Why aren't we doing more?: I know that... - CHADD's ADHD Pare...

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Why aren't we doing more?

JanePound profile image
9 Replies

I know that resources are limited in schools and in child and adolescent mental health but ADHD children can be scarred for life if they don't get the appropriate support and intervention to help them understand themselves. After all, they are the ones who are going to have to live with this for the rest of their lives. I'm sure early intervention would prevent literacy problems, addiction, criminal convictions and all the other things that can, but not necessarily do, lead from low self esteem, difficulty making friends and a feeling of being out of step with the world.

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JanePound profile image
JanePound
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9 Replies
Susandize profile image
Susandize

I can understand where you're coming from and I agree that early intervention works wonders.

I came to this web site looking for ways that I can help my son. I would never expect his school to help him in ways that I am not. It is my job first and foremost to help my child. When my 5 year old son is older, I will get tutors to help him in school and therapists to help with any emotional issues he might have. I know his teachers will work hard to accommodate as much as they possibly can for him, (I mean, they do have 25 other kids to teach, too!) but they are not his guardians. I am.

That's why I'm here looking for resources. You ask, "Why aren't we doing more?" I am a parent....here trying to do more. It is not the public schools' responsibility to prevent my son from having "literacy problems, addiction, criminal convictions." It's my responsibility.

The schools' responsibility is to provide the best education they can for our kids in the least restrictive environment possible. I wholeheartedly agree with you that resources are limited in schools, and I truly believe that if teachers had more resources available to them, they would certainly use them to help each and every child.

However, it's my responsibility to ensure my son grows up with good self-esteem so he becomes a well-rounded and positively contributing member of society. With that said, I'd love to see or hear about any resources that are available to me as a parent so I can help my son. Thank you in advance for any ideas anyone may have! :)

JanePound profile image
JanePound in reply to Susandize

I agree entirely. However, I've worked in education and as a case manager at a children's psychiatric hospital and for every parent like you, who is aware and has the resources to support the development of their child, there are many who cannot.

A friend of mine worked with new mothers. She frequently heard, of a 10 week old baby, 'She's trying to wind me up'. My friend would spend time explaining that 10 week old babies do not set out to irritate their parents and sometimes she got through to them. Some parents do not understand their children.

When there is disagreement between professionals about ADHD, institutions have to step in. When my daughter was a student, she would come into my class where I taught adults who worked in support roles. She would explain how it felt to be on or off medication and how ADHD affected her. She was brave to do it as some professionals thought ADHD was an excuse for being naughty

Most schools (in the US) have school counselors, school psychologists and/or school social workers available to help students, either individually or in groups. It won't take the place of support at home (or of outside therapy or medical treatment as necessary), but it is a great resource for kids. If you aren't sure who is available, ask your school Principal.

JanePound profile image
JanePound in reply to

I'm based in the UK but lived and worked in the USA for 15 years. I spent some time as a case manager for a children's psychiatric hospital. The UK is underfunded in many areas. One high school close to me has three educational psychologist appointments each term and the wait to see a psychiatrist can be up to a year.

JDsmom profile image
JDsmom in reply to

Hello,

I'm trying to figure out which school system in my area provides services for ADHD. My boy is in a public school system that doesn't give out services easily. I have a friend a few towns over which a child with ADHD and she gets services handed to her - while I'm getting nothing via our 504 plan. (except social worker counseling sessions). When I communicated I thought my boy was falling behind academically I got the brush off from the principal. I'm ready to move to another town ...but I want it to be the right move for my boy. Can I call the schools and ask them what they would provide my boy? Do you know who can help me with figuring this out?

JanePound profile image
JanePound in reply to JDsmom

I don't see why you can't phone and ask what they can do for your son. I'm now out of touch with the US system as I'm back in the UK. Could your son's paediatrician or psychiatrist make any comments? They must have wide ranging professional contacts. Good Luck

JDsmom profile image
JDsmom in reply to JanePound

Thank you for responding. I'm in the process of networking with a variety of doctors and such...I'm just going to call into the schools and see if people will speak with me. Thank you!

ChristinaReader profile image
ChristinaReader in reply to JDsmom

I'm just starting out trying to get my daughter on a 504 plan. So far I'm finding that I get the quickest response from the school when I put things in writing. I'm not sure if that's because they're more legally obligated or if the communication is just slow to get from teacher to principal to guidance counselor. Already though I'm nervous because they're asking me what accommodations I want. I keep wondering "aren't there protocols in place for general ADHD accommodations? You're the professionals, don't you know what she needs?" Anyway, I'm trying to find answers so I can walk in prepared and get the help my child needs. Good luck with your son. Has the school done a multidisciplinary evaluation to check and see if there are any other learning disabilities? That was the fist step for my daughter.

I agree, early intervention is important. I find a lot of parents, however, want to wait until 3 or 4th grade to start with diagnosis and intervention. It seems to me that by that time, the kid has had 4 or 5 years to decide they don't like school and that they just arn't smart. Sad. ADHD isn't something they will grow out of in a year or 2!

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