Running out of ideas

[Arauch]

This is my first post. My 5 year old daughter was diagnosed with ADHD(Combination form) in early September. Since then I have provided the teachers everything I can to help my daughter focus in her classes, and not be so defiant.

This week I get a note on her daily report that while my daughter was shaking her head, she smacked it off a desk. I was also informed that she was taking to the nurse and was told that she was ok. I messaged her teacher to ask when this happened and why was my daughter shaking her head. Since I could not get a straight answer from my daughter. I was informed that this has been a regular behavior for my daughter at the end of the day.

I have tried working with her teacher and the school to try an accommodate their needs to get my daughter to be an active participant in classes. I have given them several tools I received from our behavior specialist, along with different tools I have found useful on CHADD. Sadly The school is not implementing these tools. I instead am told that she is the worse ADHD case they have ever dealt with. The speech therapist told me, "*insert my daughter's name* and the two other students I work with are the worse class I've had in my 26 years of teaching."

To say the least I am discouraged, and I am struggling on what to do.

[anirush]

What medication is she on? Does she have an IEP in school? A lot of kids who are ADHD have tips clicking their teeth, shaking their heads, tapping their feet, Etc. When the ADHD is controls these usually go away.

My one grandson would kind of whistle through his teeth when he was unstable. The other one would scratched himself until he bled. The kids just cannot stop themselves or are not even aware they're doing it

[Arauch in reply to anirush]

Currently she is not on medications. The specialist and I agreed that it will be a last resort, since she is so young.

I am currently fighting with the school for my daughter's IEP. It is now December and they have yet to come up with a behavioral plan. What resources they have provided are minimal at best.

This head shaking is new this year, typically she plays with her fingers like she is playing a piano.

[anirush in reply to Arauch]

Make sure to send a request by certified mail if they are ignoring you on the IEP request. They have 10 days to respond and set up a meeting.

Schools often drag their feet on these because it is a lot of paperwork for them

[Arauch]

I already have contacted the school, we are meeting to discuss the IEP. The big issue is that they are slow in getting the IEP together. What they have created is the minimal she is entitled to.

This has been a big issue, considering that she needs the services. They claim they can't give her beyond the basics of the services, cause they are under staffed.

I would respect that, however they are able to use the money from the budget. I have also contacted the state education department. I am currently awaiting their response, in regard to the school allowing an outsider to take over my daughter's behavioral plan. (I know they can't, and only via an IEE can this happen.)

[Hsrobbins]

My son is 7 years old and was diagnosed with ADHD combined type at the end of last school year; it took our school almost a year to complete the assessments and schedule an ARD. At that ARD, they said he didn't qualify for special ed services, didn't have enough traits for a diagnosis of ADHD, and was just socially awkward. Two weeks later, I was called to come to the school for as he had to go to the "calm down" room for extreme angry behavior. I talked to friends and family members with kids with ADHD disorder because I was at my wits end, and they advises us to hire an advocate; he helped us request IEE for a behavior specialist and a psychologuat. Even though it was about $750 for one ARD, rhe school district paid for the IEE and he now has an IEP and accommdations in place to protect my son when he has behavior issues that he can't control. You may want to consider hiring an advocate.

[MomG1997]

I know the desperate feeling of trying to help and the school you think would be helping is not. I would say this. Never leave an IEP meeting without an action Plan. I would recommend a Full evaluation education, mental health and Occupational therapy. Including and FBA, functional behavioral assessment. Pin them down to a time this will be started and completed. Bring a letter with you requesting this. Schedule a date for review of this information. Even if the date moved. Pin them down to a date for the next meeting. I believe they have 30 days from the request to state the process. If you can afford one hire an advocate for your child. They will come to the meetings as well. Also try and bring a letter from her dr stating she has ADHD and Behavioral issues and she recommends the testing your requesting. Very sad but, your the best advocate for your child, My son was 5 when we started down this road. He is now 13 and doing better. He has extra movement breaks, an aid in the class to help keep him on task. Since your child is so young if you haven’t done the assessments that’s your next step, good luck. Lori

Also my son had sever reactions to meds. So he can’t take them.

[Arauch]

Update on my daughter.... the test results on her genetics test has discovered that she also has Jacobsen's syndrome. I am currently trying to research the subject, to educate myself and the school. If anyone knows any reputable resources or support groups please let me know.