I am a mom of 3 very special boys. My primary concern at this moment is for my 13yr old who has ADHD. It has been a struggle getting him to focus in school even with the aid of medication. I have worked with his elementary and middle school to get him an IEP but have been denied everytime. I am here to connect with parents who face the same challenges in hopes of finding some solutions to my issues.
Not sure what you have tried yet but here are some ideas.
Did you ask “verbally” or did you send In a formal letter and state “ in writing “ to the head of the child study team for the school district that your child requires an IEP. Send it with any educational/neuro tests you may already have ( and if you don’t have those you could either do it or ask the district to do it since it could be costly) which support the diagnosis and what your child’s needs are. Also send with a letter from your child’s doctor that states the diagnosis and that the child should have educational support, etc
Sometimes putting it in writing helps.
You could also try getting an advocate that may have experience in your location
Hope that helps
I have not made that request in writing. I have been told that his test score elimimates him from getting one. I just had a phone conference with his counselor and she provided feedback from his teachers. Needless to say his grades have declined. My son has been on meds and I recently allowed him to stop becuase he complaining about how it was making him feel. His lack of focus is so severe that he has to be redirected several times in class. I just reached out to Kennedy Krieger for additional help becuase I am at a total loss.
I agree with ADHD-mom. Also, in some places the people who administer nurophysch tests can be hired to come in and advocate for your child during a school meeting OR you can hire you own educational advocate to come to those meetings. Make sure the school has all your paperwork and gather your forces! Once we did this we had success.
A note from the doctor might help to insisting that he needs this help. My grandson's psychiatrist got so upset when the school was trying to give me a hard time about his IEP
I see no reason they should deny it if they know he is AHDH and takes meds plus still needs a little extra help. Like all these comments before said, Dr notes, test results, Therapy (if he's had that) and any other proof you can provide them to get it setup. Try to get in touch with one of the advocates in your area, some are free but I've saw a few do take insurance. They could help you and also go to meetings with you to get it started and keep it going.
If they still deny it, try for a 504 instead. Good luck!
P.S. When my son was this age, I got him into JROTC and on the drill team. I can't tell you the difference it makes in their attitude, concentration level and discipline even when it comes to schoolwork. It keeps them very active and did wonders for my now 18 yr old who leaves for Navy Boot camp in about 2.5 weeks!!
With a diagnosis from a developmental pediatrician, psychiatrist, neuropsych etc. your son is entitled to getting an IEP under the label of "OHI"- other health impaired
At the very least he is entitled to a 504 plan which will give him classroom accommodations
He has a 504, I am pushing for a IEP.
What do they state as the reason for denial? Were both reasons the same at the Elementary and Middle School? When you say every-time- how many times have you tried?
I have tried on numerous occasions. I tried when we lived in OH 3 times and this is my 3rd attempt in Md. Still no luck! I asked for a re-eval to see if there are some addition issues.
I am new here and wondering about holding back a year in school.
Decision between in person or virtual?
“Bad” first day of school
Adhd help at school?
