in general education classroom and supports that surround those kids in general education."

Still Hartsell and other parents wish more could be done.

"It's just same story that everybody tries to fight and fight and fight this battle, and it's not helping. It's not working."

Outside of school, Dayton has been going to a therapist for the past year, and Hartsell says she is taking him to a specialist for a possible diagnosis this month.

We also want to note Springfield Public Schools could not talk specifically about Dayton because of privacy rights.