Possible adhd daughter

[Allimonster]

My daughter is 10 and in the 5th grade. She is currently at a 2nd grade level and keeps getting passed every year, but she is not at grade level. I have tried addressing my concerns to her school and trying to get an IEP done, but with little help from her school. I want a parent advocate to help. Any idea on where to start?

[outnumbered1]

By law, the school has to evaluate her for an IEP within 60 days if you make a written request for it. I would check the CHADD website for resources on where to find a parent advocate in your state. Don't give up! It took us a lot of time and effort but we finally got an IEP after being delayed and ignored by the district here. Good luck!

[CobraKid04 in reply to outnumbered1]

Yes, by law the school does have to evaluate for learning issues. The problem that I have experienced was that the evaluator through the school did not hold the proper credentials to DIAGNOSIS. That meant that I had to find an independent doctor and redo the same testing my child had just completed before the school would recognize the other issues which accompanied the ADD diagnosis. My son was diagnosised with ADD in 1st grade (take 2) and subsequently dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. My son was a bit frustrated having to do the same test again 6 months later! Even after the evaluation by the correctly credentialed professional, I had to contact our local Disability Law Center when my son’s school threatened to stop all accommodations.

Some states have fabulous resource lists found under the Special Education section on their State department of education webpage. Living in Oklahoma, I also sought help from the Payne Education Center. Their staff has a huge resource list. In Dallas there is the Scottish Rites Hospital. Again, they have a vast resource list. You should be able to access both of these sites to see if they have information for programs in your area. Hope this helps. Keep fighting the good fight! Good Luck!

[anirush]

Schools do not like doing IEPs because it cost them money and time. When I got my grandson's I sent a certified letter to the school. Then I had proof that I had asked for it. I researched what guidelines I should ask for and talked to other people whose kids had them from support groups.

His middle school advisor recently asked me why I never got this until he was in fourth grade. I told her it's because I had to fight the school to get it

[Almao]

Yes there's the parents advocate center for children with disabilities they help you and train you so you can became am advocate for your own child

[22789]

Contact the Special Education Local Plan Area that services your school district. They will help you at no cost.

[CobraKid04]

Another FABULOUS resource is called Wrightslaw. They usually have day long speaking engagements around the country throughout the year. And now they have the advocacy training that you can download too! Pete Wright is the guru of Special Ed Law in the nation if memory serves me correctly. It was the best money I have ever spent. I think you can get discounts through certain institutions. I went through Payne Education Center in Oklahoma.

I was having issues getting the school to recognize my son’s dyslexia diagnosis. I ended up calling the Oklahoma Disability Law Center. A brief email from the Law Center helped tremendously.